STORY AT-A-GLANCE New evidence shows artificial sweeteners can change beneficial bacteria in your gut into pathogens that attach, invade and penetrate the intestinal wall, potentially contributing to inflammation, infection and sepsis Artificial sweeteners are advertised as zero-calorie options to help reduce weight and lower the risk of diabetes. However, studies have linked these to an increased risk of diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome Animal studies demonstrate artificial sweeteners damage the DNA in healthy gut bacteria, increase the risk of early death, affect neurobehavioral health and may trigger liver damage Consider alternatives for low-calorie artificial sweeteners and sugar, including stevia, Lo Han Kuo and allulose After years of investigation about the dangers of artificial sweeteners, I wrote my book, “Sweet Deception: Why Splenda, NutraSweet, and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health,” and published it in 2006. Since then I’ve been warning about the ever-...