Artificial sweeteners

Examining the science behind artificial sweeteners, their impact on metabolism, gut health, and hormonal balance. Learn how sugar substitutes may affect your body composition goals and overall health optimization.

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The essentials for artificial sweeteners — then explore the latest posts below.

Healthy carbonated drinks: The science behind the switch for men

Healthy carbonated drinks: The science behind the switch for men

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Jan 13, 2026 · 10 min read

Switching from sugar-sweetened soda to low- or no-sugar functional carbonated drinks can reduce added-sugar intake and is associated with lower risk of calorie surplus, adiposity, and insulin resistance. Some options also add prebiotic fibers like inulin that may support beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacteria. “Healthy” on the can is not a guarantee. Here is ...

Can you chew gum while fasting? What it means for intermittent fasting, keto, and autophagy

Can you chew gum while fasting? What it means for intermittent fasting, keto, and autophagy

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Jan 08, 2026 · 10 min read

Chewing one piece of sugar-free gum is unlikely to break a weight-loss-focused intermittent fasting plan, but it could interfere with a stricter fast aimed at maximizing autophagy. Your best choice depends on your goal, your gum’s calories, and how much you chew. “Most men do fine with one piece of sugar free gum during a ...

The worst foods for gut health and how they disrupt your entire system

The worst foods for gut health and how they disrupt your entire system

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Dec 06, 2025 · 10 min read

Ultra-processed foods high in added sugar, artificial sweeteners/additives, and unhealthy fats can measurably change microbiome composition within 24 hours. Over time, those patterns may weaken the protective mucosal barrier and increase intestinal permeability, allowing bacterial components (like endotoxin) to enter the bloodstream and contribute to systemic inflammation. Here’s the clinical evidence for which foods do ...

Does diet coke break a fast? What men should know about diet soda, insulin, and hunger

Does diet coke break a fast? What men should know about diet soda, insulin, and hunger

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Nov 29, 2025 · 15 min read

Diet Coke and other diet sodas contain essentially no calories, so they technically do not break a fast. But for many men, the sweet taste and caffeine can still shift hormones like insulin and cortisol in ways that can undercut why you are fasting in the first place. “If a guy asks me, ‘does diet ...

Is Propel water healthy or just clever marketing?

Is Propel water healthy or just clever marketing?

Dr. Susan Carter, MD avatar
Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert
Nov 28, 2025 · 10 min read

Propel is generally healthier than sugar-sweetened sports drinks because it has 0 g added sugar, avoiding the 30+ g sugar load a typical 20-oz sports drink can deliver. That is enough to nearly hit the American Heart Association’s daily added-sugar limit and can drive larger glucose and insulin excursions. The catch is that its sweetness ...

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