In an effort to lead a healthier lifestyle, people are trying to revise some bad habits and replace them with healthier ones. So far, everything seems to be correct, even encouraging. But would you believe me when I say that not all so-called "healthy" habits are harmless?
This article is about a habit that is common to a large number of Americans, who probably do not even suspect what consequences it can lead to.
If you happen to be among them, then this information can help you avoid a serious problem, or at least be aware of what might happen.
What is this “healthy” habit and why can it be so dangerous?
I'll start with a question: Have you ever used artificial sweeteners in your diet? I know that many will answer "Yes". The reasons for your choice may be different: either because of the desire to replace sugar, or because of some health-related recommendations, or simply to lose a few pounds.
Indeed, artificial sweeteners are considered relatively safe sugar substitutes. Incredibly sweet taste allows you to add them to dishes in a minimal amount and not add extra calories. Their use is especially important for patients suffering from obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. Such substances are extremely inert, not absorbed by the body and excreted from the body.
So, what's the problem with them? Where is the danger?
According to a recent study, commonly used sweeteners may contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacterial genes in the gut. That's where the big danger lies! In other words, sweeteners help bacteria defend themselves against antibiotics.
I'm sure you know how serious the problem of antibiotic resistance is and what its consequences can be.
However, I will remind you that antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest global threats to public health and biosecurity in the coming decades.
Currently, 700,000 people worldwide die each year from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Scientists estimate that about 10 million people will die from such infections by 2050 unless immediate action is taken.
It would seem, what could be the connection between sugar substitutes and the ability of microorganisms to resist the most serious drugs?
It turned out to be very straightforward: recent scientific work has shown that such substances lead to DNA damage in bacteria and a change in the composition of the microbiota (microorganisms that live in our intestines), in much the same way as the use of antibiotics.
The experts studied four common sweeteners – saccharin, sucralose, aspartame and acesulfame. It turned out that their presence causes a number of stress reactions in bacterial cells. Among such reactions is active conjugation, direct contact between a pair of cells, during which there is a horizontal transfer of part of the genes from one to another. This is how antibiotic resistance genes spread, which may well be the case with the gut microflora in people who constantly resort to sweeteners.
It is worth adding that the world consumption of artificial sweeteners exceeds 150 thousand tons. Together with sewage, they enter the environment; the presence of such substances is found in groundwater and open water bodies. Therefore, their influence on the spread of antibiotic resistance can manifest itself not only in humans, but also in nature.
I think this information will make you reconsider your habits again. Maybe it would be a solution to replace sugar with natural sweeteners?