Why should we avoid artificial sweeteners?
Non-nutritive sweeteners have become very popular in today’s society. The prevalence of health disorders like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity have led to the widespread use of these products. Some common examples include saccharine, aspartame, sucralose, etc. There has been a lot of ongoing research in relation to these sugar substitutes which I will highlight below:
Though these sweeteners are calorie deficient there may be a compensation to eat more after consuming this sweetener to make up for the calorie deficit, which will in turn adversely effect weight and diabetes control.
There is research that may indicate that the intake of artificial sweeteners in large amounts will adversely influence the microbiome population in our gut in a way that will decrease glucose tolerance. Experimental models showed that saccharin-fed mice developed glucose intolerance. This is related to the unhealthy microbiome created by the artificial sweetener intake.
Artificial sweeteners in certain situations may precipitate headaches like migraines and should not be used in pregnant women and young children. There is still some concern of preterm delivery with use during pregnancy.
There is concern that artificial sweeteners could lower the seizure threshold and should be avoided in individuals who have epilepsy.
Having elaborated on the effects of these sweeteners, I would stress that natural is always better than artificial. Exercise discipline when consuming these non-nutritive sweeteners and eat less if possible. As always, I wish that you make the right choices and live long and strong!
