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New Study of Splenda Reveals Shocking Information About Potential Harmful Effects Posted By Dr. Mercola | February 10 2009 | 296,373 views [/url]James Turner, the chairman of the national consumer education group Citizens for Health, has expressed shock and outrage after reading a new report from scientists outlining the dangers of the artificial sweetener Splenda (sucralose).In animals examined for the study, Splenda reduced the amount of good bacteria in the intestines by 50 percent, increased the pH level in the intestines, contributed to increases in body weight and affected P-glycoprotein (P-gp) levels in such a way that crucial health-related drugs could be rejected. The P-gp effect could result in medications used in chemotherapy, AIDS treatment and treatments for heart conditions being shunted back into the intestines, rather than being absorbed by the body. According to Turner, "The report makes it clear that the artificial sweetener Splenda and its key component sucralose pose a threat to the people who consume the product. Hundreds of consumers have complained to us about side effects from using Splenda and this study ... confirms that the chemicals in the little yellow package should carry a big red warning label." Sources: Globe Newswire September 28, 2008 Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A 2008;71(21):1415-29 Dr. Mercola's Comments: It’s very important to realize that Splenda (sucralose) is actually NOT sugar, despite its marketing slogan “Made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar”. Rather it’s a chlorinated artificial sweetener in line with aspartame and saccharin, and with detrimental health effects to match. Splenda was approved by the FDA in 1998 as a tabletop sweetener and for use in products such as baked goods, nonalcoholic beverages, chewing gum, frozen dairy Desserts, fruit juices, and gelatins. Sucralose is also permitted as a general-purpose sweetener for all processed foods. The approval was given after the FDA supposedly reviewed more than 110 animal and human safety studies, but as you’ll soon find out, out of these 110 studies, only two were human studies, and the longest one was conducted for four days! There’s overwhelming evidence that consuming artificial sweeteners will likely wreak havoc on your body. Previous news has centered mainly around artificial sweeteners’ ability to impair your appetite regulation and leading to weight gain. For example, it’s been discovered that diet soda increases your risk of metabolic syndrome and, ultimately, heart disease. However, the study mentioned above, published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, found even further disturbing news besides weight gain. Splenda: reduces the amount of good bacteria in your intestines by 50 percent increases the pH level in your intestines, and affects a glycoprotein in your body that can have crucial health effects, particularly if you’re on certain medications They also found unmistakable evidence that Splenda is absorbed by fat, contrary to previous claims. It’s truly disturbing that Splenda can destroy up to 50 percent of your healthy intestinal bacteria, as these bacteria help maintain your body's overall balance of friendly versus unfriendly micro-organisms, and support your general health. Many people are already deficient in healthy bacteria due to choosing highly processed foods. This is why a high quality probiotic is one of the very few supplements I highly recommend for nearly everyone. The Diet Fallacy The belief that consuming artificially sweetened foods and drinks will help you to lose or maintain weight is a carefully orchestrated deception. So if you are still opting for diet choices for this reason, please understand that you have been sorely misled. In reality, these diet foods and drinks can cause serious distortions in your biochemistry and ruin your body's ability to control calories. As a matter of fact, it’s been shown that diet soft drinks can double your risk of obesity! Nearly a decade ago, studies were already revealing that artificial sweeteners can: Stimulate your appetite Increase carbohydrate cravings Stimulate fat storage and weight gain Unfortunately, most public health agencies and nutritionists in the United States still recommend these toxic artificial sweeteners as an acceptable alternative to sugar. Now, I am definitely not a fan of sugar, but if I had to choose between sugar and any artificial sweetener, I would choose sugar, hands down, without question. I strongly believe artificial sweeteners are even more dangerous to your health than an excess of sugar. The Health Dangers of Splenda According to James Turner, the chairman of the national consumer education group Citizens for Health: "This report followed accepted policies and procedures and the results make clear the potential for disturbing side effects from the ingestion of Splenda. It is like putting a pesticide in your body. And this is at levels of intake erroneously approved by the food and Drug Administration. A person eating two slices of cake and drinking two cups of coffee containing Splenda would ingest enough sucralose to affect the P-glycoprotein, while consuming just seven little Splenda packages reduces good bacteria." The web site www.truthaboutsplenda.com lists a variety of consumer complaints from Splenda consumption, such as: Gastrointestinal problems Migraines Seizures Dizziness Blurred vision Allergic reactions Blood sugar increases Weight gain My site also contains a long list of personal testimonials from readers who have suffered side effects from Splenda. In fact, we have more people on our site that have reported adverse reactions to Splenda than were formally studied in the research submitted for FDA approval! The symptoms are so numerous I can’t include them all here, but the following are common symptoms, usually noticed within a 24-hour period