I've been fasting before the cholesterol test I'm supposed to have later today. I absent-mindedly started chewing a piece of Eclipse sugar free gum. At first, I thought the gum would have no affect on the fasting blood test, but then I read the nutrition label on the packet of gum. One serving contains 2 pieces of gum, and I only chewed one piece. So, dividing the figures from the nutritional information in half, here's the content for one piece of gum: 2.5 calories, 1 g carbohydrate (that one gram of carbs is in the form of sugar alcohol.) There is no fat, no sodium, no sugars (other than the sugar alcohol which is listed separately), and no protein.
This is how the label reads:
Serving Size 2 pieces (3 g)
Calories 5
Total Fat 0g
Sodium 0 mg
Total Carbohydrate 2g
Sugars 0g
Sugar Alcohol 2g
Protein 0g
I'll either call the lab and ask if my fasting blood test will still come out accurately, or I'll just go in and ask them after I get there. When I know the answer, I'll add it to this posting.
I got this from a lab that performs these tests because I was looking for the Chewing Gum answer too. So, here's your answer.... :-( Cause I'm starving....
Should I fast prior to lab work?
If your doctor orders lab work, ask if you should fast
before having the lab work done. Fasting is needed
for some lab tests because certain test values change
following the digestion of food. The measurements of
blood sugar (glucose) and some blood lipids (fats and
cholesterol) are common examples.
If you are required to fast
Please read the following fasting instructions
thoroughly. By following these instructions,
you will help us to collect the most accurate
specimen for the test your doctor has requested.
Fasting instructions
If you're asked to fast prior to lab work:
• Do not eat or drink anything (except water)
during the eight hours prior to having your blood
drawn or other specimen taken.
Note: If your physician has ordered lipid tests,
you must fast for at least 12 hours.
You may drink only water; no juice, tea,
coffee, Diet Soda or other beverage.
• Do not smoke, chew gum or exercise. These
activities may stimulate the digestive system and
alter test results.
• Continue to take prescription medications
unless your physician tells you otherwise.
Check with your physician about over-thecounter
medications.
After your specimen is collected, you may resume
your normal diet and activities.
Questions and Answers
Why do I have to fast?
Some test values change following the digestion of
food. For example, if you eat lots of sugar, your blood
sugar will be high. When you are fasting, we get a
base result that can be compared over time.
I'm thirsty. Can I have something to drink?
You may drink only water. Do not drink juice,
coffee, tea, diet soda or any other beverage
regardless of whether or not it has cream and/or
sugar in it.
I'm hungry. Can I eat anything?
Sorry, you may not eat anything while fasting.
Should I continue to take my medications?
Unless your physician tells you otherwise,
continue to take your prescriptions. Ask your
physician about over-the-counter medications.
May I chew gum?
No, not even sugarless. Gum stimulates your
digestive system and can alter the test results.
May I smoke?
No, smoking can affect the test results.
May I do my exercise routine?
No, exercise can affect test results.
What time should I come to the laboratory?
Most people find it convenient to stop eating
and drinking after 8 p.m. and to arrive at the
laboratory early the next morning.
Whom should I call with questions
or concerns?
In the Portland service area, please call Providence
Laboratory Client Services at 503-215-6660.
Outside of the Portland Service Area, please call:
Hood River......................
No you can not!!
if the doctors order was nothing per orem- nothing to eat..
yes, wise guy, chew gum is not to eat, but the juice coming from it- mostly sugar is going to give you an altered result-
so better obey your doctor, when doing a blood test.
Yes, it doesnt affect the blood flow, unless you swallow it.
if the test is for nicotine and you take it within 3 days of last use yes. but if not then ur ok
no
NO, You can't chew gum while fasting. As soon as you chew a gum while fasting your fast will break. But, if you're in fast for weight loss then if you think that gum helps you then you can go for it.
Found this online:First, wait for any lab testing until you are healthy. Even if you have a cold, it can affect results. Fasting tests require nothing by mouth except small amounts of water for 8 to 16 hours (call your Doctor's office to find out the number of hours he/she wants you tested at specifically). This means:NO SMOKINGNO GUM (not even sugarless!)NO TUMSNO BREATH MINTSNO TOOTHPASTENO COFFEE (not even black!) Also, do not EXERCISE during the fasting period. Violating these rules will affect the reliability of test results. (You can eat normally in the days before the fast.)
Yes, as they can take blood instead, which has less false negatives.
Yes, as they can take blood instead, which has less false negatives.
Bed Bugs are VERY real, and they do not chew. They are a blood sucking insect.
Dialysis.
Yes chewing gum will stimulate the digestive system which would in turn alter the levels in your blood and thus the test would yield inaccurate results. In other words , don't chew gum while fasting for a medical test.
Professionals state that you should chew your food for at least 13 seconds before you swallow. This aids in digestion.
The word, masticate, means to chew, as in "Masticate (chew) your food well before swallowing."
yes
Moose are a type of deer. Like all deer, they are ruminants, which chew their food, then allow it to partially digest, then chew it again before it finished digesting. So the answer is yes, they do chew their cud.