Artificial sweeteners, also known as low/no-calorie sweeteners, have become popular alternatives to sugar for people managing their health, especially those with diabetes. These sweeteners offer the sweetness of sugar without the added calories or carbohydrates, making them valuable tools for those managing their blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, keeping stable blood sugar levels is crucial, and artificial sweeteners allow you to enjoy sweet foods and drinks without worrying about your glucose levels spiking. In the past we’ve explored the role of natural sugars from fruits in diabetes management. Below, and in our latest podcast episode, we dive deeper into artificial sweeteners and diabetes.
If you’ve wondered about what the different types of artificial sweeteners are, how they impact blood sugar, and ways to include them in your diabetes care routine, you’ve come to the right place. We will also address misconceptions about these sweeteners and provide advice to help you make informed decisions for your health and well-being.
What are the Different Types of Artificial Sweeteners?
There are a few different types of artificial sweeteners, each with their own unique properties and characteristics:
- Aspartame: Found in products like Equal, aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar. You’ll often find it in diet sodas, chewing gum, and other low-calorie or sugar-free foods. However, if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), you should steer clear of aspartame because your body cannot process phenylalanine, a key component in the sweetener.
- Saccharin: Known for its use in Sweet’N Low, saccharin is one of the oldest artificial sweeteners. It’s 300-400 times sweeter than sugar and has a long shelf life, making it a popular choice for tabletop sweeteners and beverages. However, some people might find it leaves a bitter aftertaste.
- Sucralose: Marketed as Splenda, sucralose is 600 times sweeter than sugar. It holds up well under high temperatures, making it great for baking and cooking. This makes it a useful option for adding sweetness to everything from baked goods to hot beverages.
Natural Sweeteners
Alongside these artificial sweeteners, there are some great natural alternatives for people with diabetes to consider:
- Stevia: Derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, stevia sweeteners are naturally sourced and calorie-free. The sweetness of stevia is extracted in a process similar to brewing tea, which concentrates its natural sweetness without adding any calories. You can find stevia in all kinds of products, from tabletop sweeteners to beverages and even some baked goods, giving you a versatile and guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Monk Fruit: Extracted from the monk fruit plant, monk fruit sweeteners are another natural, calorie-free sweetener. It is extremely sweet and doesn’t contain carbohydrates, making it a popular sugar alternative for people with diabetes. Monk fruit is often blended with other sweeteners to balance out its sweetness intensity and is used in a range of products from beverages to baked goods.
Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes: How do Sugar Substitutes Affect My Blood Sugar?
Artificial sweeteners have little impact on blood glucose levels, unlike regular sugar. This means you can enjoy sweetness without worrying about significant spikes in your blood sugar and compromising your diabetes management goals. Whether you’re sweetening your morning coffee, adding a bit of flavor to your tea, or using them in baking, substituting sugar with artificial sweeteners is a reliable way to have control over your daily carbohydrate intake and keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.
Are Artificial Sweeteners Better Than Natural Sugars?
When choosing between artificial sweeteners and natural sugars like honey or maple syrup, it’s important to consider your own dietary needs, especially if you’re managing diabetes.
Artificial sweeteners are a great choice for those who must closely watch their carbohydrate intake. They provide sweetness without the added calories or carbohydrates that can spike blood sugar levels, making them a practical option for maintaining stable glucose levels throughout the day.
On the other hand, natural sugars such as honey and maple syrup, while less processed and more flavorful, contain sugars that can impact blood glucose similarly to table sugar. They can still be enjoyed in moderation, taking into account your taste preferences and how you plan to use them in your cooking and meals.
Ultimately, the choice between artificial sweeteners and natural sugars depends on what suits your health needs and taste preferences best. If you’re focused on managing stable blood sugar levels and monitoring your carbohydrate intake, artificial sweeteners might be the better choice. However, don’t forget that enjoying natural sugars in moderation can still be part of a balanced diet – just be mindful of their impact on blood glucose levels.
Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad For You?
Let’s address some of the common concerns we’ve come across when it comes to artificial sweeteners:
Increased Cancer Risk
One of the primary concerns associated with artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, is their alleged link to cancer.
In June 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” due to limited evidence suggesting it might be linked to cancer, specifically liver cancer. While this classification raised concerns, it’s important to note that the evidence remains inconclusive. Studies have shown limited indications of cancer in lab animals, and researchers are actively investigating the mechanisms by which aspartame could potentially contribute to cancer risk.
