TOXIC ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS 101: They’re everywhere so avoid them like the plague
By sdwells // 2025-09-11
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Got anxiety? It’s probably the genetically mutated artificial sweetener in your “diet” food and beverage junk science stuff. Did you know aspartame is made from the waste of E. coli and contains venom peptides from wasps? That’s why it attacks the central nervous system and affects brain health. Time to read up all about it right now. Artificial sweeteners have long been marketed as a “healthier” alternative to sugar — a way to enjoy sweetness without the calories, cavities, or blood sugar spikes. They’re found in diet sodas, protein bars, sugar-free yogurts, and countless other products. Yet new research suggests these substitutes may not be the safe solution they were promised to be. Instead, they may accelerate brain aging and contribute to cognitive decline, raising fresh concerns about their widespread use.
  • A major study in Neurology found that adults under 60 who consumed high amounts of artificial sweeteners — especially aspartame, saccharin, and erythritol — experienced a 62% faster decline in memory and thinking skills, equal to 1.6 years of accelerated brain aging.
  • The risk was strongest among people with diabetes, raising concerns since this group is often encouraged to use artificial sweeteners as sugar substitutes.
  • Beyond brain health, artificial sweeteners have also been linked to metabolic disruption, gut microbiome imbalances, insulin resistance, stroke risk, migraines, and mood changes.
  • Experts recommend safer natural alternatives such as raw honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia, monk fruit, and whole-food swaps like dates or applesauce to reduce risks while satisfying sweetness needs.

Popular Sugar Substitutes Linked to Faster Brain Aging

For decades, government regulators and industry advocates have promoted sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and erythritol as safe. But independent research has repeatedly flagged potential risks, linking these additives to metabolic disruption, gut microbiome imbalances, and even cardiovascular issues. The latest study, published in Neurology, builds on this evidence by directly associating artificial sweetener use with faster memory decline and greater risk of dementia. The findings come from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health, which tracked 12,772 adults aged 35 and older for about eight years. Participants completed detailed food frequency questionnaires covering their intake of seven common sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose. Cognitive performance was assessed using six tests measuring memory, verbal fluency, and overall brain function. Key Findings
  • Adults under 60 who consumed the most artificial sweeteners — averaging 191 milligrams daily — experienced a 62% faster decline in memory and thinking skills compared to low or non-users.
  • This translated into 1.6 years of accelerated brain aging during the study period.
  • The association was especially strong in people with diabetes, the very group most encouraged to use sugar substitutes.
  • All sweeteners except tagatose were linked to cognitive decline.
  • No significant effects were seen in adults over 60.
Lead researcher Dr. Claudia Suemoto of the University of São Paulo emphasized that while the study cannot definitively prove causation, the consistency and scale of the findings make them difficult to dismiss.

Broader Health Concerns

The cognitive risks add to a growing list of potential harms linked to artificial sweeteners. Studies have connected them to:
  • Metabolic disruption, increasing appetite and risk of obesity despite being calorie-free.
  • Gut microbiome disturbances, which may fuel inflammation.
  • Insulin resistance, undermining blood sugar control.
  • Stroke and heart attack risk, particularly with daily diet soda intake.
  • Neurological symptoms such as migraines and mood disturbances, especially with aspartame.
Taken together, these findings challenge the notion that artificial sweeteners are a harmless replacement for sugar. Fortunately, safer options exist. Natural sweeteners such as raw honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia, and monk fruit can provide sweetness without the same documented risks. Whole foods like dates, applesauce, or bananas also add natural sweetness while delivering nutrients and fiber. Moderation remains key, but shifting toward unprocessed, natural options may better protect long-term health.

Protecting Brain Health

Experts recommend supporting the body’s detoxification systems, reducing reliance on chemical additives, and focusing on nutrient-rich foods to safeguard brain function. While research continues, the evidence is mounting: artificial sweeteners may trade short-term calorie savings for long-term cognitive costs, making it crucial for consumers to rethink how they satisfy their sweet tooth. Tune your food news frequency to FoodSupply.news and get updates on more junk science food stuff, including toxic artificial sweeteners, that corporate America loads the grocery store shelves with to drive up chronic diseases and disorders so Big Pharma can take your money. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com NaturalHealth365.com Neurology.org      
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