While there is nothing wrong with having artificial sweeteners in small doses, if that is a part of your lifestyle, there can be some detrimental effects. Sweeteners affect everyone differently, but if you have any of the following ailments, it might be time to determine whether or not your artificial sweetener consumption is to blame.
Your Gut Starts Having Issues
One of the most common complaints that have been mentioned by consumers is that they are having upset stomachs and some intestinal distress. That can be extremely inconvenient if you need to get to a high pressure job where your livelihood depends on your focus. Researchers have found many links to gut health and artificial sweeteners.
Symptoms of gut distress:
- Gas and bloating
- Abdominal cramping
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea and general stomach aches
- Uneasy feeling in the gut
It may take some time figuring out that the effects you are experiencing in your gut is actually from the artificial sweeteners. This requires keeping a food diary so you can track what symptoms you have, and what you consumed before experiencing them. If you notice a trend where you feel this way after diet or sugar free foods and drinks, you may have found your culprit.
You Begin to Gain or Lose weight Suddenly
Changes in gut flora shouldn’t be ignored, and it turns out that the microflora living inside humans can have a major impact on health and even cognitive functions. Changes in gut flora can influence mood, and trigger depressive episodes that are difficult to handle for some people.
When gut flora can’t properly carry out their functions, the body might go into a mode where it can only store energy as fats. That leads to sudden weight gain, and much of it has to do with the signals being sent to your brain and body.
On the other hand, some people notice the opposite, where they start losing weight, either from the loss of cravings, or from other health issues as a result of the artificial sweeteners. Losing or gaining weight unexpectedly and without an obvious reason is a good sign that you might need to consider your diet and get help from a doctor.
You Feel Off for Unknown Reasons
There are a wide range of negative effects reported by people who consume large amounts of artificial sweeteners. In some cases, you just feel off ñ you might be a little gassy or bloated, have a headache, experience low energy, or have issues with your heart health.
Any changes in your overall health should be discussed with your doctor, and don’t forget to tell them about your diet, particularly if it involves artificial sweeteners.
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