interesting post in GD ... Thanks to Yollam

[auntAgonist]

More on how artificial sweeteners help CAUSE obesity

There have already been a number of stories how these addictive "excitotoxins" fool the brain into expecting a sugar rush that never comes, prompting a rush of insulin into the blood that makes people crave more carbs.

Now there is evidence that they cause the stomach to empty sooner, which presumably could lead to more cravings for between-meal snacks.

I quit drinking diet soda last December and have lost 75 lbs. It's the best thing I've done since quitting smoking. I put real sugar in my coffee, but I eat in moderation and am not going crazy from craving sweets like before.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1270570&mesg_id=1270570

[supernova]

1. I've wondered about artificial sweetners

since I started Atkins back in the summer of 02. I couldn't believe how much fuller I felt on the food I was eating, without it being "sweet."

[lavenderdiva]

2. Thanks for sharing this, auntAgonist!

I too, saw this over in GD, but am glad you thought to post it here. I try to only intake Splenda. I am wondering if this has the same effect, since it is derived from sugar? I think the article states that there is something in stevia that also has the same effect, and I know that's a natural sweetener.

[auntAgonist]

3. I don't know much if anything about

artificial sweeteners other than my Dr has told me to avoid them at all costs. He's never really said 'why' just that they aren't good for you. I'm going to try to research a little more and ask him some pointed questions when I see him next time.

aA

[realisticphish]

4. i've heard that before

i've pretty much stopped drinking pop, excpet when there's nothing else. Usually, it's water with lemon, or juice

[Longhorn]

5. I quit drinking diet soda this week. Thanks!

I've been drinking diet soda my entire adult like -- a good 30 years -- and then wonder why I have so much trouble maintaining, let alone losing. I figure this is one change I can make without little suffering. I've been drinking water and Propel instead.

[lavenderdiva]

6. are you going through any withdrawal of any sort?

I have several different types of diet sodas in my pantry, and I like to use them as a treat in the afternoons.

[Longhorn]

7. Not at all.

I am amazed, too, because I thought I'd at least have a headache from lack of caffeine. I've still had one a day (until today) and the one I had yesterday didn't even taste good -- it felt like acid in my throat.

If I'm understanding the problem correctly, it seems like having a diet soda with food might not be a problem because you're giving your body what's expected -- that it's the empty calories between meals that cause the cravings? :shrug:

[Systematic Chaos]

8. No soda for me for a week now.

And it really does make a huge difference. Plus, I've switched to a drink that has an alkalizing effect rather than soda which has a pH low enough to dissolve nails. :)

[Longhorn]

9. I've been off soda for about two weeks now.

I never thought about how drinking diet soda could be the reason I can't grow decent nails!

I really do believe that my cravings are reduced in between meals. And I'm amazed at how I don't miss the soda! I'm drinking Propel Calcium (20 calories per bottle and no artificial sweetener) for now and occasionally water.