WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION advises to STOP USING SWEETENERS - Dr. Westman reacts

[@tracyandrirs8863]

After everything we've been through in the last few years why in the world would anyone believe what any government entity tells us to believe?

[@bahba9247]

Exactly!

[@sarahkirbach5040]

Exactly

[@BobbiDoll]

I make it a point now to not listen to any government anything. Since I have stopped listening I have experienced excellent health.

[@deborahelizabeth7012]

I agree with cutting out non calorie sweeteners. They aren't real food. Years ago I tried a ketogenic diet and was including sweeteners such as stevia, xylotol and erythritol. I was making delicious desserts like chocolate avocado pie, almond flour cakes and cookies, and eating keto bars and snacks. All these snacks and desserts made it hard for me to eat only when I was hungry, because I kept craving the sweet treats. This time around I cut out all sweet fruit and non calorie sweeteners. Six months later and my daughter wanted me to try her stevia sweetened soda. It tasted so sweet and horrible to me, I couldn't imagine drinking a can of it. Even peppers and tomatoes taste sweet to me now. Not using those "healthy" sweeteners has made such a difference in how much I eat during the day. I recommend to anyone struggling to lose fat to try eliminating sweet foods for a while and see what happens.

[@karenalas9247]

Good for you!!

[@laurelmartone73]

And at the same time, they want us not to eat meat or eggs.

[@masterchiefburgess]

Ironic, isn't it!

[@jamescalifornia2964]

We must eat insects and artificial "meats" to save the planet ... 🙄💨

[@CFCJesterFool]

Kinda gives the game away doesn't it.

[@matthewwilliams3827]

I can’t actually believe we live in a world where we can’t trust these organisations! They want everyone miserable and unhealthy, but still alive of course.

[@engc4953]

Corrupt organization

[@SteakmanTexas]

The sweet taste of non sugar sweeteners kept me addicted. When I stopped and ate only meat and eggs, my binge eating subsided and taste buds changed and I became free from my addiction.

[@mikafoxx2717]

Like an alcoholic that cut out alcohol free beer, in a way. At least that's how I see it. I can't have any. Not even the fake stuff.

[@SteakmanTexas]

@@mikafoxx2717 yep the same. Freedom is amazing and I feel great

[@jobrown8146]

I have noticed that using sweeteners makes other naturally non-sweet foods less tasty.

[@TerriblePerfection]

Yes, the only way to subdue a sweet tooth is to stop eating sweet things.

[@paulab984]

I'm wondering if my sugar substitutes are causing my issues with weight loss stalling.

[@Bobbi-upnorth]

I've been eating Keto, and more recently Carnivore, for over 2.5 years and lost 70 lbs. My addiction to sugar and carbs was a lifelong struggle. If I hadn't given up sugar and replaced it with Stevia, Monkfruit, and/or Allulose, I would not have succeeded. Removing sugar from my diet has given me food freedom for the first time in my life.

[@natlovell122]

Good for you! I eat 90% carnivore. Add in a little fruit and Greek yogurt as I didn’t go carnivore for weight loss but more bc I know what a superfood meat is and I wanted to live optimally mentally and physically.

[@marcjacobson757]

I went low carb to help improve my blood pressure and inflammation issues. But I was having trouble giving up sweet tastes. Instead of using processed foods I now make my own chocolate bars with unsweetened chocolate (melted), stevia, whey protein powder and either macadamia nuts or pecans. One batch makes 16 squares at 190 kcal each. They keep me off the sugar and the garbage substitutes from the store, and each has 3 to 4 g of carbohydrates.

[@thembisibanyoni940]

Please share your chocolate brownies recipe 😊

[@mrsmc2612]

Yes please share your recipe

[@mariad1151]

yes, please share. i dont think the lily's choc chips have any real chocolate in them, but adding sweetner to 100% melted choc comes out gritty

[@marcjacobson757]

340g unsweetened bakers chocolate 100g nuts, crushed 50g shredded dried coconut 1 to 1.5 tsp stevia powder 1 scoop protein powder of choice (Optional) Heaping tbsp coconut oil (helps consistency) I melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly. If using coconut oil add it early on. Add stevia when mostly melted and continue stirring. Add protein powder and stir to combine. Remove from heat and add nuts and coconut and stir to combine. It should be a bit thick but also a bit runny. Pour into a 9 inch x 9 inch pan lined with parchment paper. Spread with a spatula to get it evenly into all corners of the pan. Refrigerate uncovered until solid. Cut into 16 squares and store refrigerated in containers. Dr. Westman cautions people on nuts because they can be hard to put down, but I think in this batch it's ok. Also note each square has 8g of carbs and 4g of fiber, so if you're tracking total carbs, you might want to be careful with these. Each also has 10g saturated fat, which is mostly stearic acid from the chocolate and whatever comes in the coconut and nuts.

[@jettec9411]

​@thembisibanyoni940 yes please do

[@texdentist]

I've been following your 20g/day or less of carbs diet for three months. I've been very strict with it and have lost 33 lb. so far. I use several artificial sweeteners in my coffee, on berries, etc. I don't have a major sweet tooth, but I do enjoy a little sweet treat occasionally, and blackberries, Stevia and whipped cream do the job. The WHO is simply ignoring the health benefits of losing weight, and that low carb is the best way to do it. I won't be throwing out my artificial sweeteners.