However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assure that consuming up to 40 mg/kg per day of artificial sweeteners is within safe limits. To help put these levels in perspective, the FDA estimates that a person weighing 60 kg (132 lb) would have to consume about 75 packets of aspartame in a day to reach the upper end of the ADI of 50 mg/kg/day. It’s important to stay updated on ongoing research, especially for those with diabetes, but there’s no need for immediate concern in everyday use.
Learn more about navigating these conflicting studies in our podcast episode here.
Impaired Gut Health and Insulin Sensitivity
Another concern is the impact of artificial sweeteners on gut health and insulin sensitivity.
Research exploring how artificial sweeteners impact the gut microbiome and insulin resistance has shown mixed results. Some studies suggest these sugar alternatives may alter the balance of gut bacteria and potentially influence how your body handles insulin. However, there is no concrete evidence as of yet directly linking artificial sweeteners to negative effects on gut health and insulin function.
Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes — Which is Best For Me?
Although artificial sweeteners don’t affect blood sugar, it’s important to consider several factors when choosing the right sugar substitute for you:
Portion Sizes
When using artificial sweeteners, it’s important to remember that they are much sweeter than sugar. This means you only need a small amount to add the desired sweetness you crave in your food or drink. By using them sparingly, you can maintain a balanced flavor profile without becoming overwhelming.
Follow Package Instructions
Each artificial sweetener product comes with its serving size guidelines on the packaging. These instructions help you add just the right amount of sweetness without overdoing it. Using too much artificial sweetener can sometimes cause digestive discomfort, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. By sticking to these guidelines, you can enjoy the sweetness hassle-free, making your diabetes management a bit sweeter and much more enjoyable!
Experiment!
Finding the right artificial sweetener can be a bit like discovering your favorite flavor. Everyone’s tastes and digestive systems are unique, so it’s worth trying out different types and amounts to see what you and your body like best. You might find that stevia adds just the right amount of sweetness, or maybe sucralose satisfies your taste buds better. This trial-and-error process not only helps you enjoy your food and drinks more but also ensures you find a sweetener that doesn’t cause any discomfort. By exploring your options, you’ll uncover the sweet solution that enhances your diabetes management, making each bite and sip a delight!
Transcript
0:00
Before kicking off this weeks episode, wanted to share some news that I am thrilled about.
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0:15
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0:33
We’ll talk about things like joyful movement, stress management, sleep optimization and how to create a positive and non restrictive approach to food.
All from a weight inclusive and culturally humble lens to work with our diverse team of expert dietitians.
Visit diabetesdigital.co slash program that is Diabetes digital.co/program.
0:55
Welcome everyone to another episode of the Diabetes Digital Podcast.
We are thrilled to have one of our dietitian friends on this week to talk about a very controversial topic in the world of diabetes and just nutrition in general and that is artificial sweeteners.
1:13
People that have diabetes and pre diabetes use artificial sweeteners very often thinking that, you know, they might be a healthier alternative to whether it’s sugar or honey or Maple syrup.
And so we’re going to talk about that like safety concerns when it comes to artificial sweeteners.
1:30
We’re also going to talk about how much is safe to consume, if it is safe to consume artificial sweeteners.
Some of the health concerns that a lot of people have raised to us when it comes to artificial sweeteners, what the research has to say.
And also we’re going to talk about some alternatives like monk fruit, which is something that’s really popular now.
1:50
We’re going to talk about how it compares to other sweeteners and more.
Welcome to the Diabetes Digital podcast.
I’m Wendy.
And I’m Jess, and we’re best friends, registered dietitians and diabetes educators.
Through our telehealth platform, Diabetes digital.co, we offer accessible and personalized virtual nutrition counseling for people with diabetes.
2:09
And pre diabetes, visit diabetesdigital.co that’s Co to book your first appointment.
We accept insurance and offer affordable self pay options.
Now let’s get into today’s episode.
Jazz, can you tell us who we have on the podcast this week?
2:26
Yes, this week we have the lovely Maya Feller, who is a dietitian.
She’s based in Brooklyn and she is the owner of Maya Feller Nutrition.
