“Healthy Habit” a Wrecking Ball for Your Heart!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 28, 2020
Dear Reader,
Overall, you try to eat healthy, do well for yourself, and even exercise.
Maybe you even think about your heart health when you’re choosing food at a restaurant or the grocery store.
You try to get your fruits and veggies, order diet drinks instead of full-calorie sodas, skip the dessert on most occasions (we all have to splurge sometimes!), and focus on lean meats and whole grains.
But one of these so-called “healthy habits” is actually a wrecking ball for your heart.
Here’s the scary truth…
It turns out that artificial sweeteners, lurking in those diet drinks, are HORRIBLE for your heart!
A new study found that artificially sweetened beverages are NOT a healthy substitute for sugar drinks.
And if you’ve been following Living Well Daily for a while, you already know that sugar-filled beverages are bad news for you when it comes to your heart.
Well, artificially-sweetened ones aren’t any better!
A 2019 study found women who had more than two servings a day sugary drinks (including sports drinks, coffee drinks, soda) had a 63 percent increased risk of premature death. Sugar drinks don’t harm men as much, but they still have a 29 percent increase risk of dying if they drink two drinks a day.
It makes sense when you see headlines that tell you sugar drinks shorten your life that you reach for diet sodas.
But new research, published in the Journal American College of Cardiology, took over 100,000 French volunteers and divided them into three groups of artificial sugar users: nonusers, low consumers, or high consumers.
Then followed them for 18 years.
When compared to people who didn’t drink artificially sweetened beverages, high consumers were 20 percent more likely to have heart disease.
Other studies also found artificial sweeteners don’t help with weight loss because they still trigger insulin release (and other chemicals) that stimulate weight gain.
Another 2019 study found that artificial sweeteners use was linked to an increase of strokes, heart attacks, and early death (especially in women over 50).
Still other studies have linked diet beverages to stroke, dementia, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Why artificial sweeteners cause so many health problems is up for debate. I think it’s safe to say that these chemicals were created in a laboratory and not found in nature – and that will ALWAYS cause health problems.
If artificial sweeteners don’t help you lose weight, are bad for your heart, and increase so many diseases, then why bother?
My suggestion?
Try sparkling water.
There’s been a boom in seltzer water and sparkling water with added flavor. These are a great thing around the house. The flavor (and lack of sweet taste) takes a while to get used to, but they are naturally calorie free and good for you.
P.S. Giving up drinks isn’t the only way to protect your heart. Go here and read my guideline for STOPPING heart disease
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...
Is There Really a Hidden Benefit to BROCCOLI?
Just when we thought broccoli’s resume couldn’t get any more impressive, new research proves us wrong. The phytonutrients in this tasty veggie can lower inflammation… balance blood sugar… and even boost your memory. And you likely already know of broccoli’s legendary prowess in preventing cancer. Now, a new study reveals that sulforaphane, the potent compound...