[@patriciakeegan4228]

Stevia is a plant, and is a natural sweetener, not artificial

[@thesilverystars8888]

@@patriciakeegan4228 better not to take it

[@rubyruby1847]

I agree. Better to have a small amount of sweetener if it means you can stick to your healthy eating for the long term.

[@Dezmond_Roman]

​@@thesilverystars8888 😂

[@wandayonder9772]

Check the ingredients of your stevia - Maltodextrin 55%, Fructofibres (Inulin 34%, Oligofructose 8%), Steviol Glycosides, Thaumatin. Stevia may be a natural sweetener but it is highly processed and comes with additives. I use a tiny amount of raw sugar or Manuka honey when I crave something sweet to avoid the additives in artificial sweeteners. I'm losing good weight and staying low carb.

[@niccidee782]

My grandmother lived to 102 years old. She drank "sweet" tea by the quart(s), every day of her life; using the liquid Sweet-n-Low that came in the tall, thin glass bottle. Sweet-n-Low was/is saccharin - based I think. She started this habit in the late '60's, having joined the then new and popular Weight-Watchers. (I don't think she'd ever heard of Keto/Atkins) She was then in her mid-forties I believe. Anyway, it didn't kill her. Old age and a natural death caught up to my sweet Granny. Oh, and she died skinny too.

[@DD-ee2nv]

A lot of it can be genetics also. Those artificial sweeteners may not affect some people at all but I have a friend who got cancer from using a good amount of Splenda.

[@duketogo2616]

She lasted that long despite consuming a sweetener that causes cancer in laboratory animals when tested. The key with sweeteners I think is to avoid synthetic chemical ones. Stevia, allulose, and monk fruit are fine, sugar alcohols like erythritol are probably ok but more testing is needed on those since there are correlative studies raising questions.

[@ChaotixAsbestos]

@@DD-ee2nv how do u know it was Splenda and not other 1000 substance we eat every day? Non mentioning all other factors. Like artificial color food dye for example or pesticides leftovers in food.

[@ZsuzsaKarolySmith]

Great scientific evidence 😅

[@ad6417]

How many cases have we heard of people who lived to well over 100, disease free, who drank alcohol, smoked, and ate a high fat diet? Metabolisms vary.

[@paulapool5721]

In reversing my newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, non-nutritive sweeteners have CERTAINLY assisted me in doing so! Weight reduction is not the only goal people have.

[@LivingOnChocolatePudding]

I used stevia for all my 8 years of keto and it worked fine. Now I use Sucralose on keto. I like both. I have had no problem with having a little sweetness on keto. I use them sparingly.

[@RichardHarlos]

Sucralose has been shown in vitro to be genotoxic. Not sucralose itself, but the byproduct of our gut bacteria metabolizing it into sucralose-6-acetate. The byproduct causes your DNA to break, and increases certain genes to be expressed more than 250x their normal. These genes are associated with inflammation and cancer, as well as suppressing the liver's ability to heal itself. (Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, May 2023).

[@maddog3467]

Why would you switch to an artificial sweetner?

[@LivingOnChocolatePudding]

@@maddog3467 because I have no morals against it. And it works great.

[@maddog3467]

@@LivingOnChocolatePudding lol okay

[@sueprator9314]

@@LivingOnChocolatePudding There was some recent news about sucralose. I have had a definite reaction to it. It passes through me and burns like a chemical. I used the others in my younger years no prob. I use only STEVIA.

[@JeJe11]

Several times a week I mix a 7.5 oz diet cola with a 12 oz sparkling water for a treat ... it lessens the sweetness a bit, and helps bridge a fast. It has worked for me for 2 years. I swear, my confidence in the powers that be is waining by the minute! Who bought the WHO off this time?!

[@mungomidge1090]

I've been Keto for about 3 years, lost 80lbs in the first year and kept it off. The only sweetener I use now is Erythritol which seems the 'best' from what I can tell. I use it sparingly when I fancy something sweet and it keeps me away from sugar.

[@mariad1151]

congrats on your hardwork & accomplishments!!

[@marynamurray9385]

I've been using sweeteners in my coffee for decades and have had no medical problems. I'm a 61 yr old woman and mainly eat a carnivore diet. I also drink a drop of milk in my coffee. I don't drink any soda and have no problem with my weight.

[@CKC-gk2dh]

The only protocol that works for me to consistently see weight loss is the following: #1 Prescription strength Low Carb (20 TOTAL grams or carbs or less) Never go by "NET CARBS"!!!! #2 Cardio 30 minutes a day #3 Strength training 15 minutes a day with dumbbells #4 Absolutely no dairy or nuts (these always bloat me, stall weight loss, cause gut issues, etc) I can attest to what the doctor says. I do drink Zevia and Powerade Zero drinks regularly as I still have yet to break my sweet tooth. They don't cause any of the issues or weight loss stalls that dairy and nuts do. Thanks Dr. Westman!

[@CKC-gk2dh]

And the diet drinks keep me from completely derailing from my diet and eating cake, cookies, and other high carb junk food! So the diet drinks are your friend, not foe.

[@dana102083]

​@@CKC-gk2dh at some point you'll make a realization and your body will be feady to make that change..or willing to admit youre hooked on it and need to challenge yourself. My crutch was whipping cream. My bf is very addicted to diet pepsi, drinks multiple large bottles a day. Havent see him drink much water..diabetic and. Sugar addict too. Keto is like an onion and youll keep peeling as you go and learn. Cheers

[@Sabbathissaturday]

I’m so glad you posted this. I’ve been stalled for weeks and I’ve been eating a handful of nut’s every day! They have to stop!! 🤗

[@duketogo2616]

Stevia in Zevia is fine but sucralose in Powerade causes DNA damage. That's a cancer generator.

