My comment:

Here’s a study which validated a hunch I had been speaking of for years- that sugar substitutes can actually make you hungrier and gain more weight. “0 calories and tastes like sugar” is nice in theory, but if it robs your body of beneficial bacteria and creates “leaky gut syndrome,” the trade off might not be worth the expense. Excess artificial sweetener consumption has been linked to weight gain via intense carbohydrate cravings and hormonal imbalance (lectin and insulin). Uh-oh.

The article references the web site www.truthaboutsplenda.com and lists a variety of issues reported by Splenda users including:

  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Migraines
  • Seizures
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Allergic reactions
  • Blood sugar increases
  • Weight gain

I have seen the switch to splenda by my client in my practice after some dangers in artificial sweeteners were revealved. Through my research for this feedback, I found out that these sweeteners are made of aspartic acid and glutamine. In excess, aspartate and glutamate cause an overabundance of calcium to influx into the brain and can kill certain neurons! They are also made of phenyalaine, which can decrease levels of serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitter in your brain. If that’s not enough to make me really wonder why I chew gum at all, these products also turn into wood alcohol, a deadly poison, and DKP, which has been linked to brain tumors. (I really do enjoy a good stick of trident, though)!!!

Now for the biochemistry of splenda, are you ready??? If you aren’t a biochem buff and want spare yourself a headache, scroll down for the biochemistry summary….

“Splenda aka “Sucralose” is a synthetic chemical that was originally cooked up in a laboratory. In the five step patented process of making sucralose, three chlorine molecules are added to a sucrose or sugar molecule. A sucrose molecule is a disaccharide that contains two single sugars bound together; glucose and fructose.

The chemical process to make sucralose alters the chemical composition of the sugar so much that it is somehow converted to a fructo-galactose molecule. This type of sugar molecule does not occur in nature and therefore your body does not possess the ability to properly metabolize it. As a result of this “unique” biochemical make-up, McNeil Nutritionals makes it”s claim that Splenda is not digested or metabolized by the body, making it have zero calories.

It is not that Splenda is naturally zero calories. If your body had the capacity to metabolize it then it would no longer has zero calories.” Link

Quick summary of the biochemistry: Splenda is made of cholorine and is probably bad! Oh no, again!

My recommendation: Moderation is the key. If your body is healthy, you can handle anything in moderation (10-20% of the time). However, if this yellow packet is part of your daily routine, you might want to look into alternatives. Stevia, a sweet herb distilled from cactus, actually helps regulate blood sugar and is also 0 calories (I’m not speaking of truvia which is processed). Agave and raw honey are two other options that add a sweetness to your tea or beverage without causing the blood sugar highs and lows due to their high mineral content.

A note to those who are worried about counting calories and the promised gimmick:

I’ve found that with most people losing weight isn’t just about counting calories; it’s about working with your body’s synergy: the mind-gut connection, your hormones, your digestive tract, and your immune system. These must all be in harmony and working in balance to assimilate and absorb crucial nutrients and rid your body of what it doesn’t need. An individualized and personalized intake from a licensed Naturopathic Doctor or Integrated Health Care Specialist can help you determine what your weakest link may be. Who knows, if you find your correct metabolic balance, you may become one of those annoying health nuts who can eat tons of food and stay at an ideal, healthy weight!

And finally, the number one diet gimmick that ALWAYS works, is free, reduces stress which balances blood sugar, and makes you happy- EXERCISE!

Resource: Info on aspartame