following consumption of Splenda products: Skin -- Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crusting, rash, eruptions, or hives (itchy bumps or welts). These are the most common allergic symptoms that people have. Lungs -- Wheezing, tightness, cough, or shortness of breath. Head -- Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat; headaches and migraines (severe headaches). Nose -- Stuffy nose, runny nose (clear, thin discharge), sneezing. Eyes -- Red (bloodshot), itchy, swollen, or watery. Stomach -- Bloating, gas, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea. Heart -- Palpitations or fluttering. Joints -- Joint pains or aches. Neurological -- Anxiety, dizziness, spaced-out sensation, depression. Beware – You Could be Consuming Splenda Without Your Knowledge You also need to be aware of the fact that although the bulk of Splenda is sold to processed food manufacturers and soft drink bottlers, it could turn up in your medicine as well, as nearly 10 percent of all sucralose is sold to drug companies. Many times sucralose (Splenda) will not be listed in the drug information, so there simply is no way you would know you are consuming a potentially dangerous artificial sweetener. However, if you experience any of the symptoms above even though you’re avoiding Splenda and other artificial sweeteners, then it may be worth investigating the ingredients of any medications you’re taking as well. Splenda Has NEVER Been Proven Safe for Human Consumption As of 2006, only six human trials have been published on Splenda. Of these six trials, only two of the trials were completed and published before the FDA approved sucralose for human consumption, and the two published trials had a grand total of 36 total human subjects. 36 people sure doesn't sound like many, but wait, it gets worse: only 23 total were actually given sucralose for testing, and here is the real kicker -- The longest trial at this time had lasted only four days, and looked at sucralose in relation to tooth decay, not human tolerance. Even more shocking, the absorption of Splenda into the human body was studied on a grand total of six men! Based on that one human study, the FDA allowed the findings to be generalized as being representative of the entire human population. Including women, children, the elderly, and those with any chronic illness -- none of whom were ever examined. The FDA claims they reviewed over 100 studies conducted on Splenda. What they don't tell you is that most of the studies were on animals. And, those animal studies reveal plenty of problems, such as: Decreased red blood cells -- sign of anemia -- at levels above 1,500 mg/kg/day Increased male infertility by interfering with sperm production and vitality, as well as brain lesions at higher doses Enlarged and calcified kidneys (McNeil stated this is often seen with poorly absorbed substances and was of no toxicological significance. The FDA Final Rule agreed that these are findings that are common in aged female rats and are not significant.) Spontaneous abortions in nearly half the rabbit population given sucralose, compared to zero aborted pregnancies in the control group A 23 percent death rate in rabbits, compared to a 6 percent death rate in the control group Chemically, Splenda is More Similar to DDT Than Sugar Yes. Splenda bears more chemical similarity to DDT than it does to sugar. Sucralose is in fact a synthetic chemical that was originally cooked up in a laboratory. It does start off as a sugar molecule. Then, in a five-step patented process of making sucralose, three chlorine molecules are added to a sucrose (sugar) molecule. The chemical process to make sucralose alters the chemical composition of the sugar so much that it is somehow converted to a fructo-galactose molecule. This type of sugar molecule does not occur in nature, and therefore your body does not possess the ability to properly metabolize it. As a result of this "unique" biochemical make-up, McNeil Nutritionals makes its claim that Splenda is not digested or metabolized by the body, hence it has zero calories. But, if you look at the research (which is primarily extrapolated form animal studies) you will see that in fact an average of 15 percent of sucralose IS absorbed into your digestive system, and according to this latest study, it is also absorbed into your fat cells. Unfortunately, if you are healthy and your digestive system works well, you may be at HIGHER risk for breaking down this product in your stomach and intestines! Your Healthiest Alternatives If you have a craving for sweets, rather than trying to find "healthier" ways to continue indulging in them, it is in your best interest to learn ways to relieve your cravings. The obvious one would be to stop eating any of the products to begin with. But sweets are powerfully addictive – sugar has even been shown to be more addictive than cocaine. Stevia is a preferable natural substitute, which can be used in making most dishes and drinks. However, complete avoidance of sweets is often necessary to break your addictive cycle, as your hormones insulin and leptin likely play an important role in your cravings. If you are unable to achieve abstinence from sweets, your emotional connection to cravings might be an important factor for you. One of the most profound methods I know of for diminishing the effects of food cravings is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). EFT is the psychological acupressure technique routinely used in my practice to help people reduce their cravings. There is enough evidence showing the dangers of consuming artificial sweeteners to fill an entire book -- which is exactly why I wrote Sweet Deception. If you or your loved ones drink diet beverages or eat diet foods, this book will explain how you've been deceived about the truth behind artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose -- for greed, for profits ... and at the expense of your own health.

