Arguably one of the greatest frauds committed by the food industry against the human race is the creation of artificial sweeteners.

I say that because at no other time in our history have we encountered such deadly poisons being willingly consumed by the masses…while our “regulators” (the FDA) have apparently ignored the mounding evidence of their health dangers and have declared them “safe for the general population.”

And the marketing angles are perfect!

These toxic powders have been positioned as a dieter’s dream (even though they are associated with weight GAIN—not loss) and as a “safe” alternative to sugar for diabetics (even though they have been associated with a 37 percent increased risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67 percent increased risk of Type 2 diabetes).

But the good news is people are starting to catch on to the fact that using chemical concoctions will sooner or later come back to bite you in the derriere.

Here’s what I mean.

The truth is coming out

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 recommended for baking!). 

But here’s the big bomb:

According to a paper published in the journal Molecules, artificial sweeteners were shown to be downright murderous to your gut microbiome!

The study measured relative toxicity of these six popular artificial sweeteners:

• Aspartame
• Sucralose
• Saccharin
• Neotame
• Advantame
• Acesulfame potassium-k (Ace-K)

Bacteria found in the intestinal tract became TOXIC when exposed to concentrations of only one mg./ml. of the artificial sweeteners!

Giant implications

Poisoning your gut microbiome with chemical sweeteners can have massive implications on your health!

Here are just a few examples:

1-Digestive assistance

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

Better digestion and 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-Good nutrition

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-Fighting 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-Blood 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 can’t change that!

What to do now?

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

Also, moderate amounts of organic raw honey, organic cane sugar or organic real maple syrup are far safer and don’t add that much to your daily calorie intake, if you’re concerned about weight loss.

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:

If man made it, don’t eat it!

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.

Help your gut 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!

Read labels carefully

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

Do your body a favor and say goodbye to toxic artificial sweeteners for good!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia