Type 2 Diabetes – Are Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Diabetes and Obesity?

While regular sugar is often the most talked about food to avoid when suffering from Type 2 diabetes, artificial sweeteners can be just as harmful. This type of sweetener is a sugar substitute, a food additive providing sweetness similar to the taste of sugar. Usually, an artificial sweetener…

• contains much less food energy than sugar which means it is a low-calorie sweetener.
• may be derived through the manufacturing of plant extracts or processed by chemical synthesis.

These sweeteners, while marketed as low or no-calorie will still trigger food cravings. Unhealthy sugar replacement substitutes have been linked to conditions like glucose intolerance and may even lead to prediabetes or full-blown Type 2 diabetes. Not only that, but it has been found that artificial sweeteners can disrupt healthy gut bacteria. When there is a disruption in the bacteria in the gut, you are more likely to experience an increase in fat storage.

So, with all of that being said, let us take a look at a quick breakdown of some of the dangers of artificial sweeteners, and then the top three worst ones you will want to keep out of your diet.

The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners…

• can lead to unhealthy food cravings,
• can disrupt the bacteria in your gut,
• can bring on digestive upsets,
• help cause inflammation,
• can help cause headaches,
• cause dizziness,
• may lead to mood disorders,
• can harm your metabolism, and
• may even increase your risk of developing cancer.

The Top 3 Worst Artificial Sweeteners…

1. Aspartame. Aspartame is at the top of this list as it has been found to hold carcinogenic effects and can even impact your brain. Aspartame has also been known to cause headaches and dizziness.

2. Saccharin. Saccharin is another hotly debated sweetener you will want to stay away from as it has been linked to digestive upset, and may even cause cancer.

3. Sucralose. Lastly, sucralose is another unhealthy sugar replacement to keep out of your diet. Sucralose can lead to food cravings and has been found to create toxic compounds when it is heated at high temperatures.

It is best to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether as your body cannot recognize them, and they can lead to a cascade of unwanted symptoms and an increased risk of many health conditions. Instead, try using stevia, or small amounts of raw honey or pure maple syrup. Stevia is not synthetic; it has been extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant. Sticking to natural instead of artificial sweeteners is the best way to support your health.