Why You Should Avoid Artificial Sugars

These processed sweeteners are believed to increase cancer risk because they cause an imbalance in how gut bacteria metabolize the artificial sugar. The bacteria that live in the intestine convert food into energy, breaking down fiber into short-chain fatty acids that can be used by cells lining the colon. When you eat something that contains artificial sugars, the bacteria quickly metabolize it and increase the amount of short-chain fatty acids in the gut. This means there is less for cells lining the colon to use and can lead to DNA damage and an increased risk of cancer.

Headaches/Migraines

Artificial sugars are also believed to increase the risk of headaches and migraines because they contain phenylamine. Phenylamine is a type of amino acid that is naturally produced in small amounts in the body but can cause problems in larger amounts because it raises blood pressure which can lead to an increased likelihood of headaches. Some artificial sugars are made from amino acids that are artificially synthesized in a laboratory, affecting blood pressure levels and leading to the same issues.