Artificial Sweeteners May Change Our Gut Bacteria in Dangerous Ways

Evidently, both are bad and it doesn't seem to be immediately clear whether real sugar or artificial is more harmful. But we do know for a fact that excess carbohydrate intake causes numerous serious health problems (heart problems, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc).

Re: Artificial Sweeteners May Change Our Gut Bacteria in Dangerous Ways

#6

Post by zamalek » Thu, Apr 09, 2015, 6:55 PM UTC

number_six wrote: post #2

So sugar is good again?

Given that "sweetness" is provided by sugar?

Personally I've completely eliminated added salt and everything is now tasty as it was when I added salt - my taste has recovered from the over-stimulation. I can't imagine that added salt (or sweetener) is any different.

Re: Artificial Sweeteners May Change Our Gut Bacteria in Dangerous Ways

#7

Post by watmough » Thu, Apr 09, 2015, 7:03 PM UTC

Shocker.

Glad I stick with drinking tea, milk and water.

Soda is bad news.

Re: Artificial Sweeteners May Change Our Gut Bacteria in Dangerous Ways

#8

Post by darcyparker » Thu, Apr 09, 2015, 7:07 PM UTC

Aspartame (Nutrasweet) is pretty controversial in how it got approved by the FDA.

See: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robbie-gennet/donald-rumsfeld-...

When I was 8 years old, I started having grand mal seizures and my parents noted a strong correlation between drinking a Diet Coke and having a seizure. When they eliminated it from my diet, my seizures declined. Fortunately I stopped having seizures around 12 years of age. But given my experience, I continue to avoid all artificial sweeteners.

I know sources like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspartame#Safety_and_approval_... claim that it is safe... and I agree that for most people it is probably okay in moderation. But based on my experience and the history of how Aspartame (Nutrasweet) got approved, I have serious doubts about its safety.

Re: Artificial Sweeteners May Change Our Gut Bacteria in Dangerous Ways

#9

Post by mrfusion » Thu, Apr 09, 2015, 7:08 PM UTC

Does anyone have any thoughts how Xylitol or Erythritol might fare under a study like this? They're currently my go to sweeteners. I'm not sure why they're not more popular.

Re: Artificial Sweeteners May Change Our Gut Bacteria in Dangerous Ways

#10

Post by __david__ » Thu, Apr 09, 2015, 7:10 PM UTC

ethanbond wrote: post #5

number_six wrote: post #2

So sugar is good again?

> Methadone is really harmful. > So heroin is back in? Evidently, both are bad and it doesn't seem to be immediately clear whether real sugar or artificial is more harmful. But we do know for a fact that excess carbohydrate intake causes numerous serious health problems (heart problems, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc).

Which is depressing because carbohydrates are so tasty. It's all I can do to resist them.