[@lindamac7465]

I will still use the non sugar substitutes.

[@RichardHarlos]

End of May 2023 a paper came out in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health showing that sucralose is genotoxic. The point of concern is a byproduct called sucralose-6-acetate. When mice consume this byproduct, they excrete more than they ingest. As it turns out, gut bacteria metabolize sucralose and turn it into sucralose-6-acetate. And this byproduct affects gut cells independent of our gut bacteria. It does this by damaging the endothelial layer in our gut, resulting in 'leaky gut' conditions. But beyond this pro-inflammatory result of the byproduct, the more concerning aspect of the study is this: *"The experiments conducted in this study found that sucralose-6-acetate was genotoxic, and the MoA was classified as clastogenic (induced DNA strand breaks)."* Genotoxicity isn't something that's regarded as benign. As far as standards go, take Europe as an example. They allow 0.15 micrograms of genotoxic substances per day. As it turns out, a single sucralose-sweetened beverage exceeds this amount. So for people who may feel that they're "ok" drinking multiple sodas per day because they're consuming sucralose rather than sugar, this is a non-trivial excess amount ingested per day. Add onto that any foods that also have been sweetened with sucralose, and you're far beyond what the recommendations specify as a daily maximum. *"The transcriptome from human intestinal tissue determined using RNA-seq noted that sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer. Sucralose-6-acetate also inhibited two members of the CYP450 family at low [micrometer] concentrations that might potentially interfere with metabolism of endogenous and exogenous chemicals including medications."* Granted, this is an in vitro study. It's hinting at things that need more study. But, it seems that to 'err on the side of caution' is the default, and even preferred, healthcare provider position (in the vein of 'do no harm'), rather than a simpler _'I haven't seen evidence of harm so I'm going to keep recommending it because it's better than sugar.'_ Let's not forget that the word *"BETTER"* is a "'relative'* term. It's arguably 'better' to get a baseball bat across the back than to be skinned alive, but no one is going to RECOMMEND getting hit with a baseball bat... I hope :) 'Better' may, but does not necessarily, mean 'good'. And that's a key point to keep in mind across any domain of interest or concern. Also, as many of us already realize, an 'absence of evidence' doesn't imply 'evidence of absence'. So, just because we haven't seen harm so far, that doesn't mean it's KNOWN to be safe. PRESUMED safe, perhaps, but such presumptions should be considered in the context where they're held. If I presume that the string on my cat toy is 'sufficient' to withstand my kitty's rough play style, and I'm wrong, I just need to get a better cat toy. But, if I presume that artificial sweeteners (in this case, sucarlose) is safe because I haven't seen any studies showing harm and if that turns out not to be correct... I'm putting people's well-being, or even life, at risk. Sucralose itself may not be directly implicated, but if we ingest it and metabolize it, producing a byproduct that's genotoxic... then NOT ingesting sucralose is the simplest way to avoid that particular byproduct. Any reference to sucralose itself being presumed safe is, at best, a missing of the point. If I eat chocolate, and chocolate isn't known to be harmful, but in my gut it turns into cancer, then singing the praises of chocolate because it isn't known to be a problem... is just stupid. If A is safe, but eating A causes a metabolized byproduct B that's proven harmful, then stop eating A to avoid B. I mean... it really is that simple.

[@jeffmcelroy5437]

This is a conundrum, I normally would do the exact opposite of anything the WHO recommends. I quit all sweeteners over 2 years ago. Now I kind of feel like I need to start using them again since doing the exact opposite of what they suggest has thus far be the right move for me?

[@ekondigg6751]

Even better: Just ignore the WHO

[@mpoharper]

😂

[@claviativdnwijk]

I almost died of artif sweetners!!!

[@TheSongbird62]

😂

[@TheSongbird62]

@@claviativdnwijk, explain how please

[@stevec3872]

There's no comparison to the damage done by sugar compared to artificial sweetners. We cannot let the perfect become the enemy of the good.

[@AdaptYourLife]

Well said Steve 👌

[@lilabednar6524]

AMEN BROTHER!!!!

[@duketogo2616]

Just use natural ones like Stevia & monk fruit. Avoid aspartame and sucralose/Splenda in particular.

[@stevec3872]

@@duketogo2616 I use erythritol with which Dr. Westman has no problem.

[@Sabbathissaturday]

I haven’t drank cokes in 35 years. I haven’t used real sugar in 20 years. I like a little stevia in my 1 cup of coffee each day. I eat only meat, fish, some dairy, and go for walks as soon as the sun comes up each day. I’m off all big pharma. I feel so much better. I still grow a garden all year because I love the process and exercise and I preserve what I grow, but I strictly eat animal products only at 53 years old. ❤

[@paulapool5721]

What in the world do you do with all the things you grow and preserve if you eat only meat, eggs & a little dairy?

[@paulapool5721]

If you only eat animal products, why do you garden and preserve the plants you grow? ?