Maya is known for sharing her approachable food based solutions with millions of people through regular speaking engagements, writing her social platforms and is a national nutrition expert on Good Morning America.
2:48
As a health line medical advisor, she’s on the Advisory Board of Shape and Parents magazine.
She also appears on the Today Show, Tamron Hall, and in the New York Times and so many other publications.
Maya is also the author of Eating from Our Roots 80 Plus healthy home cooked Favorite from cultures around the world, which is from Goop Press and she’s the Co host of Well Now podcast, which is Slate’s newest Wellness podcast.
3:16
That is so many accomplishments.
I feel like this is the longest list out of and I cut out like 75%.
This is the longest list from any anyone that we’ve had on the pod.
What does it feel like to be so accomplished, Maya?
Well, first, I have to say Wendy and Jess, thank you both for having me on.
3:35
And I’m honored to talk to both of you because I always have loved being a colleague of yours and I appreciate the work that you both have done over the last decade.
And so I want to make sure to give you your flowers because I think you both are incredibly accomplished.
3:52
So, So thank you of course, of course.
You’re so sweet.
Well, we’re thrilled to revisit conversation.
I feel like it’s been so long since we’ve spoken, and we thought that you would be the perfect person to cover this topic because I feel like you are able to dissect the research and the science in a very practical way where the everyday person can understand.
4:18
And artificial sweeteners are one of those things where it’s just very confusing.
There’s so many questions, so many concerns.
So I think a good place to start would be just like, what are artificial sweeteners?
Can you give us an overview of what they are and why someone might want to consume them?
4:35
Yes, absolutely.
So, you know, I have to echo what you just said, Wendy.
Like the level of controversy around the low and no calorie sweeteners, like you would think we’re talking about war or atomic bombs.
4:52
Yeah, and it is like, no, it is so contentious and folks are literally up in arms and there’s massive amounts of confusion.
I think back to last summer and we’ll talk about this later on in the pod, but Oh my gosh, it is like Hellfire.
5:12
So to answer your question about non nutritive sweeteners, and this is the USDA definition and I want to read it.
The reason I want to read it is so that it’s very clear.
It’s not my interpretation, but it is the USDA and then I’ll also do FDA.
5:29
So USDA, they call them actually non nutritive sweeteners.
But low and no calorie sweeteners are sugar substitutes, right?
There are alternatives that have either no or very low amounts of carbohydrate and so that’s why it’s low or no calorie.
5:46
And then the FDA actually calls them non caloric sweeteners and there’s a list that they have that’s generally regarded as safe.
Great definitions.
I’m also wondering like what are some of the most common types of artificial sweeteners?
6:03
Maybe the FDA has a list or just from you being a dietitian, what have you come across as the top brands?
So when we’re thinking about like brand names, you’re thinking stevia, that’s one of the herbal ones and it’s from the plant.
But then there’s, of course, equal.
6:20
You know, I was away last weekend and there was this whole little caddy of all these sugars and sugar substitutes and I was like, ah, there’s tab.
I feel like that’s still out there.
But really it’s aspartame, it’s saccharine, it’s sucralose, there’s stevia, as I said, and then there’s also neomate.
6:43
And then there’s also ASA sulfame K Yeah.
So that is actually, yeah, I know.
It’s like they’re all of these.
You might want to cut that out because yeah, it’s acid sulfame K It’s like, Oh my gosh.
ASA what now?
7:00
No, but seriously or leave it in right.
So, but there’s really aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, neomate, stevia and then the asicate ASA sulfamine K.
So those are those are the common ones.
7:17
And that one you probably would see listed as sweet one if people are looking for like a brand name.
Now, when we’re thinking about those common ones, they’re everywhere, right?
They’re in grocery stores, they’re at coffee shops.
7:34
The difference really between them is kind of how they break down and their after taste, which I think is really interesting because when I dug a little deeper and I took a look at it, I was like, oh, that’s fascinating, right?
7:49
So like think about sweet N low.
We all know the after taste that sweet N low has that’s saccharin.
It is like not super bitter, but it’s like something that you’re like I taste that.
Especially when you have it like in a large amount or if you’re really using like 2 teaspoons.
8:06
Now, if you’re thinking about sucralose, that would be something like Splenda, and that also has its own unique flavor profile.
If you’re thinking about something like aspartame, right, you kind of know what that tastes like as well.
8:24
So I feel like when we’re talking about these low and no calorie sweeteners, people choose them for different reasons and we’ll get into that, I’m sure.
But there’s a wide variety.
And I think what’s important to know is that the common types have gone through testing and are there for on the market because they were found to be safe.
8:46
I want to get into the safety of these in general and also for people with diabetes.
But before getting into that, I’m just wondering out of all the ones you have tasted, do you have a favorite like that you feel taste the best?
Because I know for me I don’t really love any of them.
9:06
But I’m wondering for you, is there any that I know my mom and my sister they love stevia Truvia and I just can’t with the taste buddy what what are your thoughts?
Well, so you know, Jess, I have to tell you truthfully, I am not a lover of sweets, which is interesting.
9:22
I’m much more of a savory eater.
So if you said to me, hey, Maya, I made you a cake or you were like, hey, girl, here’s a piece of fish.
I’d be like, I’ll take the fish sticks.
And even at the end of the evening when like dinner’s all wrapped up, I’m like, I’ll have some nuts.
9:38
Like I I’m just not a huge lover of sweet things and my taste palate experiences these low and no calorie sweeteners as extra sweet, which means that I like them even less.
That’s just me personally.
9:54
Interestingly enough, my dad, my dad loves stevia and he’s like, whenever I get samples, I like pack them up, I put them in the mail and I send them to Florida.
Sounds like he would get along with my mom.
So you mentioned that these sweeteners are generally considered safe.
10:16
Can we talk about some of the health concerns?
Because something that I see come up all the time is like the impact that they could have on your gut health or how they might impact your insulin sensitivity and things like that.
What does the science have to say about that?
Should people be concerned about consuming these?
10:34
Before I even get into that, I do want to give like a little nod to aspartame.
And folks who have PKU really should avoid it like they just shouldn’t because it has two specific amino acids, phenylalanine and then aspartic acid.
10:49
And so for folks who have PKU, it’s it’s an absolute no.
The other thing that I have to say is the population under the age of two, this is also just a full no go.
So those are two populations that I want to call out 100% like this is just to skip it all together when it comes to the safety concerns.
11:12
I want to just like go back to last summer.
So IARC, they put out a brief and they classified aspartame as a possible carcinogen to humans and it got grouped into group 2B.
11:29
And it was on the basis that there’s limited evidence in humans that there might be the possibility for a type of liver cancer, right?
And there was limited evidence in humans.
Now then at the same time, JEKFA came out and they said that there was no sufficient reason to change any of the previous recommendations.
11:57
And this created a massive kind of, I don’t even know how to say it without using bad words, a massive storm, right?
And people were like, wait a second, we have one agency who report on cancer risk, and then we have another agency coming out with conflicting findings.
12:22
Prior to this, there was this acceptable daily intake level, and it was zero to 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight for aspartame.
And like I said, Jackfull was like, you know, listen, there’s no reason to change this.
It’s interesting because what we saw as dietitians in our world of nutritionist was all of these influencers.
12:45
Many of them are friends going on social media and standing up for aspartame.
And then they got blasted, like quite literally blasted.
Letters were sent out, say.
And then there was a whole, what was it, Washington Post thing?
13:03
Dietitians are out there pushing all this artificial stuff on people.
And it became this really contentious argument when we’re talking about safety really USDA, FDA, they all say that these, I believe it’s 90 that they have like this whole list of they’re all generally regarded as safe.
13:27
Now to your question, Wendy, like when I dug through some of the science because I wanted to revisit it for our conversation.
And there are studies that do say things like, you know, inconsistent finding.
However, these are meta analysis.
13:42
So they’re looking at bodies of research and they’re looking at bodies of research.
And then they’re saying, well, they’re inconsistent finding.
It’s not like they’re running an entire new study.
They’re taking a like a bunch of studies and they’re analyzing them and looking at them.
And when they look at all of them together, some of the study, some of the researchers are finding inconsistency and they’re saying like, OK, there’s a question of elevated insulin levels.
14:08
And however, there needs to be more longer term randomized controlled trials, which is like the gold standard for research.
And there was a study that we found where people who consumed low and no calorie sweeteners had higher levels of insulin resistance, which is obviously not what we want in the case of someone who has diabetes or pre diabetes, There were some studies that found that there may be changes in the gut microbiome.
14:38
But then I also have to say anything we eat changes our gut microbiome.
So I want to take that with a grain of salt.
But then I also have to acknowledge that, you know, the truth is it is a great alternative for people who are looking for a low or no calorie alternative to table sugar and for people who are thinking about a tool that can help them, you know, when they want to have something sweet.
15:08
But I also have to acknowledge that, yeah, for sure, we always need more research, and we always need more research in a variety of populations.
And we need studies over time where people are eating, having different eating patterns and including these things.
So what do I say to people?
15:27
It’s be an informed consumer.
Make a choice that works for you and you know, the research says that it is safe and there are some conflicting studies that give pause, but the research overwhelmingly says that it is a safe alternative.
15:46
OK.
I appreciate the nuance and kind of going into it’s safe.
And also here’s some red flags just to back up a little bit.
You mentioned two organizations, I think you said Iark and JACVA.
Can you talk about like what those organizations do just so people have a little bit of context to like what their recommendation might stand for or who it represents?
16:09
I know.
I think you said IARC is an organization that’s focused on Cancer Research.
OK, so IARC is the international agency for research on cancer.
And the reason that that was so confusing is because they really do this research on cancer.
16:27
And So what they found was that it was a possible carcinogen.
And as I said, they grouped it into like a 2B carcinogen.
And there was limited evidence.
They said this really clearly when they put out their findings from the public perspective, right?
16:44
Hearing that agency that’s focused on Cancer Research comes out, even with limited findings, can be scary.
Now, there’s a joint committee on food additives with The Who, the World Health Organization, and that’s JEKFA, right?
17:01
So they are the ones that many people say should really actually be putting out these findings ’cause they’re the people that do the research on food additives.
And so it gets confusing because then the question is, well, whose domain is this?
17:22
And the truth is like when we’re talking to the public, the public doesn’t have the possibility to like, say, OK, I’m going to pick up X study and I’m going to do a deep dive into this study and understand the nuance.
And I’m going to just roll back for a second and say this was an unfortunate outcome because there’s already a loss of trust, especially around guidelines and recommendations, especially the light of the pandemic, right?
17:54
So folks are already like, well, are you telling us the truth?
And do you have our best interests in mind?
So I, I, I think that like from a socio emotional perspective, there are multiple layers at play.
18:11
From a scientific perspective, it is very confusing to have two agencies come out with two large agencies, right, come out with conflicting information.
And then to have the people who like us, right, we’re supposed to be the professionals, speak the truth of the research and then get blasted by the media.
18:34
So it’s like whammy, whammy, whammy, whammy all over the place.
And when it comes to people that have diabetes, because you you mentioned about the research that’s been done and its impact on blood sugar levels and things like that, what does the research have to say?
18:51
Like how do these artificial sweeteners impact blood sugar levels or insulin levels?
What the research that I saw was that it can be a great alternative, right?
The key and I think the understanding specifically from the World Health Organization, and I want to be really clear in my saying this and the reason that I’m saying it is because sometimes people confound, conflate and mix the two.
19:18
We’re talking about blood sugars.
We’re not talking about weight.
People here low and no calorie, and they think weight loss reduction in blood sugars.
That’s not what we’re saying.
Also, WHO says this is not a weight loss tool?
19:33
So I want to be really clear in this conversation that this is not what we’re talking about.
What I’m talking about is using this lower no calorie alternative in place of table sugar as a management tool to help keep blood sugars level or to help reduce spikes in blood sugars.
19:54
OK, how do artificial sweeteners compare to natural sweeteners like honey and Maple syrup?
Because a lot of times people will say like, Oh well, I’m having honey or agave and therefore.
It’s better than sugar.
20:11
And so I’m just curious, like, what?
What do you tell your patients when they’re comparing artificial sweeteners to things like honey, syrup and agave?
So what I say is like honey, syrup and agave, they’re still sugars, like the way that the body perceives them and how they get absorbed into the bloodstream.
20:30
I mean, you both know this and you that.
I’m sure you cancel the same way, right?
So it’s like there’s this health Halo that happens and we do all this like crazy green washing where we’re like, oh, I’m so virtuous.
I had agave or I’m really good.
20:46
I didn’t have white table sugar.
I had the alternative.
And it is an alternative.
It is a different option.
