Scientists have known for some time that there's an association between diet drink consumption and obesity, but they weren't sure why. Association doesn't necessarily imply causation; this is why we need randomized, controlled trials. Now they think they've found a possible mechanism, making the association a potential causal relationship.
The key finding was published in Nature - one of the most internationally-recognized journals.
..... Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota
Scientists fed one set of mice a diet high in artificial sweeteners. They noted the change in glucose metabolism. They then took the bacteria from the gut of the artificial sweetener mice, and put them in virgin guts of another group if mice. They were able to reproduce the altered glucose metabolism just by implanting the bacteria. Treat the "infected" mice with antibiotics, and the problem is removed.
Obesity is a stubborn problem in Western cultures, and sugar alternatives don't seem to be helping people avoid the path of obesity to metabolic syndrome to Type II diabetes. Something other than a lack of exercise and good eating is coming into play. And now we think that those artificial sweeteners (e.g. aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin) may be part of the problem.
As a lover of Diet Mountain Dew, I am heartbroken. I don't have a weight problem and genetically I'm not at risk for Type II diabetes. But there's no point tempting fate. It looks like change may be in order.
What to do? Here are some suggestions.
- Less diet soda; more UNSWEETENED coffee and tea.
..... - Get your sweet from fruits and vegetables.
..... - Always have protein whenever you have something sweet. See glycemic index.
..... - As always, avoid processed food. Shop on the outsides of the grocery store, and spend very little on the center aisles. Avoid sugar, brown sugar, "natural cane extract", high fructose corn syrup, and any of the litany of artificial sweeteners (mentioned above).
..... - Consider including probiotics in your diet. Our gut need bacteria, and we want some good guys down there. The more good guys in the neighborhood, the less chance that bad guys can make mischief. At least that is *my* theory. I think there's something to it. To be continued...