AIIMS gastroenterologist rates 10 common sweeteners based on gut health impact: Brown sugar to raw honey
Also Read | Cardiologist suggests a rare sugar alternative that 'doesn't spike blood sugar, insulin levels and reduces body fat'
In a post shared on July 4, Dr Saurabh Sethi, an AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford universities trained gastroenterologist, talked about 10 common sweeteners and rated them based on their gut health impact. Sharing the list, Dr Sethi wrote, 'Harvard and Stanford-trained gut doctor ranks 10 common sweeteners on a scale of 1-10 (10 is the best).'
10 common sweeteners rated by a gastroenterologist
Talking about the sweeteners, the gastroenterologist highlighted that as a gut doctor, he has seen how artificial and natural sweeteners impact the gut microbiome, digestion, and even inflammation. 'In this short video, I'm ranking 10 of the most common sweeteners—from brown sugar and coconut sugar to stevia and whole dates—on a scale of 1 to 10 based on their gut health impact. Don't fall for the 'sugar-free' trap without understanding what it's actually doing inside your gut. Share this widely to spread awareness,' he added. Let's check out his rating:
1. Coconut sugar: 5
2. Brown sugar: 4
3. Raw honey: 6
4. Chickery root syrup: 8
5. Whole dates: 7
6. Aspartame: 3
7. High fructose corn syrup: 1
8. Pure stevia extract: 9
9. Refined white sugar: 2
10. Pure monk fruit extract: 10
A rare sugar alternative
Now that you know how common sweeteners rate according to their impact on gut health, here's a rare sugar alternative as suggested by a cardiologist: Allulose. In an Instagram post shared on April 11, Dr Alok Chopra, cardiologist and functional medicine expert, suggested allulose as a rare alternative to sugar as it can be beneficial for those with spiked blood sugar or insulin levels.
Per the cardiologist, allulose is low in calories, blood sugar friendly, boosts metabolism and burns fat, protects organs and fights inflammation, and supports energy and performance. Let's find out more about allulose here.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Woman who lost 18 kg at home without gym or crash diet shares 7 simple tips she followed: ‘Use this prompt on Chatgpt'
In a world flooded with quick fixes, crash diets, and expensive workout plans, sustainable weight loss can feel out of reach. But real results often come from small, consistent changes. A woman named Aryaa Arora lost 18 kg at home without a fancy diet or a gym membership. In her June 17 Instagram post, she shares 7 easy tips she followed to reach her goals. (Also read: Woman who lost 35 kg in 7 months lists 10 'healthy' foods you should stop eating for weight loss: 'Avoid brown bread' ) Woman shares 7 tips for sustainable weight loss without a gym. (Instagram/@wutaryaadoin) 1. Calculate your BMR first Before jumping into a diet, Aryaa started by understanding her body's calorie needs. Use this prompt on ChatGPT: "My weight is __, height __, age __, female/male — what's my BMR and calorie intake for weight loss?" This helps you eat in a slight deficit without under-eating. 2. Balance your plate, don't restrict Aryaa didn't eliminate food groups, she just balanced them. Her go-to formula? 40% protein, 30% fibre, 20% carbs, and 10% fats per meal. The idea is to feel full and fuelled while still staying in control. 3. Train to tone, not just burn Her weekly workout split: 4 days of strength training 2 days of cardio Daily walks to stay active This helped her build lean muscle and speed up fat loss. 4. Track calories, but just for 7 days She tracked her food for one week, not to obsess over every bite, but to understand her eating patterns better. 5. Cut the junk, but not completely Aryaa followed the 80:20 rule. She cut down on processed foods, takeout, refined sugar, flour, oil, and fried snacks but still allowed room for balance and flexibility. 6. Hydrate and sleep like it's your job 2–3 litres of water a day and 7–8 hours of quality sleep made a big difference in her energy levels, digestion, and cravings. 7. Support your hormones and mindset Mental health also matters in weight loss. Aryaa journaled, meditated, and practised gratitude regularly. She believes a calmer mind leads to better consistency and, ultimately, more sustainable results. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Ophthalmologist reacts to woman's ‘washing eyes with own urine' hack: 'Your eyes don't need anything to clean on inside'
