Artificial sweeteners

Question
Hi Dr.
I am 50.
About five years ago I started using those paper packet artificial sweeteners.
I thought it would be a good way to cut out sugar and lose weight.
I have always been chubby and found it difficult to lose weight,in spite of being a light eater and very active.
I do like my sweets however.
My health has not improved and has gotten worse. I have gained weight, developed hypertension, and gallstones.
This is puzzling to both me and my doctor as I do eveything you are supposed to do to avoid these problems.
I have recently been on a very low calorie diet and have not lost an ounce.
This has got me to thinking that somehow my system has ben compromised and is not behaving normally, maybe because of something I ingest.
Since I dont drink, take drugs, eat junk, all I can think of is my daily aspartame habit.
There seems to be conflicting information out there.
The FDA says it is very safe, as of course do the food companies, but other natural health sites claim it is nothing less than poison,especialy to the liver.
I am going cold turkey to see what happens.
Your thoughts appreciated.


Answer
Anything artificial is just that....artificial. My philosophy is to eat fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and fresh meat. Consider atleast 50% of your plate being raw vegetables, like salads, etc. I do not believe in using sweetners, like aspartame or splenda or equal. Stevia is an herb that sweetens without compromise. You could be gaining weight for many reasons. Toxins store in fat. High blood pressure could mean that your sodium intake is too high. Gallstones can be genetic or can reflect a diet too low in healthy fat. Having an overall check up with an endocrinologist can assist you with metabolic issues. Checking your thyroid is another thing you may want to consider. The FDA approves products that have extreme side effects. Diabetes is a complication of weight gain and high blood pressure. Look up low glycemic index foods and insulin resistance. May want to consider eating every 3 hours or so to keep your insulin levels more even keel. Research everything that you consume. Have a check up with your doctor, and keep sodium levels down to about 1000mg a day. Drink good water. Eat healthy and fresh. Best to you.
My information is for educational purposes only. Check out my books at www.nogainnopainbook.com

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