[@Sopaz13]

It’s the only way for me to be consistent, because whenever I crave something sweet I do use these

[@dalialovesdoggies4361]

Indeed

[@wendydaniels759]

We should do the exact opposite of what the World health organisation tells us to do . We will all be better off

[@RichardHarlos]

No, we should do what the science confirms is good for us. Then we'll all be better off. To do the opposite of what someone says because they were wrong about other things doesn't make any sense at all. For example, I'm sure over the course of your life, you've been mistaken about many things (haven't we all?). Should we all do the opposite of what you're suggesting here because you've been wrong many times before? If we did, we'd be following your advice and, perhaps, we'd be worse off for it. Every point stands or falls on its own, not based on who it comes from. If Hitler told you to look both ways before crossing the street, that's good advice, despite his very, very bad judgment in other matters of 'safety'. Every point stands alone, and we all would be better off if we remember this simply fact.

[@davidsan9583]

​@@RichardHarlos accepted- science ( results of studies /"facts" ), by scientists, are from institutes of govern-ment(al), - same badm for bigger youtubers ( owned by google, mainly owned by blackrock /big world bank ), a big owner of sources, in most cases, of any life-topic. - so are, very corrupt sources, ( worse than many fake news pages ). very different views are on youtube too, but 1000s or millions viewers is a big difference. - example, vegan was always much smaller than meat, dairy and egg -industry, same of, support of governments for big industries. - maybe some things will change any time but, last decades with no internet, shows good enough, how life works. i add few infos. much sugar ( carbs etc ) was always with meat. and junk /processed -food contains, ( not so little ) fat, also from oil ( refined plant fat ), and milk-protein. think and care of you and your surroundings.

[@mikefarrar3363]

The same WHO that told us it's safe to eat lab grown meat

[@johannas.l.brushane2518]

@@RichardHarlos Though as for WHO there's the suspicion of their recommendations are to a degree coloured by the democratic influence of nations headed by dictators who care not much about their citizens wellbeing but prefer them to be docile and have their hands full just to be able to survive or else they might conciter to grill their leaders. Though, on this particular matter I am aware of that aspartame, and maybe some other substances, in lemonade is effective to get rid of these ants in the well drained area with the housefoundations that can be tempted to move inside during summer, so I reject these sweeteners though some might need them even at least for a transition time if a switch is needed.

[@joettaqueen-ellenwood7711]

All the WHO was doing was reporting what scientific tests discovered that were fone by outside researchers. In this instance, the WHO was only the messenger. On the other hand, the FDA has turned their nose up to the research. Also getting sucralose/Splenda through FDA approval was one of the fastest approvals on record. Now, the FDA is ignoring the research. As always, follow the money.

[@stevec3872]

My go-to keto dessert is sugar free jello blended with some heavy creme, add a spoonful of erithrytol and some chopped walnuts, top with whipped creme. Delicious.

[@markiangooley]

Trust the WHO, apparently loyal servants of the Chinese government, to give unbiased advice on your health. Sure. Of course I’m a type 1 diabetic who’s used artificial sweeteners since my diagnosis in 1970, so I’m biased too.

[@Ikn0wn0w]

I don;t trust the WHO either.... AT ALL.

[@Ikn0wn0w]

@@MikeBrady68 If you are asking me, neither. they are propaganda machines.

[@Papacarnivore15]

This new guidance from the WHO is complete bunk. I have lost 41 lbs in 4 mos on a low carb (25 total grams) high fat diet and artificial sweeteners (and natural monk fruit sweetener) have definitely helped me to break my lifelong sugar addiction. This ruling is dangerous as it may make people turn more and more back to consuming sugar which is dangerous for their health.

[@mickthefisherman1562]

Gidday mate, I lost twenty kilos in three months by cutting out processed carbs including a few starchy vegetables. I still eat salad and cook veges with my meat but I also fast for at least eighteen hours a day. Now and again I eat breakfast, usually on a weekend as a treat and I also have monk fruit with my coffee which I have with cream. I like the taste of monk fruit but if I run out I have some of the other tabs there till I can get to a supermarket.

[@Papacarnivore15]

@@mickthefisherman1562 Hi Mick! Great to hear from ya!! Sounds like we are both doing many of the same things. I also am fasting 18 hours per day and 2 days a week (on my days off from work) I break the fast a little earlier and have a big breakfast (eggs, bacon or sausage and some smoked salmon). I’ve been reducing the amount of veggies that I’m eating and am eating more protein (fatty red meat, pork, lamb, fish and seafood, etc). I feel much better eating less veg. It tends to upset my stomach a bit. Any other good tips for me mate?

[@mickthefisherman1562]

@@Papacarnivore15 hi Peter, the longest I’ve gone is 23 hours usually when I’m away from home or doing odd jobs downstairs and just forget about eating and if I’m in the boat fishing well nothing is as important as fishing. I try to only eat a couple of veggies with a meal an only small portions of each, fried onion and tomato with sausage and bacon go well together. The main ones I eat are cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, beans and cabbage stuff like that but meat here in Aus, I don’t know where you are, is fairly expensive so I tend to eat the cheaper cuts. But one of the main tips I picked up from watching videos on Utube is if you are thinking about food just go and find something to do, keep yourself occupied, go for a walk. I developed an irregular heartbeat three years ago and on seeing a cardiologist I found out I had a Bicuspid valve and an aneurism in my aorta, they put me in hospital for a day stopped and restarted my heart to get it beating properly and I felt great. But before I started all this, what made it possible, I stopped taking the statins she had me on, because of that I felt so much better I went off processed carbs then I started fasting. Best thing I ever did, also I’ve had to knee replacements in that time and now I feel the best I’ve felt in years, I’m turning 62 in December. Anyone can do it but the secret is knocking the carbs on the head. Thanks Peter.