They do have different nutrient profiles, like depending on where you get your Maple syrup and if it’s all artisan and like, you know that it might have some more vitamins and minerals and it’s still 15 grams of carbohydrate in that tablespoon.
21:09
It’s, you know what I mean?
It’s sugar, the way that the body perceives it.
So what I say to people is if you have a reason to not have them, and for example, some of my patients like GI folks who have reactions, certain types of sugars cannot tolerate the wide variety that there is, that’s a reason to modify.
21:34
If you want to modify based on taste, that’s how you modify.
If you want to modify based on affordability and what you have access to in your area, modify.
But saying that you’re having Maple syrup over white table sugar doesn’t actually mean that you are inherently better or that you are making a better choice.
21:56
You’re already good as you are, so let’s just be clear about that.
But one is not better than the other.
They all have their uses.
Yeah, My favorite is when people say, well, it’s brown sugar, Like I don’t know where this comes from.
They’re like, well, the it’s brown sugar, it’s better than white sugar.
22:16
I’m like, it’s really the same thing.
It’s.
Chris, like you said, it affects your body the same.
Yeah, it does.
And the thing for me, like what I the, the more time I spend in this space, the more I realize that there’s so much conflicting information and so much confusion around the act of eating and metabolic health that people add a virtue to it.
22:44
And it’s like, at the root of this, right?
What we’re talking about is someone who’s trying to focus their focus on their blood sugars having options that actually support their health outcomes.
And yet when we give folks options, then people are damning them for actually using the options.
23:04
And I’m like, right, you’re just like, wait a second.
So now we’re blaming people for taking advantage of what has been created as a support system.
Yeah, say it louder for the people in the back.
23:24
I mean, I was about to go somewhere else, but then I was like, you know what, let’s stay on track, Let’s stay on track.
I think it’s, I’m just glad you said it because again, the moral virtue with the choices, I think at the end of the day, we have options and that’s a beautiful thing.
23:42
And of course, like access is also like you mentioned a consideration.
And so maybe some people do have less options and we need to support whatever people pick is the best option given their circumstance, their preferences, all of those things.
Right.
I agree.
23:58
And the other thing too, Jess, I have to give a plug to is, as I said before, I think it’s really important in this conversation to be super clear that we are not centering weight or dieting like I said it, But like I want to say it again, because often times, especially with these options, the low and no calorie sweeteners, people put that into the diet food category.
24:22
And then especially when we’re talking about things like reducing blood sugars, people think dieting, and I want to be clear, we’re talking about modifying a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other metabolic dysfunction.
24:39
This is what the conversation is, right?
So we’re talking about how can we use tools that are available to us and our patients for actually improving our health outcomes.
That’s the conversation, yeah.
Yep, something that comes up a lot for people that have diabetes is should I have less of the sugary drinks or should I do the diet alternative and have more, especially for people that have uncontrolled diabetes?
25:07
Because I think the, you know, the diet drinks and the non nutritious sweeteners, they can be very helpful for someone who has an A1 CI don’t know of like 10% where they, you know, are really trying to be mindful of how much added sugar they’re taking in.
And then it’s like, well, should I maybe just have 4 ounces of juice or should I go with like the 20 oz diet drink?
25:32
What are your thoughts on that?
Is there room for both?
Is it just like whatever you prefer to do or what would you recommend?
So that’s interesting.
So this is where I say really we’re going to personalize.
But if I were to give like a general, I would say this for the person that wants to have the regular soda and they’re like, no, I’m having the regular soda and there’s not a conversation.
25:54
Then I start to say, well, how much can we modify the quantity that you’re having, right?
And, and can we back it up to a meal, right?
So I’m like, can we modify the quantity and can we back it up to a meal because it’s a liquid carbohydrate?
And I’m thinking about like, as dietitians and clinicians, our job is to take care of our patients, right?
26:15
And so I’m the steward of the insides and I’m like, oh boy, how can I help your insides?
And so I’m like, could you back it up to a meal?
If you can, then I’m like, that’s fantastic.
And if you can modify the quantity, it’s less of a dump going in.
So that’s one conversation that I’ll have.
26:33
And then for folks who are like, oh, I love my diet soda or I love my 0 sodas and I’m like, OK, that’s also fine.
My question is, how do you feel after you’ve had it?
Is it satisfying?
