The sour side of artificial sweeteners
From Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear in "Toy Story 3" to Prince Hans in "Frozen," the movies are filled with characters who appear sweet on the outside but turn out to be determined to make everyone miserable. That's just how almost all artificial sweeteners behave when you encounter them in food and beverages, according to a meta-analysis by researchers in the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University.
Their review reveals that artificial sweeteners are associated with changes in your gut microbiome, making it harder to control glucose levels, elevating A1c levels and increasing the risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.
Another study in Neurology found that, over eight years, the consumption of low- or no-calorie artificial sweeteners was associated with an accelerated rate of cognitive decline. The only one that may not cause problems for your health is stevia leaf.
My advice: Turn your attention away from the zing you get from a sweet-tasting (if artificial) snack or drink and focus on how sweet it is to be healthy.
You can have that sweet outcome if you embrace sweetness in fresh fruits such as berries, apples and citrus. (If you have Type 2 diabetes, determine if there are any, like grapes or mangos, that raise your blood sugar too severely and stay away from them.) And if you're craving a dessert, check out the recipes in "The What to Eat When Cookbook," like nutty Vegan Potica and Heavenly Good & Fudgy Cupcakes (you'll be amazed at the ingredients!).
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Comments