In this health conscious era we are replacing sugary beverages with Diet sodas, also known as No calorie drinks or artificially sweetened beverages. These are artificially sweetened with Sucralose, Saccharine, Neotame, Tagatose, Stevia and are way sweeter than table sugar. Despite being free of sugar and calories the health effects of these artificial sweeteners are controversial.
Impact on Gut
Artificial sweeteners may damage the intestinal epithelial lining which negatively impacts the balance of healthy gut bacteria leading to Cardio metabolic diseases such as Obesity, Cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus.
Gut Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network that links the enteric and central nervous systems. This network is not only anatomical, but it extends to include endocrine, humoral, metabolic, and immune routes of communication as well.
So, when these artificial sweeteners damage the microbiota of the gut, indirectly impacts this gut brain axis too leading to increased risk of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
Impact on Pregnancy
One study reveals that excessive consumption of Dietary Soda during pregnancy can lead to high birth weight babies and can also impact children’s cognition.
So, if you are looking for a healthy replacement, replace it with Green Tea, lemon water, coconut water, and cranberry juice