Question: I have been told that all artificial sweeteners are harmful to your health, including Splenda. What is your view?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

As a general rule, I would suggest that you avoid ingesting anything labeled "artificial." As for the artificial sweeteners, this list includes aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal, Equal Spoonful, and Equal Measure, now called Equal Granular), as well as sucralose (Splenda) and saccharin (Sweet'N Low). The most common artificial sweetener in the world is aspartame.

Unfortunately, the United States consumes more than 80 percent of the world's supply of aspartame. It is added to more than 6,000 foods and pharmaceuticals, including many children's liquid medications. Sucralose (Splenda) is added to many products as well. Both of these artificial sweeteners are toxic substances to the body and need to be avoided.

Studies have shown that the higher consumption of artificial sweeteners results in more weight gain and an increased incidence of diabetes, two problems that plague a huge proportion of our population. Furthermore, my experience has been that the ingestion of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame and Splenda-containing substances, can result in a host of neurological and hormonal problems.

More information about these substances can be found in my book, The Guide to Healthy Eating. My colleague Dr. Russell Blaylock, who also writes a health newsletter for Newsmax, has written a wonderful book on the subject entitled Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills.