Stevia is disrupting your gut

Paul shares a study exemplifying the way that Stevia disrupts the gut microbiome to make the case against “natural” artificial sweeteners.

[FeonaLeeJones]

The fact that the government says Lucky Charms are healthier than ground beef says everything

[leah__gail]

If the government says “Safe for human consumption.” Do NOT consume it.

[NavaBromberger]

Stevia is how I was able to cut added sugars from my diet leading to real sustained weight loss for the first time in my life. Even if does have an effect on my gut, it's better than all that added sugar. I think sometimes it's better to just make the best choice you can instead of trying to be perfect. Also, I use the liquid drop kind that has no other ingredients in it.

[jordanesquetyson]

When people first talked about being carnivore negatively affecting the microbiome, Paul would argue we know next to nothing about the microbiome and importance of gut biodiversity, but know, with stevia, its such a big problem.

[SLnCe]

Stevia is a plant. You can have it pure (in powder form). It's weird that you didn't mention that.

[nathangarnham]

Stevia was the secret to my weight loss and gives me enjoyment in my food.

[ArtOfHealth]

Since 2000, I have been using Stevia. Originally, I was buying the green leaf stevia plant 25 lbs, and using 1 tblsp in 1/2 gallon of Jasmine Green Tea in a 1lb can from China. Finally, after many years, I started using the white pure extract from Now Foods and supplements. I use less than 1/4 tspn of powder per 1/2 gallon of green tea or coffee. My bowels have not changed. My blood sugar does not spike. I am not bloated. I am not fat. I am 126 at 5’8” and 68 yrs of age. I feel great. If I ever have sugar in something, I feel tooth pain. Our microbiota are altered on a meat only diet. I get bloated on fruit of all sorts. Honey gives me tooth aches plus my head feels weird like a sugar high, so, no honey. News is now telling people that highly processed foods cause cancer. They might be full of beans, but I swim in the springs three days a week and I see bodies of all shapes and sizes. Yes I ask them what they eat all day sometimes. I appreciate their openness. Yes I eat red meat of all sorts, cod, tilapia, salmon, sardines, shrimp, occasionally pork and chicken. Some vegees. Rarely fruit.

[nodivisions]

Why can't you just be honest? You can say "Stevia is disrupting your gut" without adding the false claim that stevia is artificial.

[marcuswilliams]

I use stevia/monkfruit to sweeten my green tea without effecting my blood sugar, in addition to being better for me than artificial sweeteners. BTW, for males with high iron levels, green tea after a meal binds with iron, reducing its absorption.

[Zoeebella]

What about studies on just stevia and not mixed with other ingredients? I have stevia n my garden and use it in tea as a whole leaf form? I also grind it up in my vitamix and put it in my coffee.

[tanyasydney]

Monk fruit and allulose are the best sweeteners to use, if you must use any. Although a bit of stevia or xylitol are really not bad. I've used all of these for years and do just fine with them. Do what works for you.

[lukeweaver]

Stevia isn't artificial. It's a plant. While the extracts are processed, Stevia can be used right out of the garden like any herb and has great benefits like many other healthy herbs.

[MarmaladeINFP]

I generally agree it's best to avoid sweeteners. But I doubt stevia is a fraction as bad as eating tons of fruit and honey. I think you are entirely wrong on that aspect. Even the Hadza's example, upon which you base your sugar consumption, only get fruit and honey for a short 2-3 month season. Most of the year Hadza eat very little, if any sugar, at all. So, maybe avoid stevia, but for damn sure avoid massive amounts of fruit and honey.

[rockashelle]

Another important factor, your gut... is your second brain. It has a direct connection to your brain.

[bobo-sikw]

I tried the white stevia that I found to be too sweet which made me suspicious of the product, I now use the green Stevia which is not sweet.

[SC-fxrt]

Stevia isn’t artificial but obviously I have no idea the effect it has on humans. I definitely think it’s better then most sweeteners. You need to enjoy things a little. I have zevias on the weekend

[Sironil]

The one time it might be benificial is during a bacterial GI infection. Phathogens use quorum sensing to turn on virulence genes.

[rcnhlw]

Appreciate your work doc but not everyone can tolerate carbs like you can. Why the blanket dietary prescriptions?

[eyeteyteras]

bro every food disrupts gut microbes 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[reginafarias]

I hate substitutes. I will eat or not eat something, but I will never use a substitute.