Hi, I'm just a few days out of surgery and I've had terrible thrush since I woke up from surgery and it's driving me crazy! I scrape my tongue daily anyway but it's not helping at all! Did you end up getting an Rx? What did they give you? Thanks, Tami

I haven't started Vitamins yet as I'm barely 4 days out and still pretty queasy. Just wanted to let you know that I found liquid Centrum at Walmart. Centrum is not a very high quality Vitamin but better than nothing! I also found liquid (spray) Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 at Mercola.com.

MMMmmm, lucky girl! lol Hummus! I'm dreaming of hummus and only a few days into clear liquids! Also, refried Beans (both pinto and black). Cooked, pureed vegetables. Soft Cereal like soaked corn flakes?

I'm not sure about taking cold meds, hopefully you'll get some replies from the experts! But can't you try one of those Vicks sniff tubes to clear your nose enough to do a sinus rinse? A sinus rinse would really loosen things up and probably bring you great relief!

My blood pressure has been high for a few weeks (180/90 I think). This happened a few years back but it went back to normal without meds. I was worried about this and my high resting heart rate (90s) so I had a stress EKG last week (treadmill) and everything is fine with my heart but he is concerned about my pressure and told me that he doesn't know why I would have a high heart rate and my oxygen level would go down during exercize but in rare cases it could be a blood clot in the lung. I had a lung x-ray and breathing tests in Dec and everything was fine. Doctor said that if I had a clot it would likely have shown on those tests. I'm supposed to have surgery THIS FRIDAY and I'm worried. Feedback? I'm guessing that high blood pressure and heart rate are not unusual for the overweight. Did any of you have these issues when you had surgery? I just had surgery last Aug with no problems and the heart rate was the same then....

Titanium is still magnetic, right? I'm thinking it is because my pans are titanium and I use them on an induction cook top. So this means you could never have an MRI, correct?

Hi Kelly! That's great! I hope I see you there and I really hope I don't chicken out again....

I've just purchased the travel size buckwheat as well! I've been using it for about two weeks and although it seems to be okay for my neck, it's taking some getting used to.... I didn't even think of taking it with me. It's so heavy!!! lol

I can't even watch it!! lol Maybe after my surgery I'll give it another shot....

This is the shopping list that I've been putting together: CLEAR Protein powder for day four and five Protein Ready to Drink Protein powders Bottled Water Propel Vitamin Water sugar free Jello broth Low Sodium Broth pureed Soups liquid Vitamin D Liquid Vitamins Liquid B12 Slippers Flip flops for shower A firm pillow to hold against belly when needed. Small Mirror Shower Cap? Pepcid Gas-X Strips Chap Stick Guided Imagery CD

I've found a FANTABULOUS supplement for sleep and you can find it in some health food stores (I know Henry's carries it). It's called POWER TO SLEEP PM and it's made my Irwin Naturals. Henry's charges about $20 for it but I get it online at vitacost or luckyvitamin for $10-$15. I don't take it every night - only when I need it and it really does work and I wake up without any weird groggy feelings! I've shared this with many people in the past year or so and *most* are so happy! My friend is on Ambien and started having terrible nightmares and found herself eating whole cakes in the middle of the night and all sorts of craziness. I gave her six of them to try for a few days (2 caps, 30 min before bedtime) and she was really amazed. She said that she felt so good the next day and was laughing and full of energy and her daughter thought she was drunk! lol