[@dana102083]

Agree, people should not exchange for sugar based. My parents did that..ive told them if theyre drinking it that sparing then why add more sugar to their heavy sugar diet?

[@mrsmc2612]

That's the point. That's what they want to do. It's literally one big conspiracy! Literally! The sugar and processed food industries want people to stay sugar addicted

[@ericrichards9249]

I lost 50lbs following your low carb diet 20g/day or less. Reversed my Type 2 diabetes. Last A1c was 5.2. I'm off all meds. I will have a Zevia once in a while.

[@uaebifvideo5472]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@bobbigirl9983]

Zevia is a pretty good treat for me as well. I am down 30 pounds staying off of sugar and I use a monk fruit mix if needing a sweet in my coffee. Sparinly of course.

[@ellenritchie8528]

I am 65. I have hypothyroid, PCOS, and stage 3 kidney disease. I have lost over 60 pounds on a keto lifestyle. I struggle to keep losing. I really like your no-nonsense approach. I like to watch you to stay motivated.❤

[@betha8021]

Dr. Westman, I have been on a ketogenic diet for three years and I have never felt better. I feel like I did in my 20’s. I have lost 70 pounds and my blood work shows I am in excellent health. When I first started the diet I did incorporate sugar substitutes to mimic foods that I wanted to eat for dessert, although I never was that interested in sugary foods. My downfall was salty food such as pretzels, crusty bread, popcorn and chips. I cut all carbs including fruits. Today, three years later I am so happy that I was able to stick to this way of eating. I weigh 133 and when I started I weighed 204. Ketogenic eating eliminated the inflammation in my knees and now I can run up and down stairs. Super fun for me especially as I chase around my grandchildren who are 3 and 15 months!

[@josephabdilla1383]

Great job Dr Westman 👍thanks for the break down

[@beatdiabetes3]

Well said. I agree with you completely!

[@IonTrone]

A voice of reason! A voice of sanity! Thank you!

[@Whoopi2u]

I don’t have a sweet tooth but have been experimenting with allulose for the past couple of weeks. So far I like the way it tastes and it doesn’t increase my appetite. Mostly added to one cup of coffee in the morning and I use it for my homemade lemonade that I make with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.

[@frankwoodbery2473]

The Sugar Growers syndicate have some very influential "lobbyists".

[@pamela5568]

Started keto about a week ago. I tried Allulose, but the end of the digestion process was concerning, so that went in the trash. Stevia is reasonably good as far as taste. At 20-30 carbs a day it's probably easier to just go carnivore. We'll see, but I have to lose at least 50 lbs. I don't have much use for the WHO, or the NIH, or the CDC... And, high fructose intake (> 100g/day) raises LDL and fructose is in places you wouldn't think you'd find it.

[@lloydhlavac6807]

Any time I indulge in a sweet treat it's always something sweetened with something like stevia, monk fruit, sucralose, etc, never sweetened with sugar. In fact I had a container of sucralose sweetened fruit yogurt this evening, and it had a TOTAL of only 2 carbs. And it was delicious!

[@TheKingdomWeigh]

Stevia is not artificial, it’s an herb that’s been used for thousands of years by indigenous people. It grows in the wild in South America and you can buy a Stevia plant at many Garden Centres, even here in Canada. If you’re afraid of “artificial” then use your own leaves from your own stevia plant. Naturally Good, Safe and Satisfying Stevia!

[@elizabethk3238]

Fruits are natural, but loaded with fructose sugar.

[@claviativdnwijk]

I use a little stevia. Too much can cause kidney problems. Go research fo youself.

[@mrsmc2612]

I Totally agree. Stevia is literally a plant, one of which does not spike blood sugar such as fructose and is not a sugar alcohol or created in a lab

[@sueprator9314]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! Geez who is doing the click bait the WHO or this video?

[@sueprator9314]

i am a total STEVIA person.

[@a3300000]

The WHO recommends? Make a 180 and run away as fast as you can.

[@KetoBandito]

Thanks for being a continued voice of reason amongst the rapidly growing amount of tainted information that is spewed across the internet!😊

[@jaycarver4886]

A friend is addicted to sugar and needs to lose 40+ pounds but whenever I suggest a water fast to reset her system she balks at the idea. She has multiple health problems which would be reversed if she would only do this. She's stubborn (or just lazy) and apparently will continue as she has. Her choice! I'd suggest that anyone who wants to improve their health dramatically go and listen to Fasting For Survival Lecture by Dr Pradip Jamnadas (a Florida cardiologist). Don't know if I'm allowed to post a link but it's easy to find on KZbin. 80 minutes very much worth the time. I can personally attest to the benefits! Best of health folks!

[@mp7925]

As ex sugar addict I know very well that even sweet TASTE is a big problem. Nothing sweet ever in my mouth for the rest of my life, artificial or not. All I need is meat, butter, fish, eggs, cheese.

[@alansawesomeketoworld4612]

I tey to stay undef 20 carb and eat mostly wholesome food but i do have a sweet tooth so i use some sweetener in my recipes and will continue to do so

[@cindywilliams4287]

Thanks!

[@krisjustin3884]

As if we’d listen to an organization that made recommendations to travel around the world at the outset of covid 19. And, when has the WHO cautioned us in regards to carbs with the obvious damage they cause?

[@gregorylittle1461]

Thanks

[@pamelahowe9138]

I'm so glad you clarified this, I love your videos they are extremely helpful

[@jimrutherford2773]

A good rule of thumb. Never believe anything the WHO says. Their agenda is politically motivated not health motivated.

