What’s up with Splenda? (Also Called Sucralose)
During one of my New Creations Ministry seminars years ago, I was asked a question regarding a new product that hit the shelves called Splenda. Introduced in 1998, I didn’t know enough about it at the time. I told her I would address her question after I researched it further. What I found was shocking.
The company takes a molecule of sugar – then they can profess that it “came from sugar so it tastes like sugar!” (It doesn’t to me.) They infuse the sugar molecule with 3 molecules of chlorine, yes that chlorine, the chlorine you find in swimming pools. Chlorine has been known to calcify the kidneys and cause liver damage, and brain reactions. It is a toxin. Any animal, including humans, that routinely ingests chlorine is at risk for cancer.
Our body is a bunch of chemicals and food is a bunch of chemicals. Have you ever seen a chemistry lab or a movie where students place different chemicals into a vial, then watch as it bubbles up and perhaps explodes?
If we place too many chemicals in our body, we have a tendency to explode too; either mentally, emotionally, physically, or possibly all three. Chemistry changes personalities. For example, if I could invent an “anti-vitamin” blocking Niacin B3 (a feel-good vitamin) from entering your system, you would actually go crazy. Maintaining chemical balance is that important!
Splenda’s jingly TV commercial used to tout the phrase, “Made from sugar so it tastes like sugar.” That at the time, was a half-truth. (Who also used half-truths to manipulate others? Right, Satan.
Many purchase this product believing it is calorie-free too. At one weekend corporate function, I picked up a large packet of Splenda and read the label: “1/2 teaspoon serving = 10 calories.” Wait a second, that certainly isn’t calorie-free! Sugar contains only 16 calories per teaspoon, so this item had more calories per teaspoon than sugar! (I know you use less Splenda than sugar, but I wouldn’t want less arsenic or fentanyl going through my veins either.)
I discovered similar articles, but this clarification from a 2019 Runner’s World article, written by a nutrition editor explained it well: “Sucralose’s branded version, Splenda, contains 4 calories and 1 gram of carbs per packet. It is advertised as a “no-calorie” sweetener because it meets the FDA standards for no-calorie foods, which is less than 5 calories per serving.”
What’s the point? Why the misconception? Was this simply another example of the almighty corporate dollar leading people astray like sheep? People need to take responsibility for their own health and research!
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” (2 Timothy 4:3)
I scrutinized this product further: Before it was released to the public, only 2 studies on Splenda were completed. Of these, only 36 volunteers participated and of those, merely 23 were given Splenda, (Sucralose.) The longest trial lasted 4 days and only looked at tooth decay, not human tolerance. Amazing!
Even if a world-renowned preacher declared something was Biblically true, but it didn’t sound spiritually correct, I would urge you to research to confirm. Personally, I could only find three positive pamphlets or websites back then and those were ads. Today, there are over 139,000 articles with nearly all still cautious about consumption.
Splenda has been shown to produce migraine headaches, panic attacks, muscle aches (fibromyalgia, perhaps?), skin rashes, dizziness, and stomach pain. I know this as a FACT because it happened to me. I personally experienced heart palpitations, weakness, muscle aches, and a piercing headache, when I, on two occasions, unknowingly was given a drink containing Splenda.
This chemical also atrophies the lymph glands, decreases red blood cells, upsets the gut microbiome, and causes diarrhea, just to name some additional side effects. Lovely. Sucralose studies have shown it can harm our helpful bacteria. Splenda can disrupt the production of good bacteria in your gut, allowing bad bacteria to proliferate. As a result, Splenda can create an inflammatory gut causing the lining to worsen into possible heartburn, bloating, chronic colitis, Chron’s disease, gastritis, or even cancers.
A Two-Edged Sword:
Splenda has been shown to elevate both blood sugar and insulin levels. Ingesting artificial sweeteners results in the release of insulin from the pancreas. Due to its sweet taste, the pancreas mistakes sucralose for glucose. This increases the levels of insulin in blood eventually leading to decreased receptor activity due to insulin resistance. This additionally increases your hunger cravings and thus depletes the purpose.
What Does This Mean to Diabetics?
When I worked for doctors, I specialized in diabetic patients. I was constantly reviewing the most current research on the disease. The claim thirty years ago professed, “Absolutely no sugar for diabetics!” Then the newest reports came out from the ADA regarding diabetes. It stated that contrary to previous thinking, it was actually fat, not sugar, that created more havoc for a patient’s blood sugar.
Now bear in mind that doesn’t give one license to eat more sugar! Diabetics need to develop restraint, create an exercise routine, and regulate what they eat daily. This keeps blood sugar at an even level. Routine eating times, fibrous foods, and daily exercise are the diabetic’s best friends.
What about aspartame and saccharin? (also artificial sugars)
Aspartame and saccharin-based sweeteners share some of the same fillers. Fillers like maltodextrin, glucose lactose, erythritol, xylitol, and tagatose help mellow their intense sweetness and add a few calories. (Splenda does not contain aspartame.) These elevated both blood sugar and insulin levels as well.
On the other hand, Stevia is a plant-based sweetener. It will not raise blood sugar and is safe for diabetics.
Wellness is more important than weight loss and those using Splenda to lose weight risk their health. Little by little, evidence is mounting regarding Splenda’s side effects. It’s kind of like the frog in the frying pan who doesn’t know until it’s too late that he is cooked.
Studies on the long-term effects of sucralose have shown a shrinking of the thymus glands, kidney challenges, and enlargement of the liver. And yet people swear by Splenda and won’t give it up! That’s why I believe that Splenda is an addictive product. Addictions create trigger reactions in the human brain. People can become addicted to artificially sugared drinks, just look at sugar-free colas, for example.
Bottom line:
Sugar was made by God, and Splenda by man. God doesn’t make mistakes, man does. Sugar floods us with pleasure by stimulating the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and other mood-elevating substances. I urge you to use real sugar, just use less of it.
I enjoy flavored carbonated seltzer water without artificial sugar additives: Polar, Vie, Bubly, LaCroix, Poland Spring, or a similar store brand, with a slice of lemon, lime, or splash of juice.
We live under grace and can pretty much consume what we desire. It’s your choice, please choose health. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Written by Ellie Marrandette
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Grandfather Magazine
Featured Image by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash
Comments are closed.