ARE SUGAR SUBSTITUTES WORTH THE TRADEOFF? Know the Facts About Artificial Sweeteners
The U.S. market for soda is worth over $200 billion, fueled by the average American's annual consumption of nearly 40 gallons of soft drinks — including diet soda. While staying hydrated is good, sending lots of chemical sweeteners into our digestive tracts may not be. Concern for serious health issues started in the early 1970s when scientists linked cyclamate and saccharine, popular synthetic sweeteners, to cancer. Congress banned cyclamate but wouldn’t ban saccharine. More recent studies determined that obesity is related to many types of cancer, and obese people are more likely to consume lots of diet soda. Similarly, high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes are more likely due to underlying health issues
like excessive weight than consuming artificial sweeteners.
In the last decade, more natural sugar alternatives have become available, like stevia, agave, monk fruit, and allulose. Diet soda manufacturers have yet to incorporate these into their soft drinks, but they are experimenting. The Coca-Cola Company uses stevia along with erythritol (another new sugar substitute) in its Vitamin Water Zero. Artificial sweeteners do provide some benefits, including fewer cavities, lower blood sugar, and less weight gain. However, some people still suffer side effects from drinking diet soda. The sugar alcohols in diet sodas are linked to intestinal distress, and one scientist points to a potential link
between laboratory-created sweeteners and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The importance of our stomach’s microbiome is new to science, and all impacts are under intense scrutiny. Sugar-free beverages may be a better choice than sugar-infused drinks because they don’t cause insulin spikes, but the Mayo Clinic warns that frequent consumption of any type of sweetened drink can become habit- forming, making it hard to return to drinking plain water, which is the optimal choice for health. As with most food trends, we should be informed, listen to our bodies, and make wise choices about what we drink and eat.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING ...
The biggest compliment you can give us is referring friends and family. Thank you for all of your referrals and keep them coming! We love our clients!
“I experienced spinal stenosis in the neck and upper back. I had a balance problem as well, which required strengthening my legs, hips, and overall core body. Focus staff listened intently weekly to my issues and set up a routine of exercises, for which after over 7 months, the exercises are a part of my day-to-day activity. As for my neck and back, I have been in a great program again to strengthen them. Fusion rods were an adjustment, and Julian and his team were focus-driven and provided the correct therapy for that given day/week. I am today feeling 100% improved in my
surgery areas, and the quality of life is now exceptional. I would highly recommend Focus and Julian’s staff for the positive approach and exceptional knowledge in physical therapy.” –Alan R.
"When I first came to physical therapy at Focus, I had pain in my right shoulder (frozen shoulder). Julian, Junoe, and the professional team did a great job of treating my shoulder. With the exercises that I did during my treatment, I am now able to move my right shoulder with little limitation. I’m satisfied with the results of my treatment. Well done to the therapist team and also the front desk ladies for their professionalism!” –Andy M.
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