Episode
Xanthan Gum Adds Calories?! + What It's Really Doing To Your Gut | BOK
- Podcast
- Digest This
- Published
- Jul 13, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 924
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
386: In this episode, I’m breaking down new research on xanthan gum and why this common food additive may not be as harmless as we once thought. While it has long been considered calorie neutral because the body isn't supposed to digest it, new research suggests certain gut bacteria may actually be able to break it down, potentially changing both calorie absorption and the gut microbiome.We’ll talk about why xanthan gum is added to so many processed and gluten-free foods, what this research found, how gums may contribute to digestive issues, and why "natural" doesn't always mean healthy.Topics Discussed: → How gut bacteria can break down xanthan gum → Why xanthan gum is common in gluten-free foods → Why "natural" doesn't always mean healthy → Simple ways to reduce gums in your diet As always, if you have any questions for the show please email us at [email protected]. And if you like this show, please share it, rate it, review it and subscribe to it on your favorite podcast app. Sponsored By: → Pique Life | https://piquelife.com/digest for up to 20% OFF and a free starter kitTimestamps: → 00:00:00 Introduction → 00:03:54 Why Bethany Avoids Food Gums → 00:04:28 What Is Xanthan Gum? → 00:05:02 Why Xanthan Gum Was Considered Calorie Neutral → 00:05:28 The Chemistry Behind Xanthan Gum → 00:07:16 New Research on Xanthan Gum & Gut Bacteria → 00:08:22 How the Standard American Diet Changes Your Gut Microbiome → 00:09:24 Why Gut Health Matters More Than the Calories → 00:10:02 Where You'll Find Gums in Everyday Foods → 00:11:10 Why "Natural" Doesn't Always Mean Healthy → 00:12:28 Simple Ways to Reduce Gums in Your Diet Further Listening: → Brands That Tested Positive For Glyphosate | BOK Check Out Bethany: → Bethany’s Instagram: @lilsipper → YouTube → Bethany…