[@karenalas9247]

Artificial sweeteners can come in very handy when starting a keto diet. I find when I am in need of something of a treat, I’ll have no sugar jello which has 10 calories and no carbs. I get the individual packs, which are very satisfying bc you get to open the pack and finish it and throw it away. It may seem ridiculous to some but that sensation is very satisfying. Another good hack is the sugar free pudding packs with 60 calories and 12 carbs and a little whipping cream on top. These little hacks help you get started on your keto diet and you’ll see how quickly these cravings go away. Best of luck to you all. Cheers! 🎉🎉🎉

[@vickypainter8648]

What I love about your advice is that it is very realistic

[@divinediva_]

Thank you for this video. As a sugar and carb addict, it has been easier for me to abstain- particularly since I've only recently returned to keto/low carb eating. I can see benefits in some to help, but I haven't craved any sweets since my restart almost a month ago. I need to get some traction with weight loss before I can entertain the idea of reintroducing anything remotely sweet.

[@didihansel8516]

I hear Allulose is a pretty good sweetener. Also, I use liquid Sucralose instead of the powdered to avoid the Maltodextrin.

[@finagill]

The 1 thing the WHO recommendation is that people should move away from all sweeteners. Too bad that they missed the forest for the trees. Sometimes eating some less bad for you will help you avoid worse choices. Sometimes it also gives people a false sense that they can have more bad things and make up for it by having some less bad things. i.e. I'll have a second slice of cake because I chose a diet Coke rather that I want a Coke but choose the diet version.

[@debbiesue4287]

I am not going to avoid artificial sweeteners when I want something sweet. I have found I want less sweet things on low carb but sometimes I do and I am going to use it. I will never go back to using sugar. Some people get triggered on sweet tastes, I don't. I can have a sweetened low carb food and then not crave anything else sweet after. So I have no issues with sweeteners. The WHO has become so untrustworthy now you would think these so called doctors would not want to flaunt their wares!

[@RichardHarlos]

To say that artificial sweeteners are bad for you, isn't saying you should go back to sugar. If something is bad, then it's bad. That doesn't mean go back to what you were doing before, it means a bad thing is bad, and you should avoid bad things. Don't make it out to be something it's not, and then criticize the thing YOU made it out to be. That's called a strawman fallacy.

[@debbiesue4287]

@@RichardHarlos Wow if you aren't just about the Most sour person I have Seen commenting in a long time. Maybe you need some sweetener ,a cup or 2 perhaps to sort out that sour disposition of yours. Or is that too much ? Perhaps not enough? I'm sure you have an opinion either way. Gezzz get over yourself.

[@jujumaccas]

I’m with you debbiesue!

[@cindywilliams4287]

I have used artificial sweetner without a problem for over 4 years😊

[@rowancrume3872]

My only issue with non sugar sweeteners is I have realized that my taste buds are desensitized to other flavors from beneficial things and creates a cycle of cravings for sweetness. I only recently started eating meat and it tastes so bland. I am planning on removing the sweeteners for 3 months to see if my taste comes back.

[@sparkleypegs8350]

I have always relied on my zero sugar cooldrink. I lost 65 kilo on a low carb high protein diet all the while drinking zero soda the whole time.

[@tomflexster8064]

As I get older and older (now 42), I have lost cravings for sweet food. Now, I eat just plain/bland food. For example, for dinner, I would just roast a piece of salmon with bellpeppers in a conventional oven and enjoy it with a small bowl of rice. And water is used to wash it down. Otherwise, nothing else is added to the food.

[@patriciaribaric3409]

I'm just getting ready to make jello fluff with strawberry sugar free gelatin sweetened with erythritol and stevia. It will be mixed into whipped cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. If I don't have something prepared ahead of time when my craving hits I'll end up eating carbs.

[@roychastain2958]

Thank you for this video, although I question one thing you said. You seem OK with any on the list because any of them can get you off sugar. While that may be true, many seem scary from a cancer-causing point of view. I haven't used any sugar for several years. (OK a piece of cake and ice cream once or twice a month.) Eating blueberries or strawberries satisfied my sweet tooth. I used to have them with a bowl of Cheerios. Now, since starting KETO on May 1, I skip all cereals and use just 2 ounces of blueberries with Fage Greek yogurt (100%). This works for me.

[@vpfund]

WHO has been wrong just about everything. I don’t usually get sweet cravings anymore, but when I do I fix a cup of coffee with some butter and heavy cream with a little stevia. It’s decadent and delicious!

[@melindajean5452]

Dr. Westman, whats your thoughts on the sardine challenge??

[@judytucker9836]

Thank you Dr Westman❤

[@eringo-bragh4243]

Unfortunately, much these days, we discover that the so-called 'knowledge' our experts touted to us was based on opinion or flawed research at best. Witness the SAD, I know I watched out for total fat and saturated fat for decades & yet today, doctors, cardiologist and others still tow the line.

[@9877joseph]

I keep learning from you! Thank you!

[@brookstorm9789]

I use some stevia sweetened drinks and allulose for berries, in small amounts. This doesn't produce the same need to have more as regular sugar, say in pie or ice creme where it's hard to stop eating. The substitutes just aren't that delicious or perhaps chemically addicting. Thanks for the voice of reason!

