Sucra-grose

By Melissa Bosslet, RD, LN

Splenda shares more than a similar chemical backbone with sugar than we thought. They both are not so good for our health. Although sucralose, the chemical name for Splenda, does not effect blood sugar levels when ingested, it does alter gut health, according to a recent study.

According to the January 2008 issue of Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Splenda 1) increases the pH level of the gut, making it more acidic, 2) causes a decrease in beneficial microflora in the gut, and 3) changes expression of glycoproteins, which affect absorption of some prescription drugs. Additionally, the rats that experienced a decrease in healthy gut bacteria also had increased body mass. Interestingly enough, those rats were fed the same amount of food.

The "good" bacteria is necessary for nutrient metabolism and absorption, normal immune function, inhibition of pathogens, B and K vitamin synthesis (necessary for energy production, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and blood clotting), and drug metabolism. In other words, a heatlhy gut microflora is crucial for a healthy functioning body.

Moral of the story is reduce your intake of artificial sweeteners and increase your intake of probiotics. Pure Encapsulations makes a wonderful product, blending 5 different bacterias to keep your gut healthy. EB Nutrition carries Probiotic 5, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus sporogenes, so call today or pick some up.