Earn Cash Back on Gear from Backcountry, Steep & Cheap, Hydro Flask & more!

From: Active Junky - Tuesday Jan 26,2021 01:00 pm

January 26, 2021

Click here if you're having trouble viewing this email

Sugar Detox Challenge

Why faux sugars aren't the fix

Hey, it's Cynthia Sass again, registered dietitian nutritionist and Health's contributing nutrition editor.

Many of my clients who are concerned about sugar ask if sugar substitutes are a better option. I do not recommend them for a number of reasons. In several studies, artificial sweeteners have been linked to side effects that include increased sweet cravings, depression, an increase in body mass index (BMI), larger waist measurements, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular events. Fake sweeteners have also been shown to destroy some of the beneficial gut bacteria linked to good digestive health, immunity, and positive mood.

I'm also not a fan of high intensity alternative sweeteners marketed as natural, like Stevia. These products, which are typically 200 times sweeter than sugar, may also stoke a sweet tooth. And there's a lack of research on the long term use of these products, especially when consumed daily.

Rather than trying to fake it, or trick your body, make a commitment to reduce, but not eliminate, the real thing.