A current video by Delhi-based Surgical Gastroenterology Specialist Dr Anshuman Kaushal, recognized on Instagram as theangry_doc, has sparked renewed dialogue concerning the quickly rising market of zero-sugar and diet-labelled merchandise. Within the video, Dr Kaushal warns that meals marketed as sugar-free can mislead customers into believing they’re innocent. In actuality, these merchandise could promote overeating, set off insulin spikes, and hurt intestine well being over time. Accompanying the video, Dr Kaushal shared an in depth report on his Instagram web page highlighting the ‘candy deception’ behind many trendy food plan meals. He emphasises that zero sugar doesn’t at all times imply zero danger and encourages cautious consideration of what we eat.
Hidden metabolic affect of sugar-free snacks and synthetic sweeteners
Dr Kaushal attracts consideration to the growing reputation of sugar-free snacks and drinks, noting that packaging claims may be deceptive. Many synthetic sweeteners and sugar alcohols, he explains, can have a larger metabolic impact than pure sugar. Analysis cited from the Yale Journal of Biology highlights that the feeling of sweetness, whether or not from sugar or synthetic substitutes, prompts the mind’s dopamine reward pathway. When the anticipated power doesn’t arrive, insulin spikes happen, and future cravings enhance, doubtlessly elevating whole calorie consumption by 20 to 30 p.c.
Additional proof comes from a 2023 JAMA research displaying that sucralose can elevate insulin ranges by as much as 30 p.c even with out the presence of glucose. This course of retains fats storage energetic regardless of the absence of energy. Sugar alcohols like maltitol and sorbitol additionally pose challenges. In accordance with the European Meals Security Authority, maltitol can enhance blood sugar ranges by as much as 52 p.c in contrast with common sugar, whereas sorbitol can set off digestive discomfort even at small doses.
How zero-sugar merchandise can disrupt intestine well being and promote overeating
Past the factitious sweeteners, Dr Kaushal warns that many zero-sugar biscuits, protein bars, and desserts are filled with stabilisers, emulsifiers, and extremely refined carbohydrates similar to tapioca starch and rice flour. A 2024 evaluate revealed in Nature experiences that synthetic emulsifiers can disrupt the intestine lining, enhance irritation, and worsen insulin resistance. These elements could clarify why frequent customers of food plan meals usually report bloating and fluctuations in metabolism.Excessive glycemic index refined starches present in these merchandise can spike blood glucose quicker than desk sugar, prompting the mind to demand actual power. This compensatory mechanism can result in overeating. Dr Kaushal notes that people who recurrently eat zero-sugar sodas usually find yourself consuming 200 to 300 additional energy of their subsequent meal.
Pure dietary selections to help intestine and metabolic wellness
Dr Kaushal recommends a return to minimally processed entire meals for sustainable weight administration and metabolic wellness. He advises utilizing pure sweeteners similar to stevia sparsely, growing protein and fibre consumption, selecting entire fruits as a substitute of artificially flavoured substitutes, and deciding on darkish chocolate with over 70 p.c cocoa as a substitute of engineered sugar-free desserts.With over 24 years of medical expertise, Dr Kaushal serves as a Surgical Gastroenterology Specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. He’s famend for his experience in bariatric and laparoscopic surgical procedure and recurrently educates the general public on intestine well being and metabolic wellness.Dr Kaushal’s key message is obvious: sugar-free doesn’t mechanically imply secure. Sweetness with out energy can confuse the mind, set off insulin spikes, hurt intestine well being, and intensify cravings. For people searching for weight reduction or improved metabolic well being by diet-labelled merchandise, actual, minimally processed meals should still provide the simplest and sustainable answer.Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t an alternative to skilled medical recommendation. Seek the advice of a healthcare skilled earlier than making any adjustments to your food plan, particularly when you have underlying well being circumstances.