Issue #48: Artificially Sweetened
Good morning. It’s Thursday, October 20th. One of our favorites, John Krasinski, turns 43 today and Snoop Dogg is 51 (but judging by the Super Bowl last year - he's still got it).
“If God hadn’t meant for us to eat sugar, he wouldn’t have invented dentists.”
From the Lab: Sugar Alcohol - It's Not a Sugar or an Alcohol
Take Action: How Sweeteners Make You Feel
Speed Read: MLB Playoffs Shmayoffs
Thursday Night In: New Age Stuffed Peppers
Moment of Fun: Comedian Addicted to Sugar
The number of acres of land worldwide to grow sugarcane. 12 countries use at least 25% of their farmland for sugarcane. 9 gallons of water are used for every teaspoon of sugar. (Source)
*Note: 124 countries produce sugar
From the Lab
Yesterday (Issue #47), we covered “natural” sugar alternatives - but there’s an entire world of artificial sweeteners too.*
Two main categories here:
Diet sweeteners
Sugar alcohols (but not actually an alcohol or a sugar for that matter)
*Doesn’t necessarily mean these are all from a lab (though many are). Full history of how they came about, click here
Diet sweeteners are on the table at your favorite brunch spot - saccharin (Sweet’N Low), aspartame (NutraSweet & Equal), and sucralose (Splenda).
They’re so sweet (sucralose is 600x sweeter than sugar) that the small quantity needed results in basically zero calories. There are conflicting reports - but it is not proven to have same effect of glucose spikes as sugar.
Check the label for list of ingredients - found on most “Lite” options:
*Why does ketchup need to be so sweet anyway?
Sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol, and others) aren’t really absorbed by the body and thus lower the glucose spike and insulin response compared to sugar. So you find these “healthy” protein bars marketed as “no artificial sweeteners” can still have 10g+ of sugar alcohols.
So What's the Deal?
Many people (including me) get some digestive issues from artificial sweeteners. I really can’t do sugar alcohols - even xylitol gum.
One reason for this is that more research is coming out that these sweeteners crush our gut bacteria. One study showed a 120% reduction in the bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri that supports our immune system.*
These sweeteners can also increase hunger and trigger us to eat more (hey - it’s Diet Coke so no worries on that extra slice, right?).
Are they better than sugar? Probably. But as is the theme this week: the dose determines the poison.
*Refer to Issue #23 on Probiotics and I think Seed Health would like a word too
Take Action
*If it's really bad try microbiome tests like Viome (if taking a poop test is cool, consider me...Miles Davis).
**Refer to Issue #37 for our comprehensive metabolic panel of tests & results.
***Can be any habit - not just Diet Coke. But interestingly, a study found that Diet Coke drinkers had a higher risk for Stroke and Alzheimer’s Disease. The problem with these studies is correlation, not causation. Was it Diet Coke that was the problem or was it the other unhealthy habits of these drinkers? 🤷
Thrive25 Partner Spotlight
Probiotics can be a huge support to your immune system. Seed Health has one of the best articles on the Gut-Immune Connection. I learned a ton and continue to be amazed by the role of the bacteria in our gut on our ability to thrive.
Their DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic includes 24 scientifically validated probiotic strains with a patented, non-fermenting prebiotic. This breakthrough formulation not only supports gut health, but also heart and skin health.
Go to Seed Health and check out their DS-01™ for adults and PDS-08™ Pediatric Daily Synbiotic for kids ages 3-17.
Speed Read
Health & Longevity in the News
MLB Playoff Update: Well, our Guardians fell short after a Monday rainout created a Tuesday day game no one saw. Instead, the Yankees are shooting for their 28th title. Dodger fans are probably even more distraught losing to their neighbors to the south after winning 111 games this year. Any fan favorites still playing? (Check scores)
Millions for Microbiome: Viome, the company mentioned above, just raised another $67M to expand its testing to include the oral microbiome (i.e., the mouth/throat) to detect cancer. Looks like venture capital funding is still available for wellness companies focused on preventative health. (See Full Story)
The New 007: Police in central MA were enforcing an eviction notice when a woman pulled up and unleashed a swarm of bees on the officers. The woman is now facing several charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (you know, the bees). (Quick read)
Thursday Night In
Stuffed peppers are a staple around our house this time of year. This recipe is super flexible and this rendition is really healthy. It's not for the faint of heart though - get ready for some quality time in the kitchen - maybe with a glass of red.
Oh and the turkey, garlic, and oregano are all good for your DNA!
Moment of Fun
Huge fan of comedian Nate Bargatze - if you need a laugh, just pull up his stand-up on Netflix (you won't be disappointed).
Here he's on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and well - he's addicted to sugar.
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The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your individual circumstances. Thrive25 Labs LLC does not provide medical, professional, or licensed advice. Please connect with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.