I've recently had experience in a Cognitive program and it is fabulous. They teach you how to 'alter' your core beliefs and how to change your thinking. The Cog Model is a circle - SITUATION>THOUGHTS>BEHAVIORS>SITUATION and around and around. If you can recognize automatic thoughts and work to change them - the negative emotion will change. They have all sorts of ways of working something out. It's very interesting and I'm glad that I now have that knowledge and I hope I will use it! I'm currently looking for a Cog therapist.

I love baked parmesan cheese! I buy the shredded kind and just make a few little piles and throw it into the toaster oven until it's browned and crunchy. It's pretty rich so I can never eat more than two and it definitely satisfies the crunch craving!

Thanks for the feedback! I'm now scheduled for Jan 28th with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. Going it alone so pretty nervous about that but I noticed at least three others on here that will be there the same time so I'm hoping to connect with them! They are actually picking me up at home! Can't get much more convenient than that, huh? lol

Hi! Did you decide? I'm scheduled with Dr. Aceves on Jan 28 (being picked up 1/27) so we will definitely be at the hospital at the same time if you're on for 1/29! Tami

Hi! Did you have your surgery yet? I'm scheduled with Dr. Aceves - being picked up in San Diego (I live there) on January 27th for surgery on Jan 28. Tami

I am scheduled with Dr. Aceves on January 28, 2011 and for the past month I've been eating a terrible diet. I've been pigging out on fried foods (when I normally don't even eat much of that stuff), fast food, and other tasty evil things. This pain has been going on for about two weeks and I'm hoping that it's just a little gall bladder unhappiness and it will go away when the diet improves. Any feedback? I had an ultrasound in July and at that time I had no gallstones but the liver was fatty/enlarged of course. Should I be worried? I've had GERD for a few years and get heartburn but never felt this burning feeling. However, during the gastro exam, the doctor asked if I have burning because he could feel that my liver was enlarged. I was very surprised because my blood work never showed any problems. I really, really, really hope that I do not have to get the gallbladder removed

I have Fibroymyalgia so I'm very concerned about how much I will be able to exercise after surgery. However, I do have many tools and hopefully I have the drive and will power. I was part of a 'pain management group' at a local hospital last year and they taught us how to manage pain without meds. A huge part of that was exercise. I bought a few DVD's that I was really impressed with and had fun doing with the group. Unfortunately, they've been gathering dust for many months but I'm counting on them to get me started on a more active lifestyle. (Why haven't I started already?!? lol) By the way, these DVDs were available in the hospital library and you could check them out for an unlimited time for FREE! Check with your hospital to see if they have a library because it's an incredible resource for books and CDs. Here are the ones I loved and bought: Rainbow Sun Qigong (It's for seniors and when I see these older women doing these moves I feel that my 41 yr old butt has NO EXCUSE not to) 4 Minute Fitness with Dr. Keith Jeffery (he's cheesy as hell but I did feel good doing these exercises and gained strength quickly) Yoga in Bed (Very gentle moves and the only Yoga I can do!) These are GREAT if you have a lot of pain and tend to use that as an excuse not to exercise (like me!!).

OMG - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I played around on the website for so long yesterday and couldn't find anything to give me hope!

I don't know if CA is different than othe states but after my last two surgeries (uterine / sinus) I was eligible for 6 weeks off (State disability) with approximately 55% pay (non-taxable from what I understand). The doctor has to sign a form in addition to the application that I fill out and I'm wondering if having surgey in MX makes a difference. Does anyone know?

I've been reading and reading about anything and everything concerning the sleeve and when it comes to diet it seems that most of you are using low fat items. I know low fat = much higher sugar/carbs content. It's the only way they can make it tasty after removing the fats. In terms of post surgery diet - is high sugar considered a little more acceptable than high fat? Everyone seems to be watching carbs so I'm surprised that they will go fat free. Please chime in with your thoughts on this and what your nutritionist recommends. I'd really appreciate it!