Why You Should Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes, which are often much sweeter than regular sugar. They are closely regulated by the FDA. While glucose (aka dextrose) is not healthy in large quantities, artificial sweeteners are far more dangerous. The good thing about artificial sweeteners is that they have few calories and can be eaten by Diabetics without affecting blood sugar. Unfortunately, they are all linked to cancer and various other medical problems. The body treats them, and many other chemicals, like toxins.

Saccharin, aka Sweet-n-Low, was the first artificial sweetener created. It was once widely popular. It has caused tumors in rats, but human studies have shown that it is not a carcinogen for us. Some people are sensitive to saccharin, mainly those who are allergic to sulfonamides. Those with "sulfa allergy," especially children, should avoid it. Adverse reactions are pruritis (itching) and urticaria (rash), as well as eczema and photosensitivity (sensitivity to light). Less common side effects include wheezing, nausea, diarrhea, tongue blisters, and headache. Sensory neuropathy, fixed eruptions, and tachycardia can also occur. Saccharin-adulterated formula has caused irritability, hypertonia, insomnia, opisthotonos, and strabismus for as much as 36 hours in infants. The AMA recommends young children and pregnant woman limit their intake.

Aspartame, aka Nutrasweet or Equal, has been shown to cause lymphoma and leukemia in rats. It is considered the most dangerous artificial sweetener. Over 75% of the bad reactions to food additives are from aspartame. A common reaction to aspartame is headache, and many people with migraines feel that aspartame is one of their triggers. Anecdotal evidence suggests a link to neuropsychiatric disorders like panic attacks, mood changes, hallucinations, and dizziness. Patients with depression are more likely to have bad reactions to aspartame. They may experience headache, nervousness, dizziness, memory loss, nausea, mood swings, or more severe depression. Some data contains reports of seizures, and it is recommended that children with epilepsy avoid aspartame. Large quantities especially aren't healthy. Aspartame can also cause weight gain, numbness, muscle spasms, rashes, irritability, fatigue, vision problems, insomnia, hearing loss, heart attacks, breathing problems, panic attacks, vertigo, and main more problems. Some studies indicate that aspartame can cause or aggravate brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's, retardation, lymphoma, birth defects, diabetes, and other problems.

Neotame is similar to aspartame. It is found in many products, but not meat or poultry. You may ingest it in baked goods, sodas, gum, frosting, frozen desserts, jams and jellies, gelatins and puddings, processed fruit and juices, toppings and syrups.

Acesulfame potassium, aka ACK, Sweet One, and Sunett stimulates insulin secretion, which could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It created lung, breast, thymus gland, and other tumors in rats, as well as leukemia and respiratory disease even in small doses. It is found in baked goods, frozen desserts, candy, drinks, cough drops, and breath mints.

Sucralose, aka Splenda, is the newest artificial sweetener out there. It was shown to cause shrunken thymus glands (shrank as much as 40%), as well as enlarged and calcified kidneys. Nevertheless, the FDA approved it for use. Since then animal research has suggested it may cause problems with caecal enlargement and renal mineralization. Sucralose is broken down into other chemicals that have not been studied. It can contain chlorine. Ingesting sucralose for years could contribute to serious disorders, both immunological and neurological. Little research has been done on this sweetener, and all of the research indicates that it is potentially harmful. Its class of chemicals is organochlorines, which are often toxic and cancer-causing.

Sugar alcohols are becoming more popular and are used in sugar-free candies a lot. They are more natural, healthier, and less dangerous than artificial sweeteners. They are not all without risks, though. Xylitol is wood or birch sugar and occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. It functions as a laxative in high doses, but otherwise is not known to be toxic. Mannitol comes from manna, a secretion from certain plants. It has no known side effects or risks. Sorbitol is the most questionable one, as it is not natural and is a chemical. Studies have shown it can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, gas, vomiting, and dizziness. Allergic reactions include rash, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or for children. It contributes to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Avoid sorbitol; stick with xylitol and mannitol.

If you are looking to avoid white cane sugar (which is pure glucose aka dextrose), there are many natural sweeteners that you can use. Fruit juice is one of the healthier sweeteners; the sugar fructose is responsible for the sweetness of fruit. Sugars can be derived from plants and fruits, such as beet or date sugar. Molasses, honey, and agave nectar are wonderful natural sweeteners, each with their own unique flavor. Syrups from trees and grains, such as maple syrup, barley malt syrup, brown rice syrup, sorghym syrup, and even corn syrup (though you should avoid high fructose corn syrup) make good sweeteners, each with an individual taste. Lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, is very safe, except for those who are intolerant to it. Tagatose (aka Naturlose) is produced from lactose and is similar to fructose. Sucanat is from sugar cane, but its non-refined and is a great substitute for brown sugar. Another option is stevia, aka sweetleaf, which is growing in popularity in the US.

Artificial sweeteners are chemicals that are toxic to our bodies. They can cause a world of health problems, including cancer. Despite the abundance of information about their lack of safety, they are still FDA-approved. Natural sweeteners are a wonderful alternative. Not only are they completely safe, many of them even have health benefits. They are not chemicals, but pure foods or sugars. Chose products that are naturally sweetened. Many natural sweeteners are available right in the super market; you don't even have to go to a health food store to find them. Start sweetening your tea with honey, agave nectar, and beet sugar rather than loading it down with refined cane sugar. You'll love it!