Splenda

[CarlaB]

Ursula, I had never heard that green tea had vitamin K, very interesting, thanks.

Me either ... interesting!

[KaitiUSA]

Don't get me started on splenda....I think its worse than the real sugar and I am against the artificial stuff completely.

[prinsessa]

I am one of those anti-artificial sweetener people. And I don't see how Splenda tastes like real sugar. My mom bought some drinks (by mistake) with splenda in them and they tasted really bad. I am also against high fructose corn syrup. I think it is one of the causes for the diabetes and obesity problem in our country. I rather eat (and have my kids eat) real sugar or honey and just limit the amount we eat. Moderation is the key! I don't think too much sugar is good even if it comes from fruit. My DH still doesn't believe that too much juice can be bad for you.

About green tea....the Tazo one is the best! I think that was the one with the highest ratings in Consumer Reports a couple of years back. It is a little expensive though

[CarlaB]

About green tea....the Tazo one is the best! I think that was the one with the highest ratings in Consumer Reports a couple of years back. It is a little expensive though

Yea, my poor husband ... I haven't had a paying job in years and I'm pretty high maintenance with my green tea, gluten-free, etc.! At least it's cheaper than the lattes I used to drink!

[KaitiUSA]

Green tea does sound really good. I heard the stuff they have at starbucks is delicious.

[elonwy]

I'm not really against or for anything, but I do have Celiac induced IBS and Splenda puts me in knots. My GI doc said that Splenda specifically of the artificial sweeteners is a no-no for people with GI issues, especially IBS.

It can make the symptoms worse, so if you do use it, know that it can cause stomach cramping and C or D.

I have to avoid it entirely, cause its as bad as gluten to my system. I also have a skin allergy to chlorine thought, and that might be a relation.

Elonwy

[happyhealthy1]

[i also don't believe highly processed anything is good for you. I just don't believe in eating artificial foods.]

I do agree with you here, when I ate all fat-free, artificial junk I was the heaviest I ever was. Now I eat all natural, whole foods and make EVERYTHING from scratch....it just tastes soooo much better too and you know you are not getting all the artificial preservatives and chemicals. I also use SweetLeaf stevia whenever I bake or make my famous gluten free pancakes. You can still have all the treats you like but they are so much better when you know what's in them and that it's all healthy ingredients. All the artificial sweeteners give me horrible head and stomache aches....I had to learn the hard way and will NEVER use them ever again especially for my little ones.

[happyhealthy1]

Rice flour is a great substitute for flour when baking

[tuttabella44]

This is a really interesting thread. I've turned my back on anything containing aspartame years ago, before all this conclusive research surfaced. I also use Stevia. I was a little skeptical at first, because I didn't hear much about this all-natural supplement. But now, it's all I use. My nutritionist friend swears by it. Say no to artificial sweeteners and yes to stevia. They sell a great brand called Sweetleaf at Whole Foods.

[LuvMoosic4life]

If Stevia ever comes down in price, I would perfer that over Splenda (well assuming it tastes good, not tried it yet) but at OVER three times the cost of Splenda, and phemonily more expensive then raw sugar I am not willing to consider it yet.

Xiotol (how ever its spelled) is not carried in any of my local stores, so dunno how tis priced.

if you buy a bottle of clear liquid stevia by "sweet leaf" (some other brands add othe things like alcohol so I stay away from them) it goes a lot father than a box of splenda its like $8 where I live. I would rather spend a couple extra bucks for something more natural....

[narenner]

I'm so glad that people are starting to see the benefits of using stevia instead of artificial sweeteners or even sugar! I've been using stevia for several years now and have never felt better. I used to get really sick from using any type of artificial sweetener and I never thought all the calories in sugar were appealing. Splenda too is a culprit of this since it adds chlroine into its product. Also, sucralose, the main ingredient in Splenda, is hard for the body to digest and nearly 15% never gets absorbed. Since finding stevia though I feel like I've made some healthier choices that have affected my lifestyle.

I can't believe other people know about SweetLeaf too! It's by far my favorite brand. After doing some research (and taste testing) I found out that this particular brand is the only brand that is 100% natural. Also, it has no calories, no carbs and no glycemic index - ideal for anyone.

I use it in my teas and coffees, but also in recipes when I'm cooking or baking. I just make sure to add a filler substance to make up for the lost weight of sugar (ex. one cup of sugar equals 1/2 cup of mashed bananas or yogurt, etc.). It works really great!

Also, I found these videos on YouTube about SweetLeaf and stevia if anyone's interested in checking them out for more info:

[John B. Symes, D.V.M.]

Hi Everyone,

I have receiving more and more Emails from people having sucralose (Splenda) reactions. The most interesting is the "mock gall bladder disease" syndrome. I have three personal veterinary clients who were able to avoid unnecessary gall bladder surgery by simply eliminating sucralose and having their "gall bladder" pain disappear within days. Two were scheduled to have their gall bladders out and one was in the middle of the evaluation process for surgery.

This chlorinated monosaccharide relative of DDT is causing some serious issues. The reactions reported are being cataloged at this site: Open Original Shared Link

I am beginning to believe that sucralose decompensates the celiac. As reported in the posts above, there are doctors who tell people with IBS to avoid this controversial sugar substitute. It probably pours gas on the smoldering fire taking place in subclinical cases of food intolerance.

I hope this helps,

John

John B. Symes, DVM (aka "Dogtor J")

[sixtytwo]

OMG................John, you do not know how much I appreciate the link that you offered on Splenda. I have been doctoring for headaches with a neurologist, rhumatologist and now my internal medicine doctor for quite some time now, I will be seeing the internal medicine doctor again tomorrow, and the headaches are better/however still there. I do think they are from multiple reasons, but this Splenda thing sure could be a big piece of the puzzle. I have this awful metallic taste in my mouth all the time which is getting worse. I pour LOTS of Splenda on my cereal every morning and eat two Weight Watchers one point chocolate treats every night which I suspect probably are sweetened with Splenda, haven't checked the box yet. I am going to buy some Stevia at Walgreens tomorrow and completely get Splenda out of my world. I wonder how the doctor will react to this finding. I suspect doctors think their patients spend too much time on the internet, I know my husband does, however, how would I have known this without this thread. I am gluten intolerant/not exactly having celiac disease, but I eat gluten free as I jsut don't feel good when I don't. Again, thanks for the information, you and the others who have provided this important information today have probably helped me more than the doctors. This message board is a great tool for all who go here. Barbara

[jerseyangel]

Barbara,

I can't tolerate Splenda and it took years to figure out that it was behind my headaches (terrible squeezing headaches on one side of my head and across the back), insomnia, terrible night sweats, and feelings of being unbalanced.

It also caused GI distress, but the above issues were much more worrisome to me.

I tended to use it when I was trying to lose weight, not all the time. I made the connection this last time I used it--over last summer.

I'm in the camp of "if you like it and it works for you, great." I know several diabetics that need artificial sweeteners, and others who tolerate them just fine. I can only report what happened to me, and I know I will never go near it again.

[JillianLindsay]

I am a coffee/tea drinker and my dentist told me to switch to sweetner because when they liquify in your drinks honey and sugar stick between your teeth and can cause cavities in places where your toothbrush and even floss can't reach. I am seeing a dietitian for the first time at the end of the month and will ask for her educated opinion

I don't believe Splenda is safe. I also don't believe highly processed anything is good for you. I just don't believe in eating artificial foods. But I won't preach to anyone. I also prefer honey, stevia or raw sugar. That's just my opinion.

[sixtytwo]

Just an update to let you know that the metallic taste in my mouth went away after discontinuing Splenda. I wouldn't touch it ever again. I use Truvia or Sun Crystals, both of which are available at Walmart. Yes, they are more expensive, but I am worth it. I have been having terrible problems with what the doctor called "nerve headaches" and they have gotten a lot better too. I suffered from migraines for over 30 years and had been on Topomax for some time. I weaned off of it and I no longer have migraines very often. Now occasionally I do have a headache, 2 Excedrin Migraine and one Imitrex and it is gone. I still work very hard at the age of 64 and much of the pain, I know is due to that. Barbara

[JillianLindsay]

Hi everyone,

I said I would report back after speaking to my dietitian so here I am

She said that Splenda is the "safest"/best of the sweeteners because it is derived from sugar and there has been extensive research on its long-term use (10 years) and it has proven to be safe. She said yes, it does contain teensy amounts chlorine, however so does our drinking water.

Obviously if you are sure it causes you headaches or other health issues then steer clear. But for those who are listening to the rumours about the evils of Splenda, it is a very individual reaction and individual choice, and in terms of scientific research it has been shown to be safe and healthier than sugar (in terms of calories and dental health).

Personally I've been using it for years with no problems, even after my celiac disease symptoms and diagnosis. My dentist and dietitian recommend continuing

Again, to each his/her own and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.

Cheers,

Jillian

I'm not really against or for anything, but I do have Celiac induced IBS and Splenda puts me in knots. My GI doc said that Splenda specifically of the artificial sweeteners is a no-no for people with GI issues, especially IBS.

It can make the symptoms worse, so if you do use it, know that it can cause stomach cramping and C or D.

I have to avoid it entirely, cause its as bad as gluten to my system. I also have a skin allergy to chlorine thought, and that might be a relation.

Elonwy

[darlindeb25]

I had the metallic taste when using nutrasweet, now that I have used Splenda for a few months, that taste is gone. BUT, I do have headaches, the doctors can't figure out why. I was on Topamax for well over a year, and it didn't stop the headaches. I do have a slightly herniated disc in my neck, so who knows. Maybe I will stop the Splenda for a while..gots to think on it.

[jerseyangel]

I had the metallic taste when using nutrasweet, now that I have used Splenda for a few months, that taste is gone. BUT, I do have headaches, the doctors can't figure out why. I was on Topamax for well over a year, and it didn't stop the headaches. I do have a slightly herniated disc in my neck, so who knows. Maybe I will stop the Splenda for a while..gots to think on it.

Deb--Definitely consider a trial of not using the Splenda. I developed headaches (odd headaches that began at the base of my skull) while using it, but never connected them to the Splenda. It wasn't until I started to suffer from insomnia and hot flashes in the night (I've gone through menopause, these were harsher) and had odd feelings of being off balance especially when I first got out of bed that I began to suspect it. I normally do not get headaches, so I knew something was up, but blamed everything else for months.

I cut out the Splenda, and began to feel better, the puzzling symptoms took a little while to resolve completely--but they all did after a week or two. If it is the Splenda, you will know pretty quickly.

At the very least, you will have ruled it out

[darlindeb25]

Deb--Definitely consider a trial of not using the Splenda. I developed headaches (odd headaches that began at the base of my skull) while using it, but never connected them to the Splenda. It wasn't until I started to suffer from insomnia and hot flashes in the night (I've gone through menopause, these were harsher) and had odd feelings of being off balance especially when I first got out of bed that I began to suspect it. I normally do not get headaches, so I knew something was up, but blamed everything else for months.

Did you ever have this with other sweeteners? I have used Splenda over the years since it came out, but not entirely. It's more expensive and I only used it when it went on sale. I have had the headaches for years, not always the same though, and they do get worse at times, never gone. Could nutrasweet and splenda effect me the same way?

I just may give it up for a time...still trying to get used to black coffee though.

[jerseyangel]

Did you ever have this with other sweeteners? I have used Splenda over the years since it came out, but not entirely. It's more expensive and I only used it when it went on sale. I have had the headaches for years, not always the same though, and they do get worse at times, never gone. Could nutrasweet and splenda effect me the same way?

I just may give it up for a time...still trying to get used to black coffee though.

Looking back, I believe I also reacted to Nutri Sweet. My headaches were also not constant, and were worse at some times than at others. (I think this is why it was hard to pin down the cause) I tried doing things like switching pillows or not laying in certain positions in hopes of not triggering them. I would hate to get one since it would last for days.

I hear you on the black coffee--I'm off sugars and starches due to blood pressure and cholesterol issues and am now drinking my tea without sweetner. Have you ever tried Stevia? I've been considering trying that, maybe just for tea.

[darlindeb25]

I find stevia too bitter...I have tried it over and over, and can't seem to make myself like it. My sister told me to stick with Splenda, cause it's made with real sugar. Now, she is suffering headaches too. Our headaches are difficult to pinpoint, to begin with, we come from a family line of headache sufferers.

On top of that, I am always told my neck and shoulders are way too tense, much too tight. My neuro had me do a stint of physical therapy. I did as he asked, and went for 11 weeks...hurt me so much more than before. First they would put moist heat on me for 20 mins...which was always great! Then one of them would come in and do something like a pre-massage, working this oil into my skin...a few minutes later, the physical therapist would come do a much more intense massage, exercise with bands, then another soft massage. After about 3 sessions, the therapist asked me what I had done to my right shoulder, said it was then in worse shape then the bad shoulder had been. I told him, anything done, was done there. He asked me if I was doing my exercises at home that he had given me...thing is, he hadn't even mentioned it. After 11 weeks, I could not take it any longer, and felt I had given it the scout's try. My neuro asked me why I went for so long if it was hurting me!!! Can never please the docs, can we? He says, "Well, we will not do that again, now, will we?" Before that, my first neuro had me on Topamax for nearly a year, with no improvement,,,just kept increasing the dose. One visit, he did something to my shoulder, he hurt me so bad, I decided it was time for a new doc. I love my neuro now, even though he has not figured me out!

Maybe giving up the Splenda for a time wouldn't be a bad idea. I'm gonna give my tummy a week or so to get better, then give it a try. My tummy doesn't like change, and being I was glutened a week or so ago, the tummy is still protesting!

Thanks.