Splenda... - ThinnerTimes

eyesthatkissu · 02-01-2006, 04:39 PM

Another major concern for me is the prevalence of Splenda. And how quickly we as Gastric Bypass patients turn to it as a better alternative to sugar and the possible dumping it causes. So here are some facts about Splenda, and then I give you an alternative....

Products featuring Splenda can be labeled “natural” because of the FDA-approved claim that Splenda is made from sugar (an assertion disputed by the Sugar Association, which is suing Splenda’s manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson). Splenda is the trade name for a new synthetic compound called sucralose, comprised of two molecules of sucrose (sugar) and three molecules of chlorine. While some industry experts claim the molecule is similar to salt, other independent researchers say it has more in common with pesticides.

Sucralose is not recognized in the body as food — that’s why it has no calories. The majority of people don’t absorb a significant amount of Splenda in their small intestine. The irony is that your body actually wants to clear unrecognizable substances by digesting them, so the healthier your gastrointestinal system is, the more likely it is you’ll absorb the chlorinated molecules of Splenda. These get stored in your fat cells and it may take years to figure out whether they’re influencing your health.

So is Splenda safe? The truth is we don’t know yet. There are no long-term studies of the side effects of Splenda in humans. But the manufacturer’s own short-term studies showed that sucralose, the chemical name for Splenda, caused shrunken thymus glands and enlarged livers and kidneys in rodents. In this case, the FDA decided that because these studies weren’t based on human test animals, they were not conclusive. Of course, there are countless examples of foods and drugs that proved dangerous to humans that were first found to be dangerous to laboratory rats. So the reality is that we are the guinea pigs for Splenda.

Observational evidence shows that there are side effects of Splenda, including skin rashes/flushing, panic-like agitation, dizziness and numbness, diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues, and stomach pain. These show up at one end of the spectrum — the people who have an allergy or sensitivity to the sucralose molecule. But no one can say to what degree Splenda is affecting the rest of us.

If this sounds familiar, it should: we went down the same path with aspartame, the main ingredient in Equal and NutraSweet. Almost all of the independent research into aspartame found dangerous side effects in rodents. The FDA chose not to take these findings into account when it approved aspartame for public use. Over the course of 15 years, those same side effects appeared in humans. Not in everyone, of course — but in those who were vulnerable to the chemical structure of aspartame.

As food additives, artificial sweeteners are not subject to the same gauntlet of FDA safety trials as pharmaceuticals. Most of the testing is funded by the food industry, which has a vested interest in the outcome. This can lead to misleading claims on both sides.

But one thing is certain: some of the chemicals that comprise artificial sweeteners are known hazards — the degree to which you experience side effects just depends on your individual biochemistry. Manufacturers are banking on the fact that our bodies won’t absorb very much of these compounds at any one time. And many of us don’t. But what happens when we are ingesting artificial sweeteners like Spenda dozens of times a week through many different “low sugar” or “sugar-free” products?

People have been using artificial sweeteners for decades. Some react poorly, some don’t — the problem is you never know until you’re already sick. Scientists are calling Splenda a mild mutagen based on how much you absorb. Right now, it’s anyone’s guess what portion of the population are exposed to the dangers of Splenda or already suffering from Splenda side effects. With all the new Splenda products on our shelves, it looks as if we are now in the process of another grand public experiment — without our permission. And we may not know the health implications for decades.

And now for the alternative. For over a year now I have been using Stevia as a replacement for artificial sweetners, and sugar. What is Stevia you ask??

Stevia is a natural herb sweetener native to South America. The Guarani Indians of South America call this herb "Ka-Hee". The natives of South America have enjoyed the benefits of Stevia for centuries. Now, this remarkable herb is available in the United States as a dietary supplement. Who Should use Stevia? Stevia is used where a sweetening agent is desired without the calories or blood sugar effect. Any one trying to avoid sugar, hypoglycemic, diabetics, dieters, over-active children, and any one concerned about the over use of sugar in today's diets and prepared foods Stevia is 100 times sweeter than sucrose at 10% sucrose concentration. Stevia has no calories. Stevia does not affect blood sugar (no glycemic index) and is safe for those with blood sugar swings, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and diabetes. It is added to beverages and other foods to taste.

I use it in all my teas, coffees etc. I use it with foods too. Stevia tastes so much better then anything artificial. It's also available at Henry's or most other Health Food stores. TRY IT!!!

eyesthatkissu · 02-02-2006, 07:25 AM

Just pulling this thread forward again....

Pokey757 · 02-02-2006, 07:30 AM

Thanks Robin, I actually have been using Stevia for that same reason.
Here is one more benifit. It also comes in a + Fiber kind. Who does'nt need more fiber in their diets these day? Right?

eyesthatkissu · 02-02-2006, 07:32 AM

The fiber in one serving of Stevia Plus (1 tsp) is equal to the fiber in TWO servings of bran.... there ya go!

Realtor Linda · 02-02-2006, 08:04 AM

Yes, thank you Robin.....I need to make a trip to Henry's!

sUzYzPLaCe · 02-02-2006, 10:26 AM

And I'm in agreement with you on this Robin, I have avoided Nutri-sweet because of all the health implications etc. I'm really uncomfortable with the Splenda for the same reasons, I have used Stevia, but I find it to have a bitter after taste, and that could simply be my chemistry, not the norm.

I have found another one called RAW Agave. Here is some add'l information on it, and I find it delicious.

http://www.naturalzing.com/nzfoodsw.htm

Suzy

eyesthatkissu · 02-02-2006, 10:29 AM

Excellent choice too beautiful Suz.... Anything that God put here for us is my choice over what some company put out to make a buck.

sUzYzPLaCe · 02-02-2006, 10:31 AM

why yessssssssss... now could someone please pass the bong. LMAO! You are too cute Robin! Suzy

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyesthatkissu

Excellent choice too beautiful Suz.... Anything that God put here for us is my choice over what some company put out to make a buck.

eyesthatkissu · 02-02-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sUzYzPLaCe

why yessssssssss... now could someone please pass the bong. LMAO! You are too cute Robin! Suzy

*snort* No comment....

sUzYzPLaCe · 02-02-2006, 10:46 AM

Doesn't mean I smoke the stuff... I work in a drug free environment LOL
I just am commenting on the "natural" properties.. it's God given, grown in the ground, and it's awesome for nausea, pain, and all kinds of illness. I think everyone should smoke this stuff... and then there is the legal issues.. oh god somebody stop me! Suzy

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyesthatkissu

*snort* No comment....

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