The American Diabetes Association says that people who have sweet cravings usually reach out for drinks and foods that contain a lot of artificial sweeteners. If you are diabetic, you should be aware that artificial sweeteners would be the worst choice, and you should not use them instead of sugar.

Actually, one Portuguese study proved that artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, are very dangerous for our health. They can have a negative effect on how the body responds to glucose, and this could have fatal consequences. Some of the dangers that can be caused by it are muscle spasms, migraines, headaches, dizziness, nausea, seizures, rashes, weight gain, irritability, depression, numbness, fatigue, hearing loss, insomnia, loss of taste, memory loss, joint pain, vertigo, tinnitus, etc. It can also have adverse effects and trigger illnesses because of indigestion of aspartame, such as brain tumors, epilepsy, birth defects, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.

A study was conducted on 27 volunteers who were given a placebo pill, Splenda, or acesulfame K. The group who took the artificial sweetener experienced side effects in 14 days; they had a decrease in the numbers of the GLP-1 peptide that is responsible for controlling the amount of glucose that is released in the bloodstream right after you have eaten. Richard Young, a professor from Adelaide University, stated this is a very concerning fact, and it might be the main reason for the diabetes epidemic.

It is shown in studies that artificial sweeteners can increase the risk of diabetes and gluten intolerance

Some people also criticized the claims of the study, citing incomplete small-scale observations. However, this is not the first study that discovered this connection. The connection between diabetes and aspartame was also confirmed in another study, which actually means something. There was also a connection between obesity and artificial sweeteners, and this proves certain claims of the scientists – that obese people can be more prone to having high blood sugar levels.

Soda cans are full of artificial sweeteners and increase the risk of fat production and inflammation

Sucralose is another dangerous artificial sweetener that can promote the accumulation of fat in the tissues as well as harm metabolic function. In another study, scientists tested sucralose on stem cells from human fat. The result was an increase in the genes connected to fat production and inflammation. Dr. Sabyasachi Sen, one of the study’s main authors, stated that the process might be more detrimental for obese people, and the medical community has to be concerned about this.

Artificial sweeteners have an influence on the gut flora

One study proved that artificial sweeteners have an influence on the production of glucose by changing the gut microbiota. It was an Israeli study where they fed mice using artificial sweeteners for a period of 11 weeks, and there were the first signs of glucose intolerance. They made additional examination, and the scientists concluded that it happened because their gut bacteria had changed.

To be more specific, transplanting feces from mice fed with saccharin to mice with a sterile stomach resulted in the development of glucose intolerance, which shows how much negative influence artificial sweeteners have on gut health.

When this was also tested on people, the results were the same. It was discovered that Splenda can reduce the beneficial bacteria in the gut of mice by 50%.

The microbial composition of healthy people and diabetics is different, which means that artificial sweeteners might increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Diet drinks are not different than soda

Artificial sweeteners give a taste that does not match the calories they have. There was a study conducted at Yale University, and it showed that this mismatch can lead to disruption of the metabolism.

Dana Small, a professor, says that the body reacts to the sweet taste and high calories. We started using natural energy sources, and suddenly, the body began to receive energy from sources it had not used before.

The brain will be satisfied if the calorie content is compatible with the drink’s sweetness. However, if there is a mismatch, our brain won’t be satisfied, and this can cause cravings and develop a much higher risk of diabetes and obesity. The brain releases dopamine when we eat something sweet. Dopamine is a chemical that makes us satisfied.

Additionally, it releases leptin – the hormone responsible for regulation of the cravings and sends information to the brain that we are full.
This connection is interrupted by artificial sweeteners, which trick the body into thinking it will receive calories – but it is not. The result is cravings and weight gain.

A word for artificial sweeteners

Dr. Harlan Krumholz, who is a renowned cardiologist, was addicted to soda drinks. When he realized the damage they caused to his body, he started talking against them. He now cites different studies, all of which have proven that artificial sweeteners can have a negative influence on our brains and cause obesity and cravings.

One of these studies originating from Yale proved that artificial sweeteners can affect the energetic balance and metabolic function that eventually affects the metabolic secretion of hormones, microbiota, and cognitive processes.

Can you ditch them?

Because of their addictive nature, diet drinks, and artificial sweeteners can be hard to ditch. However, you can use other natural alternatives, including lemon water and stevia, to stop the cravings and also prevent the rise of blood sugar levels. Use them and get rid of sodas. This will improve your health.