My last two entries have been about the potential health hazards of artificial sweeteners,

specifically aspartame. Many people have asked me over the past year or so about alternatives. Today I want to address one that I am continually asked about, Splenda.

I recently had a conversation with someone who asked me what I thought about the use of splenda as an alternative to aspartame. I think you can gather how I feel about it from the title of this entry. I am asked this question often, and every time I tell people that it is the lesser of two evils. Splenda isn’t a natural or healthy alternative to aspartame. Even though it’s made from sugar, it is chemically altered through the addition of three chlorine atoms to reduce its calories. Little is known about the long term effects of Splenda on humans due to the limited amount of human trials. Nearly all FDA trials were conducted on animals.

According to a study performed in 2008 by Duke University researchers, Splenda can destroy the good bacteria inside your gut, contribute to weight gain, and prevent prescriptions from being absorbed. This trial was conducted on rats just as most FDA trials were, and in their study the rats that were given Splenda over a 12 week period gained more weight than the rats that were not given Splenda and continued to gain weight after the fact. They also found that the sugar substitute caused a decrease in micro-flora, (good bacteria in your gut) which aids in absorption of vitamins and protects you from harmful bacteria. If you have been using Splenda, then I recommend you begin taking probiotics to restore the good bacteria in your gut that plays such an important role in your overall health.

There are some good natural alternatives to the low calorie and no calorie artificial sweeteners, and I will discuss my personal favorite, which happens to be no calorie, in the next blog. If you have had any adverse effects due to Splenda or any other artificial sweeteners tell us about it in the comments section below, and as always if you have any questions fill out the contact form or leave a voice message by clicking on the microphone.

Healthy Blessings,
Dr. Phil

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