Artificial Sweeteners May Cause Weight Gain
Surprising new research shows that artificial sweeteners may actually cause weight gain, not weight loss. And, they may also affect the bodyss natural detoxification process. So, instead of drinking another can of diet soda, you might want a glass of water instead.
Affects appetite control
Purdue researchers report that saccharin altered the ability of rats to control their appetites. The findings, which were published in the February issue of Behavioral Neuroscience, were featured in a recent article on MSN Health and Fitness online at http://health.msn.com/weight-loss/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100192558.
"We found that the rats that were getting artificially sweetened yogurt gained more weight and ate more food," said study author Susan Swithers, associate professor of psychological sciences, Ingestive Behavior Research Institute at
"The take-home message is that consumption of artificially sweetened products may interfere with an automatic process," said Swithers. That process, she said, involves the body's ability to detect that it will soon be full. When the sweetness is not followed by a lot of calories, the body's digestive system gets confused, and the metabolism rate does not gear up as much the next time sweetness is tasted.
Differing views
However, the head of an artificial sweetener trade group scoffed at the findings, saying they don't necessarily translate to humans.
The article also notes that previous research on humans has provided conflicting indications about whether obesity is a bigger problem among people who use artificial sweeteners.
Science of weight loss
Possible weight gain, however, is not the only negative side effect of artificial sweeteners. The composition of artificial sweeteners also can affect the body's hormones and natural detoxification process.
"Recent discoveries into the science of weight loss point to the interdependent effect of hormones, inflammation, stress, diet, and lifestyle," according to
"If ingested into the body, most drugs and synthetic chemicals (i.e. pesticides, artificial sweeteners, heavy metals, etc.) must pass through an elaborate and highly specialized group of biological catalysts known as the cytochrone P450 enzyme system, found in the liver," explained Osman. "If not broken down properly, chemicals might linger and be stored in body fat and neurological tissues, such as the nerves and brain. This in turn causes a range of symptoms, including brain fog, dizziness, headaches, and increased anxiety.
Effect on natural detoxification process
Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or Splenda, are being marketed with tremendous success as "an alternative to real sugar without the calories". Despite their popularity, no long-term studies on their use have been conducted, said Osman.
"What makes sucralose unique is its' chemical composition and synthesis, which incorporates three chlorine molecules that alter the sugar molecule's composition. This results in the formation of a new synthetic molecule, which cannot be metabolized correctly or digested in the body; hence the zero calories," he explained. "Other artificial sweeteners have similar compositions that affect the body's natural detoxification processes and hormones that regulate our hunger, thirst, and response to stress."
Healthy weight loss
Since each person's biochemical, genetic, environmental, and psychological makeup is different; the effect of artificial sweeteners can vary from person to person. "For healthy weight loss, you need to work with a health care professional who will educate you on the role of diet, lifestyle, exercise, sleep, stress management, healthy hormone balance, the proper use of nutritional and natural medicines to develop a plan that is personalized to your specific needs," advised Osman.
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