[@johnyoung4655]

....thanks for this, but honestly, who cares what WHO thinks or says, I certainly don't

[@AdventureTrust]

It was a diet soda fiend. After these 4 months on my keto-dietary patterns, I don't even crave diet sodas. I'd rather have a water or flavored bubble water. There are so many yummy keto mixes. I love this way of nutrition.

[@jobrown8146]

I buy the lightly flavoured sparkling mineral waters. Then one became available in Australia that was sweetened with stevia on it tasted too sweet and I had to add plain sparkling mineral water to it to dilute it. And I used to have a very sweet tooth.

[@lindap.p.1337]

Hard to do. Very hard to do. I will cut down, not cut them out. I use them as most diabetics do. My husband's cancer dr. is Dr. Rogers at Duke.

[@teresagerlach7562]

I know I cannot use aspartame or splenda. Aspartame tears my stomach up and splenda makes my kidneys hurt. In case anyone else has issues and didn't realize what was causing it.

[@Technichian462]

As for cancer… sugar fuels it. Cancer must ferment sugar for fuel. It has damaged mitochondria, it doesnt work like normal. It cant use ketones. And endogenous sugars made in the liver just isnt high enough. So a low carb diet reverses most cancers.

[@wocket42]

Cancer cells can also use glutamine, do saying cancer must ferment glucose is false.

[@Technichian462]

@@wocket42 thats is true. But glutamine is tied to glucose. When glucose is low, so is glutamine.

[@yolandaatkins3317]

Always straight to the point! ❤his content!

[@H4KnSL4K]

I think there is value in the idea of not just replacing problematic (high carb or sugar containing) foods with 'keto' equivalents. It may be difficult at first, but for instance replace the ice cream with good quality beef! Or better yet, stop needing dessert every day.

[@H4KnSL4K]

It is easier when you have a real reason for motivation. Like seizure control, or reversing diabetes, or slowing the growth of cancer

[@Leoviliti1]

I've been having erythritol every week since the 1990's in some form or another .. It's not hurt me.. As far as sucralose changing DNA in vitro ? I also drink regularly cream soda for many years, which sucralose is used I've not felt any significant health changes. So Until these are banned from being able to purchase..I'll keep having them. 💐

[@peterbeyer5755]

If I eat sweeteners or carbs of any type I just want more and more! Better to avoid carbs and sweeteners.

[@cherylaf8330]

HAHAHA.....of course they did.......I listen to my own body, NOT what the "World Health Organization" says. I like sweeteners now and then.

[@Lauramagic18]

Thank you for that! I still really need my tea "sweet", being a self-respectin Southern NC Girl and all! BTW You are looking so handsome these days!!!!

[@andredaedone5]

There are so many variables in these studies, it can be confusing for a normal person or in this case give permission for people to use sugar. Personally I only use Stevia I bring back from Ecuador and I am not going to stop.

[@tim196868]

I have used non-sugar sweeteners for 2 years. And I have lost a hundred pounds. I am a diabetic and I was taking a hundred units of lantus insulin twice a day. And now I'm using no insulin. But I am taking victosa.

[@esther.f.g]

If the WHO advises to stop sweeteners, I think that I am going to overload on them, may be the funds they receive from sugar companies are more important that the money they get from sweeteners companies

[@RichardHarlos]

Advising to 'stop artificial sweeteners' isn't the same things as 'advising to go back to sugar'. Consider: Sucralose has been shown in vitro to be genotoxic. Not sucralose itself, but the byproduct of our gut bacteria metabolizing it into sucralose-6-acetate. The byproduct causes your DNA to break, and increases certain genes to be expressed more than 250x their normal. These genes are associated with inflammation and cancer, as well as suppressing the liver's ability to heal itself. (Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, May 2023). Consider an example: I'm nearing retirement age. When I first registered to vote, I didn't know enough about either major party (in the U.S.) to pick one so I registered 'Independent' until I could figure it out. As I got older, I saw things in both parties that I agreed with, but also things in both parties that I didn't agree with. So, since neither one actually fit my way of thinking, I remained 'independent' my whole adult life. If I'm having a discussion with someone on the right and I happen to think differently about a matter, they *assume* that I must be coming from the left but... I'm not. The same happens when I happen to think differently about something than someone on the left: they automatically assume that I must be coming from the right but, again, that's incorrect. Shared to reinforce the point that saying 'No' to something doesn't mean saying 'Yes' to its opposite. Dr. Westman clearly showed in the WHO's advice that they recommend reducing sweetness in the diet overall, and from an early age. So for you, and so many others, to assume that 'say no to artificial sweeteners' means 'say yes to sugar' is the very same kind of 'assuming the opposite' -- and that happens to lead you to an incorrect conclusion, namely, that the WHO is saying you should 'go back to' sugar. They haven't said that at all.

[@pdeb70]

When we take in artifical sweeteners though, your insulin levels STILL go up, as the body thinks its sugar! Best to not use them wherever possible, I reckon, though I agree they help with the transition away from the white stuff.

[@wendydaniels759]

Mine doesn't on Stevia . I tested it

[@wocket42]

Thus repeated as fact, but I have seen zero studies on humans that show any physiological meaningful insulin secretion with artificial sweeteners. It's so little, it can be compared to the insulin response LOOKING at sweet foods. Also not seen anyone with a CGM that has shown an effect.

[@pdeb70]

@@wocket42 According to my research, it seems our brains, on even the 'anticipation' of sugar, will prepare to release insulin. As I said, it's not worth the risk.

