Dr. Oz: Study Links Artificial Sweeteners To Contributing To Diabetes

Dr. Oz: Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners

Dr. Oz talked about new research that shows artificial sweeteners could be causing diabetes. Asparatame, Sucralose, and Saccharin are the chemicals in the blue, yellow, and pink packets, respectively. New research says America’s three most popular sugar substitute may also contribute to Diabetes.

Researches found these sweeteners affect the bacteria of the gut, changing them to increase glucose intolerance and raise blood sugar, the underlying cause of diabetes. Already, some doctors and nutritionists are considering this proof that zero calorie sweeteners could be hazardous to health.

Dr. Oz: New Study Links Artificial Sweeteners to Diabetes

Dr. Andrew Weil stopped by to talk about this. He said that artificial sweeteners don’t work. They don’t help people lose weight. But they might be raising people’s blood sugar instead.

Dr. Weil said that these also change brain function. If the brain gets a message that sweet calories are coming and then they don’t, it sets the person up for greater cravings in the future for sweets and carbohydrates.

“The people who consume the most diet soda, for example, are the ones that get into the worst relationships with foods,” Dr. Weil said.

Dr. Oz: Can Artificial Sweeteners Be Helpful?

The American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association both say that sensible use of artificial sweeteners can be helpful. Dr. Weil said they mean well, but they’re misinformed. He said they’ll change their minds in light of this new research.

Dr. Oz: Where Are Artificial Sweeteners Found?

Dr. Weil said that you should read labels carefully, because artificial sweeteners are often found in packaged foods and things like jams and jellies. He also said healthy alternatives to artificial sweeteners include small amounts of sugars, maple syrup, and brown rice syrup. He doesn’t recommend agave because it has the highest fructose content of any sweetener out there, up to 80 percent.

Dr. Oz urged people to join him in taking the packet pledge to swear off artificial sweeteners for good.