If you are healing from cancer, you probably know that you need to avoid sugar. If you don’t know, check out this blog to find out how cancer tumors feed on excessive glucose! Artificial sweeteners come with their own dangers though. Studies have long connected substances like aspartame to leukemia and Breast Cancer.
But what about those sometimes-mysterious sugar substitutes called “sugar alcohols?” It’s time to shed some light on substances like sorbitol, mannitol, erythritol, lactitol and xylitol, especially since they are found in so many low-sugar and sugar-free prepared foods and “vitamin-infused” drinks.
Sugar Alcohols: A Little Goes a Log Way
Did you know that many prepared foods such as commercial yogurts may contain sugar alcohols? Be sure to read the labels!
Believe it or not, sugar alcohols are neither sugar nor alcohol. They are, in fact, made up of substances which the body cannot absorb. In addition to not promoting tooth decay, this is the main reason why they score low on the Glycemic index and are considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA).
Since sugar alcohols are many times sweeter than sugar or honey, a little can go a long way.
In fact, too much may be connected to a higher risk of disease. According to several studies, consuming too much sugar alcohol may be detrimental to the gut lining (called the “intestinal epithelium).
Sugar alcohol can interfere with the many important roles the epithelium plays for both digestion and immune system function. Overuse of sugar alcohols has been linked to Leaky Gut, a foundational condition for autoimmune reactions and hormonal imbalances.
Some studies also show that consuming large amounts of certain sugar alcohols may lead to higher cancer risk. In 2016, researchers at Umeå University in Sweden made the connection between high amounts of xylitol and Glioblastoma (GBM), a fast-moving and aggressive form of brain cancer. As far back as 1977, researchers in England discovered bladder stones and tumors in laboratory mice who consumed high amounts of this sugar alcohol as well.
Another major concern are the base substances used to produce non-organic sugar alcohols. For example, both commercial sorbitol and xylitol are made in part from GMO corn, which has been linked to many diseases. If you are going to purchase and consume products that contain sugar alcohols, make sure you keep the amount low and that it comes from 100% organic and non-GMO sources.
Some Benefits of 100% Organic, Non-GMO Xylitol
All that being said, however, science also supports the fact that consuming sugar alcohols like mannitol and xylitol in small amounts is safe and possibly even beneficial. According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, xylitol can support better glucose tolerance and may be ideal for those with “diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and other metabolic disorders.” It can help maintain low insulin levels, possibly reducing the risk of age-related disease in general if taken in the right amounts.
Other studies show that xylitol can suppress the spread of pathogenic bacterium, such as cavity-promoting S. mutans as well as Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), a culprit in sinusitis and middle ear infections. There is some initial evidence to support the idea that xylitol may also be able to remineralize bone tissue and tooth enamel.
Stevia Is a Safe, Natural Sugar Substitute
And don’t forget about the stevia, which can be up to 300 times sweeter than cane sugar and contain many health benefits as well. Most Stevia rebaudiana sold in the US comes from South America, where it has been used as a sweetener as well as a healing herb for thousands of years. But again, make sure that you purchase only 100% pure, organic Stevia in liquid or powder form.
And when the craving strikes, why not go for something delicious and good for you? The NEW 7 Essential System™ Coconut Delight bars have a blend of natural sweeteners like Stevia and small, safe amounts of erythritol. Organic coconut and dark chocolate are mixed with prebiotic fiber for mineral absorption and healthy gut flora.
All this leads to a lot of vibrant goodness and delicious yumminess on your Healthy Breast path!
April 2, 2017
© 2017 Dr. Veronique Desaulniers – All Rights Reserved
Submitted to for publication to Kettle Moraine Publications by the author, Dr. Veronique Desaulniers, better known as Dr. V, is the founder of The 7 Essentials System ™, a step-by-step guide that teaches you exactly how to prevent and heal Breast Cancer Naturally. To get your F.R.E.E. 7 day mini e-course, and to receive her weekly action steps and inspiring articles on the power of Natural Medicine, visit http://breastcancerconqueror.com/.