[@joyceelmer131]

Very helpful Dr Westman. Thank you❤

[@aberkimm]

What about erythritol? I wouldn’t sweeten something once a week but I have a bag of it. Is this ok to have? I find that I am better off not having ANYTHING with a sweet taste.

[@AttunedFlux]

The real focus here should be on a deep comparison of artificial sweeteners and natural non-sugar sweeteners. Allulose, monk fruit, stevia, erythritol and xylitol are my focus right now. Which one is healthiest, and which one, or combos of any of those best approximate the taste of sugar?

[@sueprator9314]

pERSONAL i suppose. Stevia is my go to, period.

[@falevisbona1900]

Thanks for great information

[@jaybeejay-f4m]

I love the honesty. Who is the WHO?

[@suzannekazmiruk183]

No sugar substitutes for me. IBS sufferer but I do think sweet food keeps your cravings alive. I’ve been successful eating whole foods only but I know that’s not a sustainable lifestyle for everyone.

[@JudithCharles-c5r]

For me I can not eat any sugar substitute as I have Lipedema and it causes my legs to swell . What I am finding is that I need to up the carbs . I have lost 20 lbs on 20 grams of carbs but I need to raise that limit .at this stage of my journey and find the food with natural sugars .

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Anyone paying attention these days does not trust WHO 😒👎

[@skepticalmechanic]

Have had type 2 diabetes for 15 years… when I was diagnosed I went to my Dr scared to death… my Dr said if you go on 30 grams of carbs a day you will be fine… otherwise you can do insulin lowering drugs that just make your situation worse over time… I said I’ll do low carb.. turns out after doing low carb (fish,meat, olive oil, leaf greens olives and hard block cheese my A1C went from 10.3 to 5.6 and I enjoy eating now more than ever… also lost 35 lbs… the big pharmacy and food manufacturers don’t want you eating like this and do everything in there power to put out false information! Also my good cholesterol is 60 and the bad one is 90… so much for fat being bad for you!!

[@SandrinaN]

There is so much more that the WHO should be concerned about! Pretty soon they will recommend sugar. But don’t worry they are coming up with “new science,” it’s called “The Science,” And you will be once again forced to adhere!

[@deborahfraser9325]

Weren't these the same people that said the jabs were "safe and effective"? I'll pass on their advice.

[@naturfagstoff]

As long as you wear a mask, lock yourself in your home, and eat bugs, you'll be perfectly safe.

[@dalialovesdoggies4361]

Nooooo kidding. Lol

[@AskNurseCindy]

Preach!!

[@mariad1151]

Interesting...yes, it's right for WHO to advise against non-nutritive sweeteners. I'm old enough to remember family using saccharine as a child and then the cancer scare that came soon after. I'm an old WW, an gave up sugar bc it wasn't allowed on program. I opted to leave it out of coffee instead of using whatever sweetener was in vogue at the time. Never went back; best thing I ever did. Nowadays I use sweeteners like my fav swerve brown in yogurt & some recipes. Do they scare me? Yes! Would I want anyone I love to use them? No. Don't think we know enough bout them, so please be careful. Should we ditch advice from WHO?...Lotta stuff is weird in this space like advising snacking on pepperoni vs apples. We are left to our own resources & common sense. Don't be led astray.

[@johnnafarrell3336]

So in other words they actually think people are stupid enough to say to themselves Well why bother with the sweeteners when it’s the same as Sugar. So back to sugar it is.🙄🙄🙄. Ugh! Like seriously!

[@shirleysteeves4229]

I use Splenda and Stevia, I can’t have sugar because of my inflammation. There’s so many people on here. Trying to tell you. What do you not eat. I’m going to eat what I want.

[@caitlin6151]

I use sweetener in my ice tea. I have been low carb for almost 30 years and the sweeteners have not become a health issue. If anything, they keep me on the straight and skinny(narrow).

[@carolynhunt7333]

Well that’s it for me. I’m going to keep using sweeteners.

[@happynjoyousnfree]

But I am 100% addicted to sweet, sugar free foods. I feel nervous about eating sugar now and after abstaining from it for years, I eat it occasionally.... but I know how dangerous it is so it always makes me nervous. But the sugar free foods are equally addictive for me... I just feel better about eating them and safer doing it. I feel like I'm taking a drug when I eat them. They calm me down, plus I love the pleasure I get from eating them. I'm definitely addicted and regardless of how much time I was on keto, my sweet tooth absolutely never went away.

[@jackschitt6235]

I was kind of forced into thinking about my diet and health after being diagnosed with diabetes close to 25 years ago. I haven't spent a night in the hospital yet. I weighed in this morning at 159 pounds and I'm 58. Believe it or not I still go to the Twin Dragon buffet and I see so many obese people and many of them aren't even that old yet. My psychiatrist is obese and he has an MD. I'm not talking about a psychologist in other words who doesn't have a MEDICAL degree. It's hard to understand really but I guess that's just part of our system here in the great USA. I don't care if you eat foods from animals or not but if you weigh twice what you should the sooner you accept that you have a problem and should get to work on slimming down the better.

[@Maria-oq6el]

I have no problem using stevia.

[@johanna6050]

What does the WHO recommend we put on bugs to make them palatable? 😂😂😂

[@naturfagstoff]

Probably some insects and spider web.

[@johnbelyk7542]

They are probably like pumpkin seeds,just roast them until they turn brown & then they will become delicious.😂😂😂

[@ziigii46]

Artificial sweeteners increase my apetite and I tend to eat more fat and protein. This has slowed down my progress but it wasn't making the situation worse.