You Want Your Gut: Here’s Why!

Contributed by Dustin Gonzalez, M.S., NASM-CPT

Despite how widely available artificial sweeteners are and the overwhelming number of products they’re found in, the unintended consequences can be downright frightening and more likely to lead to a lack of success than the “sweet” benefits that savvy marketers may lead you to believe.

Gut-Wrenching Side Effects
You may be surprised to learn that one of the most common sweeteners, sucralose may kill healthy bacteria that live in your gut. That’s healthy bacteria that’s vitally important to virtually every aspect of your health and steps should be taken to keep it flourishing.

Did you know that your digestive system houses over 70% of your immunity, which relies heavily on a healthy balance of gut bacteria? In fact, there are more than 100 TRILLION living micro-organisms in your gut that control many aspects of your health, and due to chemicals like artificial sweeteners, many people have created a substantial unhealthy imbalance of gut bacteria (called “gut dysbiosis”).

Here are some of the consequences that can result from gut dysbiosis if left unresolved:
– Bowel irritation and digestive discomfort
– Skin issues
– Fatigue and low energy levels
-Lowered immune response
-Difficulty losing weight
-Poor carbohydrate management
-Suboptimal metabolic function

So, the next time you’re looking for a sweet treat, consider your gut and the tremendous importance it plays in your overall health. Instead, reach for a delicious piece of natural, low-sugar fruit like strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, or apples, or try a snack sweetened with a truly natural low-calorie sweetener like stevia leaf extract.

Source: Nasm.org