Dr Whiting on The Truth About Artificial Sweeteners

For over twenty years, I have been saying that artificial sweeteners, in excess, can lead to both weight gain and prevention of weight loss. Sweeteners such as aspartame, splenda, sweet & low and others are many times sweeter than natural sugars. Even though they contain no carbohydrates and so calories, aspartame, splenda, and sweet & low can stimulate both the appetite and the craving centers of the brain. When the tongue senses sweet, it sends a message to the brain. In turn the brain sends a message to the pancreas to prepare for a rise in blood sugar, by producing an increased amount of the hormone insulin. It is by this mechanism that artificial sweeteners can increase insulin and thereby the cravings for starch and sugary foods. This is not what a dieter needs! Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, splenda, or sweet & low, may be used by dieters to satisfy their sweet tooth, but should do so in moderation. Also if these artificial sweeteners are used with food, at a meal, preferably with some protein, the effect of the sweetness on the appetite is reduced. Diet drinks are one of the more offensive because they are in liquid form. These diet drinks are often consumed between meals on an empty stomach. Doing so, causes the sweetness of the diet drink to increase appetite and the cravings for both starch and sugary foods.