Stevia and artificial sweeteners

[SwanQueen]

Trying to reduce sugar consumption for wellness reasons. I've found stevia to have come a long way in taste and now they're using the sweeter part of the leaf barely notice the difference between sugar and stevia. Was just wondering if anyone had any negative side effects with it though? Everything I've read suggests it is far better for you than the other artifical alternatives. AIBU to make this asumption?

(I know some people advocate for sugar in moderation, but sugar gives me terrible joint pain! As does aspartame.)

In answer to what I use it for, mainly sweetening my coffee. I find if I have coffee in the morning with a bit of sweetness in, I generaly don't crave anything sweet later during the day. I used to use the pink sweetener packet whatever it is called. But that too started giving me joint pain, mainly in my hands. I'll check out xylitol thanks to everyone recommending that too.

I’m not convinced sweeteners are any better for us than sugar. In fact I suspect more research will show they could be worse in the future.

I’m currently doing the No S diet where I have cut my sweets and sugar consumption right down (and ‘diet’ drinks) in the week. I definitely feel better for it. I have IBS and I know certain sweeteners set it off.

@faitheverpresent I think No S for IBS is the way to go! Good luck on healing your gut health. Look into L-Glutamine by the way (nope, not selling this either). I found that helped a lot with my gut health that was destroyed by 6 months on antibiotics for lymes disease. It helps to restore gut lining and is even recommended for people on chemo to help their gut. I read in comment sections on a youtube vid that l-glutamine changed peoples' lives after years trying remedies for IBS. It's also a commen workout supplement as it helps rebuild muscle so is available widely.