Artificial sweeteners have been around for decades, with the promise of providing all the sweetness without the calories. However, studies have shown that these sweeteners can have negative effects on the body, particularly on bowel balance.

Whether you’re consuming it in your coffee or incorporating it into your favorite meals, here’s what you need to know about how the troublesome sweetener can upset the balance of your gut.

What is Bowel Balance?

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria — some good, some bad. The balance of these bacteria is crucial for overall health, with an imbalance causing a variety of digestive and health problems. This balance is known as bowel balance.

When your bowel balance is off-balance, your body may not absorb nutrients effectively, and the good bacteria may not be able to fight off the bad bacteria, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

How Sweeteners Disrupt Bowel Balance

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose can disrupt bowel balance by killing off the good bacteria in your gut. A 2014 study found that consumption of these sweeteners caused a significant reduction in good bacteria.

This loss of good bacteria can lead to a gut that is less able to fight off bad bacteria, leading to an imbalance of harmful organisms.

Additionally, artificial sweeteners can affect the way your body processes sugar. They can increase blood sugar levels, which can negatively impact insulin sensitivity.

Over time, poor insulin sensitivity can lead to other health problems such as weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The Impact of Sweeteners on Bowel Balance

The negative impact of sweeteners on bowel balance can have a variety of consequences for your overall health. Here are some of the effects that consuming the troublesome sweetener can have on your body:.

Disrupts the Immune System

Bowel balance plays a vital role in keeping your immune system functioning correctly. An imbalanced gut can lead to a weakened immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illnesses and infections.

Increased Risk for Weight Gain

Sweeteners are often marketed as a low-calorie alternative to sugar. However, studies have shown that consuming sweeteners can actually lead to weight gain.

This weight gain may be due to the way sweeteners affect the gut, disrupting bowel balance, and affecting your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and regulate hormones.

Contributes to Inflammation

Bowel imbalance is associated with increased inflammation in the body, which can lead to a range of health problems, including inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Increased Risk for Diabetes

The disruption of bowel balance caused by sweeteners can lead to insulin resistance, which can increase the risk for diabetes.

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Alternatives to Artificial Sweeteners

If you’re looking to reduce your consumption of artificial sweeteners, here are some natural alternatives that won’t disrupt your bowel balance:.

Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries. It has antibacterial properties and is rich in antioxidants, making it beneficial for overall health. It can be used in place of sugar in many recipes or added to a cup of tea.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener that is derived from the Stevia plant. It has zero calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. It is suitable for use in many recipes and can be added to tea and coffee.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. It has a lower glycemic index than sugar, meaning it won’t raise blood sugar levels as quickly.

It can be used in place of sugar in many recipes, added to oatmeal, or drizzled over pancakes.