When it comes to health and wellness, social media has become a breeding ground for viral trends, some helpful, some questionable, and others downright bizarre. One such eyebrow-raising trend recently surfaced on Instagram, where Pune-based Nupur Pittie, who describes herself as a "medicine-free life coach," garnered attention for her unconventional eye-care routine. (Also read: What is 'skin zoning' and does it really work? Skincare experts reveal trend that treats every zone right ) Dr. Samita Moolani criticises 'urine eye wash' as useless and misleading. (Instagram) Ophthalmologist slams 'urine eye wash' hack Titled "Urine Eye Wash, Nature's Own Medicine," the Instagram clip shows her using the first urine of the day to rinse her eyes, claiming it relieves redness, dryness, and irritation. Reacting to the video, Dr Samita Moolani, an ophthalmologist, shared in her June 27 Instagram post, "Your morning urine should not be clear; it could be a sign of overhydration, diabetes, or kidney problems. I don't know why people are obsessed with these cups. They are absolutely useless. You don't need to soak your eyes in anything, forget urine." What's the right way to care for your eyes Expressing her frustration further, she added, "What the heck is wrong with people? Your eyes are self-cleaning! They do not need anything to clean on the inside." She explained that if someone is struggling with dry eyes, the correct first line of treatment is a preservative-free, sterile, lubricating eye drop that mimics the composition of natural tears. "Washing with water around the eyes to keep the lids and lashes clean and using eye-safe, tested wipes for makeup users, on the outside, is a good idea. That's all," Dr Samita clarified. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
News18
7 hours ago
- News18
Here's How To Stay Motivated For Workouts When You Feel Tired Or Uninspired
Last Updated: Staying consistent with workouts isn't just about willpower - it's about mindset, habits, and small wins that keep you moving. Staying consistent with workouts is tough, even for fitness enthusiasts. Life throws curveballs, routines get disrupted, and some days, motivation simply vanishes. But experts say it's not about being driven every single day, it's about building habits that support movement, even when you don't feel like it. Whether you're just starting or struggling to get back on track, finding the right workout strategies can help turn fitness into a lifestyle rather than a task on your to-do list. Anchor Goals, Not Wishes A vague aim like 'get fitter' rarely moves the needle. Instead, set a measurable target: complete three 30‑minute walks a week or finish a 5 km charity run in two months. Harvard‑linked studies show clear, time‑bound goals keep you focused and reduce the chance of burning out on unrealistic expectations. Put Workouts On The Calendar Treat exercise like any other non‑negotiable appointment. Block the slot in your phone and add a reminder. Mayo Clinic researchers found that simply 'scheduling it' increases adherence because you have to make a conscious decision to cancel rather than skip casually. Build Social Accountability Stanford Lifestyle Medicine notes that partnering up raises your show‑up rate and makes sessions feel lighter. A friend, spouse, or even a running group on an app can push you out the door when motivation sags. In Dr Friedlander's example, a 7 a.m. puppy walk circle works because nobody wants to disappoint the group. The body isn't wired for high‑intensity workouts every single day; a brisk 21‑minute walk still counts and reduces the guilt spiral of missing 'leg day.' Knowing an easier option exists keeps the habit intact and prevents the all‑or‑nothing trap. Curate A High‑Energy Playlist Music distracts from exertion and lifts mood. Exercisers who used fast‑tempo tracks logged longer sessions without noticing the extra effort. Build a 30‑minute set of songs paced around 120–140 beats per minute; stream it only during workouts so your brain associates the playlist with movement. Reward The Process, Not Just The Outcome Small non‑food treats can help reinforce the habit. Finished all your workouts this week? Celebrate with a new ebook or an episode of your favourite series. Linking rewards to your effort, not just results keeps the motivation cycle going. Re‑Evaluate Monthly Life seasons change, and so should the plan. If evening meetings creep in, shift walks to lunch breaks. Tracking fatigue, mood, and enjoyment alongside metrics helps you tweak frequency or intensity before boredom or injury strikes. Track Progress Visually Whether it's stepping on a wearable, a handwritten mileage chart or coloured stickers on a wall calendar, visual streaks tap into our reward circuits. The Self magazine survey of regular exercisers found that those who 'see' their wins are likely to push through the next session. Motivation isn't a one‑time spark; it's a renewable resource you create through structure, social support and flexible goals. Schedule movement when you feel strongest, keep the option of a low‑key walk in your back pocket, and celebrate each small win. Over time, these practical choices turn 'I should work out' into 'I don't feel right unless I move' – and that's when motivation becomes a lifestyle, not a chore. First Published:
