Bye, Bye Erythritol

Written by Susan Brady

Have you been using products sweetened with erythritol? If so, you are not alone! Many of us have turned to this popular “natural” zero-calorie sweetener to help us cut back on sugar consumption. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that can be found naturally in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables. However as man commonly thinks….if a little is good, then more is even better! So companies have been manufacturing erythritol by fermenting corn or wheat starch and adding it to processed food items in un-naturally high levels.

It has become a common ingredient in sugar-free chewing gum and candies, baked goods, protein bars, shakes, condiments, and sauces, and low-calorie, sugar-free beverages.

Here are some common food products that may contain erythritol:

Truvia: Truvia is a brand of sweetener that uses erythritol as the main ingredient. It is marketed as a natural, calorie-free sweetener.

Lakanto: Lakanto is a brand of sweetener that uses erythritol and monk fruit extract. It is marketed as a low-calorie, natural sweetener. (and use to be one of my favorite go-to sweeteners!)

Swerve: Swerve is a brand of sweetener that uses a blend of erythritol and oligosaccharides. It is marketed as a sugar replacement that has zero calories and does not cause digestive issues.

Quest Nutrition: Quest Nutrition is a brand of protein bars and snacks that uses erythritol as a sweetener in many of its products.

Halo Top: Halo Top is a brand of low-calorie ice cream that uses erythritol as a sweetener.

Lily’s Sweets: Lily’s Sweets is a brand of chocolate that uses erythritol and stevia as sweeteners. It is marketed as a low-sugar, low-calorie alternative to traditional chocolate.

SmartSweets: SmartSweets is a brand of gummy candies that uses erythritol and stevia as sweeteners. It is marketed as a low-sugar, low-calorie alternative to traditional gummies.

For years, erythritol has been generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, a study published just last month in Nature Medicine suggests that erythritol may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that high levels of erythritol in the blood were associated with an increased risk of blood clotting, stroke, and heart attack, especially in people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes.

Of course, more research needs to be done but in the meantime, it might make sense to me to limit erythritol in your diet for now!

There are several healthy sugar alternatives that you can use to sweeten your food and beverages without adding excessive amounts of sugar.

Some of my favorites:

  1. Stevia: A natural sweetener that comes from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It has zero calories and is much sweeter than sugar.
  2. Monk fruit sweetener: Made from the extract of monk fruit, this sweetener has zero calories and is also much sweeter than sugar.
  3. Raw honey: A natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.
  4. Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and minerals such as zinc and manganese. It has fewer calories than sugar and a lower glycemic index.*
  5. Dates: A natural sweetener that can be used to sweeten baked goods. They are also a good source of fiber, potassium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. They also have a low glycemic index.*

When using sugar alternatives, it’s important to remember that they should still be consumed in moderation as excessive consumption can lead to negative health effects.

*A low glycemic index, which means they release sugar slowly into the bloodstream, providing a steady source of energy without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

Goodbye Osteoporosis!

Guess who no longer has osteoporosis in her spine?? DEXA says now -2.4 osteopenia where was -3.2 before. HUGE improvement. No medication, just exercise and nutrition. I still have a ways to go with my hips and femoral neck, but this is really great news for me! ~D.S. 

Proper Exercise and Nutrition

“Susan Brady is very knowledgeable about osteoporosis. In 2016, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my lower back. Through proper exercise and nutrition, Susan was able to guide me towards a regimen that would in turn almost reverse my symptoms. Because of her method, I have been able to curb my bone loss, gain strength, and improve my overall health. I feel that I am on the road to a happier, healthier lifestyle thanks to Susan.”~ B.L.

Prescription Holiday

Initially, I went to Susan Brady because my family doctor told me to take a holiday from the prescription bone density medicine that I had been taking it for many years. I avoid dairy since I am lactose intolerant and sensitive to dairy protein. I was confident that Susan could recommend a superior quality calcium, balanced with other supplements that would help provide the nutrients I needed for bone health. In addition to recommendations for supplements, she has evaluated my diet and my exercise regimen, making suggestions as needed. With guidance from Susan I have been able to maintain bone health without additional bone density medicine for several years now. ~K.N.

Surgery Rehabilitation

While providing rehabilitation after my two hip surgeries, Susan also educated me in the importance of proper nutrition for strengthening my bones and improving my bone density. She encouraged me to eat an alkaline-based diet and to eliminate the junk food I was so fond of. Not only did I heal quickly, but also the doctors were amazed by the rapid bone growth as noted on my x-rays. I continue to include chia and pumpkin seeds in my diet, as well as other foods that are alkaline based. I honestly have Susan to thank for this complete transformation in my diet which has allowed me to go back to wearing heels which I thought I would never be able to do again. Nutrition matters. I am a perfect example of good bones from good food!” ~R.G.

Osteoporosis Nutrition

After being diagnosed with osteoporosis, I began sifting through all the information available on nutrition and osteoporosis, but it was confusing and time consuming. Even though I thought my diet was good, Susan gave me advice on how to make it even better! I benefited very much from Susan’s nutritional advice and guidance for safe and effective exercises. My recent bone scan showed improvements in both my hip and my spine, so I am encouraged that all the changes that I have made are working! ~ M.R.

Alkaline Based Diet

While providing rehabilitation after my two hip surgeries, Susan also educated me in the importance of proper nutrition for strengthening my bones and improving my bone density. She encouraged me to eat an alkaline-based diet and to eliminate the junk food I was so fond of. Not only did I heal quickly, but also the doctors were amazed by the rapid bone growth as noted on my x-rays. I continue to include chia and pumpkin seeds in my diet, as well as other foods that are alkaline based. I honestly have Susan to thank for this complete transformation in my diet which has allowed me to go back to wearing heels which I thought I would never be able to do again. Nutrition matters — I am a perfect example of good bones from good food! ~R.G.

Susan modeling Weighted Vest

Is Walking Enough to Build Bones? Consider adding a Weighted Vest.

My favorite weight vest is through a company called Challenge Weighted Workoutwear.  It meets all of the criteria for what to look for in a weight vest and is very comfortable to wear.

Check out the weighted vests on their website: Weighted Vests.

At checkout, enter the discount code "Brady" and you will receive $10 off the vest of your choice along with FREE shipping.

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