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Sugar -vs- Artificial Sweeteners.......

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Posted 9/28/2008 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes I just feel like everything bothers my gut.  I was wondering if any of you have a problem with sugar and artificial sweeteners.  It's hard to find drinks without them.  Maybe they don't bother me at all and it's just in my head.  Does anyone here have problems with these?  What type of sweeteners do you use?  Thanks so much!  Julie :-)
Posted 9/28/2008 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
Neither are good for you...especially because people consume too much of either per day, only 10mg of table sugar is suppose to be consumed/day and anyone that eats sugar more than likely consumes more then the recommended daily amount (10mg).

I use Stevia or honey for sweetners, I don't eat/drink anything processed so I know I'm not consuming refined sugar, sugar substitues/artificial sweetners.

:)
Posted 9/28/2008 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
yeah, stay away from artificial sweeteners. research shows they can cause all sorts of diseases. they are just scary. super bad stuff. stick with the natural stuff - honey, maple syrup (not hfcs kind), agave nectar, and stevia. and use them sparingly. your body and long term health will thank you.
Posted 9/29/2008 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you both so much!:)
Posted 9/29/2008 12:19 AM (GMT 0)

I cannot use any sweeteners other than honey and stevia.  Much of the Crohn's research shows that chemically synthesized sweeteners can irritate the gut.  Recently I learned that Cargill and Coca Cola are marketing a new, stevia-based sweetener called Truvia, which is a granulated sugar substitute designed to dissolve a little more quickly in liquids than stevia does.

Well, I ordered a box of Truvia packets from Cargill's online store and gave this "refined" version of stevia a try.  It's quite tasty, and lacks the curious aftertaste of stevia.  However, after using a total of three packets today (two in coffee and one sprinkled over Cheerios), I had an attack reminiscent of my last major Nutrasweet-inspired bout. 

My fear is that once Truvia hits the market the "makers" will move to have stevia banned, outright.  Here's hoping that doesn't happen, because Truvia (and its cousin, PureVia) do not appear to be Crohn's friendly, in my humble opinion, and according to my own experience.

Posted 9/29/2008 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Cut out the sugar. Honey is okay in that it is absorbed "high" in the gut (not far past the duodenum, in fact). If you find that sugar causes you problems, you might consider reducing your carbohydrate intake entirely- cut out the wheat, and so forth. Many people find that carbohydrate restriction can put them in remission, even without drugs.
Posted 9/29/2008 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
Avoid both. I do and it does make a difference.
Posted 9/29/2008 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
honey is the way too go

sorbital (also used as a sweetener) is used to address constipation problems in some health settings
Posted 9/29/2008 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
coke is one of the biggest users of refined sugar. cargill is in the corn/gmo corn market. why would they want to make a version of stevia? think about that. bad news....
Posted 9/29/2008 5:06 AM (GMT 0)
I'm popping in from the UC forum. There is an interesting study that was recently published on the negative health effects of Splenda: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/23/business/23splenda.html?em

Thought you might be interested. I personally try to stick to real sugar or honey, but try to limit those, too.
Posted 9/29/2008 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
IMO, refined sugar is no more better than substitutes/artificial sweetners.

Crazy Harry, coke-cola is making a "Stevia" version of coke, apparently they are waiting on the patent to go through...mind you I still won't touch coke because the carbonation is killer on the bones and my bones are still good so why risk it...not to mention I'm sure the carbonation wouldn't feel too good on the guts either.

:)
Posted 9/29/2008 9:28 AM (GMT 0)
I had never heard of Stevia before this thread. I am going to see if they carry it at the local health food store. I am a big soda drinker (I have to stop.) I googled Stevia, and there is a "soda" called ZEVIA. Has anyone tried this? It looks like it is getting good reviews, and is all natural. For some reason, I drink soda because the carbonation helps me. I find Ginger Ale very soothing. Maybe I should just try seltzer......:)
Posted 9/29/2008 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
Finally!  Diet soda sweetened with stevia! I just ordered a promotional six-pack for the cost of shipping and handling, alone.  Thanks for letting us know!

Posted 9/29/2008 5:32 PM (GMT 0)

Julie1014 said...
I had never heard of Stevia before this thread. I am going to see if they carry it at the local health food store. I am a big soda drinker (I have to stop.) I googled Stevia, and there is a "soda" called ZEVIA. Has anyone tried this? It looks like it is getting good reviews, and is all natural. For some reason, I drink soda because the carbonation helps me. I find Ginger Ale very soothing. Maybe I should just try seltzer......:)

Yes, I've heard of it from someone at the UC forum here at HW a long time ago now...I've never tried it but the poster did mention it was kinda pricey too.

And just be careful with Stevia, the smallest itty bitty amount goes a loooooong way...too much will leave a bitter after-taste.

:)
Posted 9/29/2008 6:30 PM (GMT 0)

Julie1014 said...
I had never heard of Stevia before this thread. I am going to see if they carry it at the local health food store. I am a big soda drinker (I have to stop.) I googled Stevia, and there is a "soda" called ZEVIA. Has anyone tried this? It looks like it is getting good reviews, and is all natural. For some reason, I drink soda because the carbonation helps me. I find Ginger Ale very soothing. Maybe I should just try seltzer......:)

I haven't been researching long, but what I have found for a majority of both Crohnnies and UC, is sugar feeds the bad activity in your belly. Our family is currently cutting back hard on regular sugar and doing a lot of substituting with honey.

The artificial sweeteners have a lot of bad affects as well, ie Splenda = diarreah. Sacchrin is recommended, in small amounts for some, but we can't stand the taste. I have heard good things about Stevia, but we haven't tried it. I personally believe EVERYTHING in life is better in moderation.

conclusion: honey seems to be best for your bowel.

Also, Ginger is supposed to be good for you - maybe you can find a natural ginger ale that would have less sugars in it.

Posted 9/29/2008 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
While all the above is probably true, I find that Splenda-made from sugar, doesn't bother my gut at all. Sweet & Low does horrible things to me. On the other hand, I can't have soda without getting extremely nauseous, no matter what it is sweetened with. I basically live on fresh-brewed iced tea with lemon and Splenda.
Posted 9/29/2008 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
One of the nicer "side effects" of stevia is that it helps regulate insulin -- important for many of us Crohnies who are somewhere on this side of the pre-diabetic spectrum.  I'll report out when I've tried the new stevia-sweetened soft drinks...

Posted 9/29/2008 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
I guess it's like everything else with this disease, it's so individualized...what works for one may not work for another...what encourages flares for one, may not bother another...

I hope you feel better soon.
Posted 9/29/2008 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
I love the whole foods organic ginger ale. It does have a high sugar content but is very ginger-y and great for naseau.
Posted 9/29/2008 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Gerryos..... Let us know what you think of the soda Zevia when you get it!

Also, I stopped at the local health food store today and they gave me a sample packet of Stevia. I just added it to my unsweetened iced-tea. It's not bad! Yes, a little goes a long way. I'll try some in my coffee in the morning. That will be the true test, lol!
Posted 9/29/2008 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
no doubt about that!...if morning coffee doesn't taste right, forget it!!! =O) LOL
Posted 7/25/2011 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
I use natvia and it just tastes like sugar. It is all natural and almost 0 calories as well. Check out the page natvia.com
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