Gut Health: part 2
“All disease begins in the gut” Hippocrates of Kos, the father of modern medicine
Your gut is an amazing place. It contains millions of neutrons – as many as you would find in the brain of a cat – and is home to the microbiome, 50 trillion of them, and at least 1000 different species, influencing your mood, weight and immune system.
Evidence is mounting that drinking zero-calorie drinks laden with artificial sweeteners upsets the natural balance of the gut, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of obesity, due to the impact they have on the biome, the home to the microbiome. Some of the gut bacteria react to the sweeteners by secreting chemicals that provoke an inflammatory response, which in turn encourages obesity and diabetes.
Far better to steer clear of artificial sweeteners altogether. Instead stick to naturally flavoured water, infused with a few slices of cucumber, slices of lemon or mint. Just as refreshing and no harmful side effects.
