It's a known fact that drinking too many sugary drinks can lead to obesity and diabetes, but sugar substitutes may adversely affect your endocrine health, according to a case report presented at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 22nd Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress.
“While the issue is being studied more in-depth, thyroid patients should manage their intake of sugar substitutes while consulting their endocrinologist”
Issac Sachmechi, M.D., F.A.C.E., F.A.C.P., of New Hyde Park, New York, treated a patient diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis that resolved completely with the elimination of artificial sweeteners including Sweet'N Low, Equal, SPLENDA®, and diet sodas.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the most common thyroid disease in the United States, is an autoimmune disorder that compromises the thyroid's ability to produce hormones. The lack of thyroid hormone production can cause fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, constipation, and more.
"An overabundance of sugar-substituted beverages could pose a serious health risk if you are a thyroid patient," says Dr. Sachmechi. "While the issue is being studied more in-depth, thyroid patients should manage their intake of sugar substitutes while consulting their endocrinologist," he adds.
Dr. Sachmechi also reports that formaldehyde, widely known as an embalming fluid, is also found as a metabolite in aspartame and may be associated with immune system disorders.
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