26:48
Does it elicit the desire for something else sweet?
Is it displacing your intake of water or other sparkling things or tea that is hydrating?
Is it actually blunting your appetite?
27:05
And especially for folks who are working on having level blood sugars, I actually want you to eat.
I mean, I want everyone to eat, let’s be clear.
But I definitely want you to not meal skip.
And so if it’s displacing your desire or blunting your appetite for food, then it’s a conversation that I want to have.
27:23
And the truth is, if I’m thinking about people’s gut microbiome, I want to look at it in the context of your whole pattern of eating, right?
Like what are you having with it?
And like, what are you rounding out that eating pattern with?
27:40
The truth is, like, I don’t actually have issue with like most foods, the things that I don’t want people to eat are like spoiled foods, things that they’re, you know, allergic to, things that are toxic.
Like that’s where I’m like, I start to be like, hey, hey, slow down.
But I think it’s all a conversation because at the end of the day, we know people engage in behaviors that they can replicate.
28:02
And if they can’t replicate the behavior, it’s not going to do it.
Yeah, great advice.
I couldn’t stop thinking, girl, you look good when you backed that carb up.
I’m like, is that a new slogan?
28:22
What does it mean, though?
Like to like back it up?
You were saying like back it up with me.
I’m like, I don’t know.
I don’t know what that means.
So yeah, can you?
Explain what you mean.
You want to stand up and just like back it up, back it up.
So what I mean is do your best.
28:43
Try not to have that like regular soda as a stand alone.
So exactly.
So like I like folks to, I’m a huge like visual person.
I say the craziest things to my patients in session and they’re always like, oh, but that’s stuck.
29:01
And I’m like, yeah, So you know, it’s like folks have heard this on this pod before.
But when you have that liquid carbohydrate there, it’s just a rush in, right?
But when the liquid carbohydrate is consumed with a meal, it enters slower, right?
29:17
And also there’s some question about whether or not it’s before, in middle or after, you know, how far after.
But my desire for anybody is to have the slowest absorption possible for that individual of whatever carbohydrates are headed into their bloodstream.
29:34
Yeah.
What are your thoughts on monk fruit?
And I ’cause I’m seeing that is, you know, an ingredient, a sweetener that’s in a lot of things.
I think it’s even in my protein powder.
And how does that compare to the other types of sweeteners?
So.
29:51
It’s really funny.
I was like, should I tell the truth?
Should I, should I be like honest?
So there’s the bee and then there’s like what I say to people first, I’ll give you like the nice answer, right.
So monk fruit is actually it’s a plant and it’s also like you said, it’s one of the low no calorie sweeteners.
30:10
What the research says in terms of blood sugars is that in general, there’s minimal impact.
So meaning that people are not going to get a blood sugar spike.
It’s not as refined as stevia, quote UN quote.
For me, the biggest con, and I’m closing my eyes as I say this is the unpleasant after taste.
30:33
It’s super strong.
I can’t tolerate it, remember, but remember, I don’t like these this class of options for myself.
However, for some people, they don’t mind it.
You know, I can taste it when I have a protein powder that has monk fruit in it.
30:49
I’m like, I’m like, give me the original unsweetened, please.
And then I’m going to do whatever I want to do to it in comparison or relation to stevia.
For example, is FDA has not approved the entire leaf of stevia as a food additive, only the specific refined products.
31:10
And monk fruit, as I said is not as refined as stevia.
So that’s one thing.
It can be substituted in the same way for sugar and it’s pretty stable when baking.
It goes, I mean, when it’s in liquid form, it mixes well.
31:27
The key is going to be getting the ratio correct.
And I remember once baking, it was actually, it was like, Oh my gosh, it was after you all did your first cookbook.
And I was working on my Southern Comfort food diabetes cookbook.
31:44
And I was trying to make all of these recipes with these low and no calorie sweeteners.
And I had to use minuscule amounts, like really minuscule amounts.
And I had to be so careful, especially with some of the ones that didn’t really absorb in the GI tract because you know what happens?
32:06
There’s a little GI distress.
And of course, I was testing everything.
And I was like, oh, this is like, really?
It’s good information because I was like, oh, my stomach hurts after eating whatever.
OK, that was definitely too much.
Or this taste is off.
And so that’s kind of my experience with monk fruit.
32:25
Yeah, OK.
