Shocking Water Contaminant

New research shows that many people are unsuspectingly drinking sucralose every day in their water. A shocking new study found that the artificial sweetener sucralose, which is also known under the brand name Splenda, is now a widespread contaminant in surface water, ground water, and waste water.

Researchers took samples from 19 American drinking water treatment plants that provide drinking water for over 28 million people. They found sucralose in:

-The source water of 15 out of 19 drinking water treatment plants tested;

-The finished water of 13 out of 17 water plants; and

-8 out of 12 water distribution systems.

Scientists also determined that sucralose is a recalcitrant compound, meaning that it resists break-down during chemical processes, including those involving chlorine at water treatment facilities. So, once it finds its way into the water supply it is likely to find its way into your drinking water.

The first question I’m typically asked when I tell my clients this information is, “why is it allowed in our food and water?” That’s a good question and one that is best directed at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, and other similar regulatory bodies around the world. But, let me tell you a bit more.

According to research by Dr. Joseph Mercola, the FDA conducted two human studies on sucralose prior to its approval of Splenda and to determine whether it should be allowed in our food. The longest study lasted four days and only examined sucralose for its effects on tooth decay, not any other health effects. Additionally, when sucralose was tested to determine its absorption in the body, only eight men were studied. It is well-known that this sample is too small to determine the health effects of any substance. It is also well-known that women’s and men’s bodies may interact with a substance in a different way due to significantly different hormonal systems. And, to state the obvious: four days is hardly enough to determine safety!

And, as for how it is allowed in our water: it isn’t. Sucralose finds its way into our water supply because so many people are eating it and urinating it so it eventually finds its way into our water and drinking water.

It is not the natural stuff that manufacturers claim it is. It is a chlorinated artificial sweetener designed in a laboratory and created in manufacturing facilities. It may start as a sugar molecule but the similarities end there. Three chlorine molecules are added to each sugar molecule, which according to Dr. Mercola means it “has been altered to the point that it’s actually closer to DDT and Agent Orange than sugar.” So, perhaps the manufacturer should start selling it as the Agent-Orange-like-sugar-that-can’t-be-properly-metabolized-by-your-body-because-it-more-closely-resembles-a-horrendous-toxin? But, that wouldn’t sell much, would it?

Some of the symptoms that have been linked with sucralose include:

-Allergic reactions such as facial swelling, swelling of the eyelids, tongue, throat, or lips;

-Allergic skin reactions such as itching, swelling, redness, weeping, crusting, rashes, eruptions, or hives;

-Anxiety;

-Blood sugar increases;

-Blurred vision;

-Breathing problems including shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing;

-Depression;

-Dizziness;

-Gastrointestinal problems: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating, gas, or pain;

-Headaches;

-Heart palpitations;

-Itchy, swollen, watery, or bloodshot eyes;

-Joint pains;

-Mental fog;

-Migraines;

-Seizures;

-Sinus congestion, runny nose, or sneezing; and

-Weight gain.