The Effect of Sugar Replacements on Your Health
Do you know sugar replacement is actually bad for you?
You’ve heard the lies before. “Artificial sweeteners are better for you than sugar.” “Artificial sweeteners are a healthy alternative to sugar.” “Artificial sweeteners don’t promote weight gain like sugar.” By now, you are probably well aware of the harmful effects of sugar upon your body. Perhaps you are in the process of attempting to break free from the chains of sugar into a world of sugar-free liberation. If you are exploring options for health alternatives to sugars with the thought that artificial sweeteners may be a good solution… think again. In fact, they may be even worse for than the sugar you are running from. Here is a brief overview of how damaging artificial sugars can be to your health.
There have been more reports filed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding reactions to artificial sweeteners than all other food additive combined. With over 10,000 reported incidents, including one death, it’s easy to see that sweeteners certainly have a devastating effect upon those who consume them. Some primary and immediate health concerns with sweeteners are as follows: headaches, change in moods, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, rashes, cramps, insomnia, memory loss, fatigue and joint pain. Although none of these are long-term repercussions, no one wants to experience the discomfort and pain associated with any of these symptoms.
Additionally, artificial sweeteners produce several long-term help implications. One of the main issues is migraines. Studies show that not only do sweeteners trigger migraines, they cause them to occur more frequently and more violently. Seizures are another effect. This even occurs in people who have never experienced seizures. Depression is another devastating consequence of sweetener consumption. However, the most publicized and controversial disease attached to sweeteners is cancer. Several studies offer links between brain cancer and the consumption of sweeteners, basing their information off of the start influx of brain cancer cases following the introduction of sweeteners into the market.
Furthermore, though they are often advertised as products which help with weight loss, artificial sweeteners cause the body to react similar to sugar. When it is introduced into your system your body begins to produce excess insulin to help stabilize your blood-sugar level. Not only does this weaken your immune system, it also instructs your body to store extra fat, which can lead to weight gain. This weight gain can also lead to a multitude of health issues as well.
We’ve all become familiar with products such as Splenda, Equal, and Nutrasweet. Perhaps you love to dump a few small packets into your tea to give it that sweet taste only your grandmother could produce. As delicious as this may be, these artificial sweeteners are a grave danger to your health and put you at severe risk for both short and long term issues. Though they are often deceptively marketed as “healthy” alternatives to sugar, artificial sweeteners wreak havoc on your body. Even though these companies often attach themselves to “health and fitness plans,” and are often mixed with low-fat drinks, do not be deceived. The dangers of artificial sweetners are long reaching and potent.
Photo by Avrene/Sonny Abesamis