And you mentioned how much you’re putting in.
And that’s a great point because what I’ve seen, like for my mom, for example, she uses Splenda and she’s like, oh, I’m going to use these, you know, 4 packets of Splenda because usually I use 4 packets of sugar.
32:42
And I’m like, well, isn’t this like way sweeter than regular sugar?
So when people think about the conversions generally, should they be using a lot less because it is a lot sweeter?
And how much should they be consuming?
32:59
Is there where you know a limit?
Where if you go over that, you might get some GI distress or other unpleasant side effects.
Yeah.
So this is where I say you know yourself best, like 100% because I believe it’s 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight was the ADI for aspartame.
33:20
So 40 grams per milligram of body weight is like the the intake for aspartame.
That means like you can actually consume quite a bit.
However, I will say for people that have a sensitive gut, they can’t even touch that upper limit.
33:39
This is where you have to listen to you because as I said, when I was cooking with some of those ingredients, I found that even at like, you know, a cup in a whole cake or something was giving me a reaction.
And I don’t consider myself to have a sensitive GI system.
33:59
What I would say to folks who are looking to use those low and no calorie sweeteners regularly is to think about their taste buds, right?
Just like you said, Wendy, if your mom is like putting like I don’t know how much she’s using, but if she feels like, wow, it’s so sweet.
34:19
And then actual things that have table sugar don’t add up.
That’s kind of like a retrain on your perception.
And so I would say like tread lightly.
Again, my bias is coming out ’cause I’m not a lover of sweets.
34:36
So I’m like teaspoon’s fine.
I have a teaspoon.
But people some there’s someone out there that might be like, you know what, I prefer to have a little bit more, but I think that this is also an opportunity for people, whatever they’re purchasing to actually read the nutrition facts panel.
34:54
And I know that this is something that we say as clinicians all the time and folks are like you and your read the panel.
I don’t want to do it, but you know, because we’re always out read the nutrition facts panel.
They’re like, girl, I’m not doing that.
However, there will be a serving size on it, and there’s usually a little recommendation saying like.
35:16
If you’re using this in place of this, you don’t need any more than XML, so follow the package instructions.
Yeah, super helpful.
Yeah, very.
Helpful.
Well, this was a great conversation.
I feel like I learned so much, and I’m sure our audience members did too.
35:36
For people who want to learn more about you, find you online, follow you, and even work with you and your team members, where can they find you?
So I would say to folks, when they’re not working with you all and your team members, they could come to us.
You both know that I’m like, when we all win, we’re all winning.
35:56
So here we go.
But for folks who are interested in learning more about me, they can follow me across social at Maya Feller Rd.
If they want to dive into the cookbook Eating from our Roots, they can get that cookbook everywhere that books are sold, and they could also head to my website if they want to work with one of the dietitians on the team.
36:18
We are accepting new patients.
And then what about your podcast?
Oh yes, Oh my goodness, if you want to, I know y’all.
So yeah, if you want to hear me weekly in your ear with my amazing Co host, Doctor Kavita Patel, we break down all sorts of things across Wellness and we go hard, we dive in and we are having conversations with some of the folks that like might be considered across the aisle because we want to know.
36:53
And we’re like, well, how does this work when we’re thinking about accessibility and inclusivity?
Like how does this work?
So you could head over to anywhere that you listen to your podcast and you can find us on well now.
OK, can’t wait.
Alright, thank you so much, Maya.
37:10
Thank you both for having me, I could talk to you forever and I hope we get to do this again.
Thanks for joining us for today’s episode.
If you’re interested in nutrition counseling with one of our expert dietitians to help improve your pre diabetes or diabetes, visit us at diabetesdigital.co.
37:30
Also, if you found our conversation helpful, do us a favor and rate and review this podcast on iTunes plus share with someone who might find this helpful.
You can also connect with us on Instagram at Diabetes Digital Co.
And TuneIn every Wednesday for practical, inclusive and culturally humble diabetes insights.
37:50
We’ll catch you later.
Bye.
Artificial sweeteners offer people managing diabetes a valuable alternative to sugar, allowing them to savor sweetness without impacting their blood glucose levels. While generally safe, you need to stay informed and tailor their use to your specific needs. By understanding their different types, their effects on health, and how to use them correctly, you can confidently make choices that support your well-being!
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