A Pack a Day. Is It Time to Quit?

So I chew about a pack of 5 sugarfree gum every day (cobalt flavor is my favourite :)). I make sure to chew each piece for at least 30-60 minutes to cancel out the 5 calories, since it would be about 75 extra calories per day if I didn't.

I've just noticed how much sugar-alcohol I'm taking in because of it. Are there any drawbacks to this habit, besides monetary?

I looked up the side effects of sugar-free gum and found the following:

The Messy Explosive Side Effects of Sugar-Free Gum

Excerpts (Please read the article for more information):

Chewing sugar-free gum can indeed cause weight loss, but it also leads to chronic bowel problems and diarrhea, German researchers have discovered. The intestinal complications are caused by sorbitol, a popular artificial sweetener.

The culprit is sorbitol, the artificial sweetener found in my food items. Researchers say sorbitol is badly absorbed by the intestines and acts as a laxative at higher doses. 

Even at low doses of five grams, sorbitol can spark symptoms such as gas, bloating and abdominal cramps. One stick of gum contains 1.25 grams of sorbitol.

What are sugar alcohols?

Sugar and sugar alcohols are each considered nutritive sweeteners because they provide calories when consumed. Sugar alcohols, or polyols, contain fewer calories than sugar. Sugar provides 4 kcal/gram and sugar alcohols provide an average of 2 kcal/gram (range from 1.5 kcal/gram to 3 kcal/gram). Contrary to their name, sugar alcohols are neither sugars nor alcohols. They are carbohydrates with structures that only resemble sugar and alcohol.

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol as UTR has said, typically added to most foods - but it can naturally occur in some foods. One of those places they occur? Prunes, popular for their laxative properties and ability to remedy constipation. ;] So yes, it can wreak havoc on your gut if you aren't careful!

I'd be less worried about the gum habit itself than the bizarre thinking that leads you to.... "chew each piece for at least 30-60 minutes to cancel out the 5 calories"   That strikes me as the real 'drawback'.  On a practical level chewing triggers your stomach acids to get ready for food and this can make you feel very hungry.  You say you never feel full.   Kick the gum for a week or two and see if it helps.