Artificial Sweeteners – Not So Sweet!

Written by Robyn Holder Robyn Holder
Published: 12 July 2021 12 July 2021

Did you know additives found in our processed foods are allowed to be there because they’ve been tested for safety?  The caveat here is each additive is normally tested by itself, rather than with a number of other additives or chemicals, which is how they are usually found in foods.

If you are in fairly good health, your liver can process these additives and move ‘em on out of your body.  However, if you are stressed, run down, and your health is precarious, the additives will be moved to your fat cells – your liver thinks they are “safe” there.

If you consume foods and beverages containing artificial sweeteners, be sure to know what you are consuming!  Some things to think about:

  • Do you want your food to be grown in a petri dish?  All chemical sweeteners have been discovered in a laboratory by chemists. 
  • Sugar substitutes are classified as excitotoxins.  Excitotoxins overstimulate neurons in the brain, leading to degeneration and depletion of these important nerve cells. This prevents the nervous system from communicating with other body systems, which can lead to disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
  • Artificial sweeteners have been shown to cause:
    • brain imbalances
    • migraine headaches
    • mood disturbances
    • insomnia
    • seizures
  • These fake sweeteners reduce healthy levels of naturally-occurring gut bacteria by as much as 50 percent.  Healthy gut bacteria help digestion and promotes good bowel movements. Much of our immune system is found in this gut bacteria.
  • Artificial sweeteners have been studied back and forth as possible carcinogens.  Do you want to take a chance?

Types

  • Aspartame (Equal® and NutraSweet®) - blue packets
  • Sucralose (Splenda®) - yellow packets
  • Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low®) - pink packets

Healthier Sweeteners

Stevia - an herb that is calorie-free and does not spike insulin or blood sugar levels.  Stevia is much sweeter than sugar and can be used in baking.  Be careful when buying stevia, however.  Some beverage companies are marketing stevia, but the product also contains other sugars as well.

Xylitol - a sugar alcohol that is calorie-free and doesn’t spike blood sugar. Xylitol is extracted from fruit and vegetable fiber and is considered a carbohydrate, but one the body cannot digest.  It is excreted in urine.  Most health experts recommend limiting the amount of xylitol used, as it can cause gas and bloating when too much is eaten.

If you want sweetness in your food and drink, think about using real sugar, or try honey.  Honey contains flavonoid antioxidants. It also offers vitamin C, B vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Some people believe locally-sourced raw honey can help with allergy symptoms, although some say the research is mixed. Honey also has antimicrobial properties – some of my fellow natural health advocates use it on wounds, scraps, etc.   

I address this in my Corporate Wellness presentations, Let’s Learn Labels, The Healthier Office, and Food Rules presentations.  If you want to learn more, or share some of this amazing knowledge, book us for your next business seminar, sales meeting, or staff function!

Full Circle Vitality Group sells a delicious Fiber Sweetener you can use in drinks and baking.  Or…. try to wean yourself from the sweet beverages.  You’ll feel better and your body will be SO happy!  Give us a call if you’d like help!

To Your Vitality!

 

Reference:  Cruise, Jorge.  Happy Hormones Slim Belly ™

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