Artificial sweeteners have been marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar for years and marketed as a “diet” alternative. We’ve been bombarded with diet sodas, sugar-free candies, and other low-calorie products. But new studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) have found that artificial sweeteners may not be as safe as we once thought, and are likely not helping in achieving weight loss, compared to the regular versions containing sugar.

The reason for this is that artificial sweeteners can disrupt our body's natural ability to regulate calorie intake. When we eat something sweet, our bodies release the hormone insulin to help process the sugar. However, when we consume artificial sweeteners, our bodies do not release insulin because the sweeteners are not actual sugar. This can confuse our bodies and make it harder for us to regulate our calorie intake.

Additionally, studies have found that consuming artificial sweeteners can actually increase our cravings for sweet foods. This can lead to overeating and ultimately weight gain. When we consume something sweet, our brains release dopamine, which makes us feel good. However, when we consume artificial sweeteners, our brains do not receive the same dopamine response as they would with actual sugar. This can lead to cravings for more sweet foods to try and achieve that same dopamine response.

Another concern with artificial sweeteners is their impact on our gut health. Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in our overall health. Studies have found that consuming artificial sweeteners can alter the balance of bacteria in our gut, leading to inflammation and other health issues.

Artificial sweeteners have also been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. While they do not contain actual sugar, they can still impact our blood sugar levels and insulin response. This can lead to insulin resistance over time, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

In addition to their impact on our health, artificial sweeteners may also be harming the environment. Many artificial sweeteners are made from petroleum-based chemicals, which are not sustainable or environmentally friendly. They also require a significant amount of energy to produce, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

So what can we do to avoid the harmful effects of artificial sweeteners? The best thing we can do is to limit our consumption of processed foods and opt for whole, natural foods instead. This can help us avoid the artificial sweeteners found in many low-calorie products. If we do need to sweeten our food or drinks, we can choose natural sweeteners like allulose, honey or maple syrup in moderation.

In conclusion, artificial sweeteners may not be the healthy alternative to sugar that we once thought. They can disrupt our body's natural ability to regulate calorie intake, increase our cravings for sweet foods, harm our gut health, and even increase our risk of type 2 diabetes. To avoid these harmful effects, it's best to limit our consumption of processed foods and opt for natural sweeteners instead.