Artificial Sweeteners--Just Not Worth The Risk!

I know some of you may not want to read this, as you clutch your favorite diet drink of choice (I know...I was there!!). I challenge you to read it---so you're fully informed---this information can have a huge impact in your health or the health of someone you know & love.

Artificial sweeteners (like Splenda/sucralose) are added to hundreds of foods and beverages. Currently there are no long-term studies that explore how this synthetic substance reacts in the human body. Even with this lack of research, fake sweeteners (like Splenda) are showing up in many products, even those that claim to be 'healthy.' The media is doing a great 'snow job' with Americans, convincing them that these artificially sweetened products are somehow better than those with sugar.

Splenda/sucralose is essentially chlorinated table sugar--a chemically altered version of sugar that replaces naturally found hydrogen and oxygen with chlorine. Chlorine is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). Some chlorinated molecules serve as the basis for pesticides such as DDT and accumulate in body fat and tissues---Ewhhh---what not to put in our bodies!. Although it is commonly thought that sucralose passes through the body unabsorbed, FDA research has found that 11% to 27% of sucralose is absorbed by humans. Tests by the Japanese Food Sanitation Council show that up to 40% may actually be absorbed.

Sucralose has been the subject of fewer scientific studies than any other non-nutritive sweetener. The Splenda site states that Splenda causes "no known side effects." In Sept.of 2008, James Turner, chairman of the national consumer education group Citizens for Health expressed shock and outrage after reading a new report from scientists at Duke University. "The report makes it clear that the artificial sweetener Splenda and its key component sucralose pose a threat to the people who consume the product. Hundreds of consumers have complained to us about side effects from using Splenda and this study, published this past week in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A, confirms that the chemicals in the little yellow package should carry a big red warning label," said Turner.

Below are symptoms that have been experienced by those ingesting sucralose/Splenda. Although many of these symptoms could indeed have other contributing causes, most people stated that the symptoms began around the same time they started using Splenda--then disappeared when Splenda was removed from their diet.

Splenda Reaction Symptoms:
Flushing or redness of the skin--Burning feeling of the skin--Rash--Itching--A panicky or shaky feeling--Swelling--Blisters on the skin--Nausea--Stomach cramps--Dry heaves--Becoming withdrawn--Loss of interest in usual activities--Forgetfulness--Moodiness--Dulled senses--Unexplained crying--Acne or acne-like rash--Anxiety/Panic attacks--Feelings of food poisoning--Headache--Seeing spots--Mental/emotional breakdown--Altered emotional state--Pain (body/chest)--Bloating--Diarrhea--Trouble concentrating/staying in focus--Depression--Seizures--Shaking--Feeling faint

Safe alternatives to Splenda/sucralose: stevia, using small amounts of regular sugar if needed, honey...

Safe alternatives to diet drinks: How about chilled, (filtered) water with a few lemon slices---lime slices---orange slices---strawberries? Brew some tea using a chai flavor or other favorite of yours & drink chilled. Honestly---the BEST alternative: Good Water (filtered, alkaline water).

Be Well & Stay Well...
Sana