Paul Mason 6: Artificial sweeteners: lots of problems with them all

interviewed by Mariela Glandt

Artificial sweeteners (polyols and sugar alcohols)
are the "P" in FODMAPs..
associated with irritable bowel syndrome

FODMAP:
fermentable oligosaccharides,
disaccharides, monosaccharides & polyols:
short chain carbohydrates that the small intestine
absorbs poorly

Can cause cramping, diarrhea, constipation,
bloating, & gas
-gives sweet taste on the tongue, but
-is non-caloric, so
-doesn't get absorbed by body,
-passed down to intestines
-bacteria ferment it...
-causes gas

withdraws fluid, so end up with:
-bloating &
-diarrhea

foods label: "may have laxative effect"

if having gastrointestinal issues?
stay away from artificial sweeteners

if ends in "ol"
sorbitol; xylitol; manitol

Stevia?

Other problem with artificial sweeteners is
addictive eating behaviors...
they stimulate the mesolimbic pathway:
this rewards us with dopamine-release
-makes us want to repeat that action

makes stopping an eating habit harder!