Artificial sweeteners have been a mainstay on grocery shelves for decades. They’ve been a miracle product of sorts, allowing people to enjoy the taste of sugar without the empty calories that lead to weight gain and chronic health conditions like diabetes. But some of the biggest beneficiaries are soft drink manufacturers. With the creation of artificial sweeteners, soda companies were able to produce diet versions of popular beverages—and create new products that captured consumers’ attention. However, there are some negative health effects that come along with consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners, like the ones contained in diet soda. The staff at Pennington Med Spa & Transformation Weight Loss Clinic wants you to be informed so you can live the healthiest life possible.
What health risks are associated with the artificial sweeteners found in diet soda?
Researchers have found an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes in people who drink diet soda. They may also cause problems with your metabolism, which can actually cause you to gain weight—quite the opposite of the result you’re expecting. At the same time, artificial sweeteners can hurt your digestive system because they suppress the production of good bacteria. Additionally, there are some brain conditions that may be linked to these substances. These include an increased risk of depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
Why do artificial sweeteners pose a threat to your brain health?
These sweeteners are made from various chemicals. Some of the chemicals used may increase the stimulation of neurotransmitters in the brain. Too much stimulation turns these neurotransmitters into toxic substances that can damage brain cells. Damaged brain cells lead to a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s memory, including dementia.
What are the alternatives?
So what should you do if you love the taste of sugar but don’t want to suffer negatively now (by gaining weight) or later (by increasing your risk for chronic conditions like diabetes and dementia)? There are a couple of options: sugar alcohol and stevia. Stevia is derived from a plant that grows naturally. It’s also much sweeter than sugar, meaning you’ll consume less to get the same flavor. Neither of these options cause elevations in insulin or blood sugar.
Paying attention to what you put in your body is an important step toward living a long, healthy life. But thanks to the amount of processed food on store shelves, it’s sometimes difficult to understand what you’re actually consuming. If weight loss is one of your goals, you’re faced with even more challenges. Pennington Med Spa & Transformation Weight Loss Clinic can help. Our staff will help you learn how to eat healthy while steering you clear of potentially harmful substances like artificial sweeteners. Call our Rock Hill, SC medical spa to learn more about our services and specials.