Scientists have conducted many studies concerning arthritis –a health condition causing inflammation and swelling of the joints and muscles.
Those studies associate the use of artificial sweeteners with inflammation and swelling of these joints.
Whether you’ve received an arthritis diagnosis or suffer from joint pain due to other conditions, it is very well possible that using these artificial sweeteners, even sparingly, may cause increased pain, inflammation and other undesirable effects.
People who suffer from any type of joint pain are advised to greatly reduce the use of sugar in their diet.
In order not to deplete sugar from the diet in entirety, many people reach for artificial sweeteners instead.
However, these sweeteners may post just as much hazard to your pain and inflammation.
Over the past several years there has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the use of these artificial sweeteners and their actual safeness.
In this article we will take a look at joint pain and the use of these artificial sweeteners, helping you uncover the truth of the matter so not to cause yourself any added stress or hardship.
What’s the Danger?
Artificial sweeteners are used by those who are unable to consumer sugar for one reason or another.
There is one specific ingredients found in artificial sweeteners that causes the added pain to your joints, as well as the other potential problems that come along with its use.
That ingredient is aspartame, and it is found in almost all of the most popular sweeteners on the market. This includes Sweet n’ Low and Equal brands of artificial sweeteners.
Aspartame has made its way into more than 4,000 different products sitting on store shelves today.
Not without controversy, however, since many studies also conclude that the use of this particular sweetener may cause a number of health conditions and woes.
As a neurotoxin, aspartame reacts in the brain. Detected as a foreign object, the immune system immediately begins attacking aspartame.
In turn this cause inflammation which may also cause severe pain, especially for individuals with arthritis.
An allergic reaction to the aspartame is also possible. Such a reaction is definitely going to cause you to feel the pain within the joints. Although not every individual who consumes aspartame will have an allergic reaction, it is definitely a possibility and a worry for many.
Are there any other Concerns?
While joint pain is a common consequence of aspartame use, there are many others that greatly affect your health. This includes:
- Headaches
- Cancer
- Depression
- Birth defects when used by pregnant women
- Lyme Disease
- Panic disorders
- Lupus
Because of the increased pain and inflammation caused with the use of artificial sweeteners, as well as the additional risks to your health, it is best to avoid them all together.
In addition to these health risks, the use of artificial sweeteners may cause an array of symptoms and concerns.
These health risks and symptoms affect each individual differently. Some people experience only one mild symptom while others experience one or more symptoms that are quite severe.
Some of the symptoms associated with the use of artificial sweeteners include:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Depression
- Changes in your personality
- Chest pain
- Migraines
- Asthma
- Itching
- Problems controlling blood sugar
- Irritability
- Panic attacks
These are just some of the many potential side effects and symptoms that you might experience when using artificial sweeteners on a regular basis.
Again, no one knows beforehand how artificial sweeteners are going to affect them, but there is a good chance that there will be at least one or two risks if you regularly use the product.
So all Sugar is Off-Limits?
If you’re like most people, you delight in enjoying a special dessert or treat at least every now and again.
If you suffer from joint pain or arthritis, enjoying these indulgent treats doesn’t come easy, since sugar and aspartame are both recommended to avoid.
This doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy these sweet treats – you simply must choose your ingredients wisely.
Sucralose and Stevia are two FDA- approved sugar-substitutes that you might be able to use without worry of the increased joint pain.
It is a good idea to use them minimally until you learn their actual effects on you.
Either of these ingredients can be purchased at your local supermarket and used in a variety of foods and drinks. Why not use them to make a delicious fruit tea or a pound cake?
Enjoy the Right Sweetness
It takes time and effort to find treats that you can make using artificial sweeteners that won’t cause any pain or inflammation in your joints, but it is possible.
Use the Internet to help find recipes and other helpful information concerning artificial sweeteners and joint pain.
Keep in mind that you should limit consumption of any type of sugar or artificial sweetener just to be on the safe side.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor about the types of sweeteners and how often you can use them.
Doc knows best, after all, and you are likely to learn information that you didn’t know before –all from a trusted expert.
Final Thoughts
If you suffer from joint pain or arthritis, it is best to avoid using sugar. But do not wrongly assume that all artificial sweeteners are safe for you to use.
In fact, many of them may actually cause symptoms to worsen or cause additional health concerns.
If you want to use sweeteners without causing any added pain or stress to your life, choose them carefully. Do your research. Talk to your doctor.
Knowledge is power and you can certainly learn how to change your lifestyle without a drastic outcome that limits your activities.
Aspartame may not be good for you to use, but there are sweeteners that you can use.
Resources:
https://healthiertalk.com/could-your-artificial-sweetener-be-causing-muscle-pain-4393/
http://www.livingwithrheumatoidarthritis.com/Chemical-Sweeteners.html