If you’ve been a reader of mine for a while, you probably know where I stand on the topic of artificial sweeteners.   

In case you’re not sure, let me clarify:  They are POISON.   

And the fact that they have been so widely used for decades proves once again that advertising works.   

In this case, these toxic powders have been positioned as a dieter’s dream, even though they are associated with weight GAIN—not loss! 

They’ve also been hailed as a “safe” alternative to sugar for diabetics, in spite of the fact that they have been associated with a 36 percent increased risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67 percent increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. 

I wish I could make this stuff up! 

But as they say, the truth will always come out…and artificial sweeteners are no exception.   

The cold, hard truth that you won’t hear in the commercials 

Studies have linked aspartame (aka NutraSweet® and Equal®) to cancer, brain damage and premature delivery in pregnant women, worsening insulin sensitivity, blurred vision, retinal damage and blindness, behavioral disturbances, nerve pain, muscle weakness and memory lapses, to name a few.   

Sucralose (Splenda®) has been shown in research to cause leukemia and other blood cancers, weight gain, digestive issues (including IBS, Crohn’s and leaky gut), and it can create carcinogenic compounds when heated (even though it’s insanely recommended for baking!).   

And all artificial sweeteners have been shown to harm the intestinal wall and have a detrimental effect on your gut microbiome, especially sucralose! 

But wait!  There’s more! 

Most recently, according to a new study, a chemical called sucralose-6-acetate that forms when humans digest sucralose (Splenda®) is "genotoxic," meaning it damages your DNA!   

I don’t know about you, but I like my DNA the way it is, and damage to DNA is never a good thing.   

Generally speaking, if left unrepaired, DNA damage can cause mutations in critical genes (such as tumor suppressor genes), it can hamper your cells’ ability to carry out their functions and increases the likelihood of tumor formation and diseases such as cancer. 

Why the wrath of artificial sweeteners is so wide-ranging 

Over and above damaged DNA, the reason why the potential health implications of artificial sweetener use are so extensive and varied lies in the fact that they destroy your gut microbiome…and that can impact you from head to toe. 

Here are some examples of how crucial your microbiome is, and why it mustn’t be annihilated by artificial sweetener use: 

1-Thorough digestion and regular BMs 

Your gut microbiome breaks down starches and fiber that you eat, thereby reducing gas and bloating and encouraging regular bowel movements.  

Thorough digestion and healthy BMs can lead to improved blood sugar control, weight loss and protection against diverticulosis and diverticulitis. 

Also, your body eliminates worn-out hormones through the GI tract.  But if you’re prone to constipation, these substances may instead be reabsorbed into circulation, increasing your risk of hormone-dependent cancers (like breast cancer). 

2-Immune protection 

80 percent of your immune system is located in your gut. 

In addition to fighting off infections and viruses (including the flu and COVID), your immune system also protects you against diseases like cancer.   

3-Nutrient absorption

Having a healthy microbiome helps to enhance your absorption of nutrients from your foods and supplements. 

When you have nutrient deficiencies, you are rolling out the red carpet for disease and early death—it’s a given.   

4-Fight ulcers

Studies have shown that the beneficial bacteria strains L. acidophilus, L. salivarius and L. casei can slow and even help kill H. pylori (the bacteria that causes most ulcers).  

5-Cholesterol control 

Having regular bowel movements can help your body to better eliminate excess cholesterol through the intestinal tract, instead of risking reabsorption into your bloodstream and creating elevated cholesterol levels. 

6-Inflammation control

Your gut is the “gatekeeper” for your inflammatory responses.  While some inflammatory responses are helpful (such as when you get stung by a bee or sprain your ankle), many of us are in harmful inflammation OVERDRIVE. 

Inflammation is an underlying factor behind most diseases, especially heart disease and cancer, as well as allergic responses.   

The healthier your microbiome is, the more inflammation is kept under control.   

7-Mental health 

Research has shown that problems in your gut can directly impact your mental health, eventually making you depressed and anxious.  

But the flip side is also true—better, healthier bacteria can help encourage better mental health! 

Plus 90 percent of your body’s serotonin is manufactured in your gut, so if it’s unable to do its job, depression can result…and all the antidepressants in the world won’t change that! 

What to do now? 

Be honest with yourself—how much weight have you lost by using artificial sweeteners? 

If you want to use a low-cal sweetener, opt for stevia—it’s not a lab creation and has a much safer track record.   

Also, moderate amounts of raw honey, coconut sugar, real maple syrup or blackstrap molasses are far safer and don’t add that much to your daily calorie intake, if weight loss is your concern. 

Drink water instead of soda or sports drinks.  You will feel the difference almost immediately, and will quickly realize just how lousy those deadly drinks were making you feel.     

Here are some other very helpful tips: 

Take advice from Jack LaLanne! 

Processed foods are loaded with harmful ingredients, including artificial sweeteners.   

So the less that you rely on processed foods in general, the better your chances of avoiding all of those poisons!   

Instead, concentrate on real foods from Nature.   

When you eat real foods you actually “retrain” your taste buds to appreciate the flavors and sweetness that occur naturally in those foods. 

Plus real foods are inherently lower in calories than processed foods, so your waistline will likely shrink too!   

Let Jack LaLanne’s motto be your motto too:  “If man made it, don’t eat it.” 

your microbiome recover!

Since artificial sweeteners are deadly to your microbiome, it’s essential to help your friendly bacteria recover and restore a healthy flora balance.   

In addition to having a diet of real foods, supplementing with a potent probiotic formula like Super Shield PLUS can help rebuild your population of helpful bacteria to a more health-supporting level. 

Super Shield PLUS provides a full-spectrum blend of 15 potent, well-studied probiotic strains that are ready to line your intestinal tract, fight off dangerous pathogens, ease gas and bloating and help support a better-feeling YOU! 

labels carefully

Artificial sweeteners are hiding in countless products, including most diet, reduced-calorie, light or sugar-free products, chewing gum, hot chocolate mix, ketchup, dressings, sauces, baby food (yikes!), yogurt, cereals, toothpaste and even vitamins and nutritional supplements! 

Say goodbye to those poisonous powders now.  I’m sure your body will thank you handsomely. 

To your health, 

Sherry Brescia