Scam Victims-Survivors: Stop Consuming Artificial Sweeteners NOW for Your Trauma and Brain!
The Role of Glucose in Brain Function and the Impact of Artificial Sweeteners on Individuals with Trauma such as Scam Victims-Survivors
Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery
Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
Glucose is essential for proper brain function, particularly in supporting cognitive tasks like memory, attention, and decision-making. For individuals recovering from trauma, such as scam victims-survivors, the brain’s need for glucose becomes even more critical.
Artificial sweeteners, often used to replace sugar, fail to provide the necessary energy the brain requires, potentially exacerbating cognitive and emotional difficulties. Studies also indicate that artificial sweeteners can interfere with the brain’s reward system, contributing to mood fluctuations, impaired memory, and increased cravings, which can worsen the effects of trauma. For trauma survivors, it’s important to prioritize a balanced diet with natural glucose sources to support mental health and cognitive function while being cautious of the potential negative impacts of artificial sweeteners.
The Role of Glucose in Brain Function and the Impact of Artificial Sweeteners on Individuals with Trauma such as Scam Victims-Survivors
For scam victims-survivors, and everyone else, glucose is a fundamental fuel for the brain, essential for its proper functioning. The brain, accounting for only about 2% of body weight, consumes roughly 20% of the body’s glucose supply. This makes it one of the most energy-hungry organs, relying heavily on a consistent supply of glucose to support cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving. However, as artificial sweeteners have become more common in our diets, concerns are growing about their impact, particularly on individuals who are dealing with deep emotional trauma or other psychological conditions.
The Brain’s Dependence on Glucose
The brain’s neurons are highly active and require glucose as their primary source of energy. Unlike other cells in the body, neurons are unable to store glucose, meaning that the brain depends on a steady, external supply from the blood. Glucose is crucial for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy molecule that powers cellular processes.
Low glucose levels can impair brain function, leading to symptoms such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and even long-term cognitive decline. In individuals dealing with stress or trauma, the brain’s need for glucose becomes even more critical. Under stress, the brain is in a heightened state of activity, often requiring even more glucose to maintain emotional regulation, memory processing, and decision-making abilities.
Artificial Sweeteners and Their Impact on the Brain
Artificial sweeteners, designed to replicate the taste of sugar without the calories, are widely used as substitutes for glucose in various foods and beverages. While they may offer benefits in reducing caloric intake, their effects on the brain are still a subject of research and debate.
Studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners can alter brain function in ways that may be particularly harmful for individuals with psychological vulnerabilities such as deep trauma. Unlike glucose, artificial sweeteners do not provide the brain with the energy it needs. Moreover, they can interfere with the brain’s reward system by tricking it into expecting calories that never arrive. This disconnect between the expectation of energy and the lack of its delivery can lead to increased cravings, mood fluctuations, and cognitive impairments.
The Impact on Individuals with Trauma
For individuals suffering from deep trauma such as scam victims-survivors, maintaining proper brain function is already challenging. Trauma affects various parts of the brain, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making. When these brain regions are under stress due to trauma, their glucose demands increase.
Artificial sweeteners, by failing to meet these demands, may exacerbate the cognitive and emotional difficulties that trauma survivors face. There is growing evidence that artificial sweeteners could have a negative impact on mood and stress management, which are critical areas for individuals coping with trauma.
- Mood Dysregulation: Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose have been linked to mood swings and symptoms of depression in some studies. For trauma survivors, who often struggle with emotional stability, this could further complicate their mental health.
- Disrupted Reward Pathways: The brain’s reward system plays a significant role in how we process pleasure and motivation. Trauma survivors often experience dysregulation in this system. Artificial sweeteners may amplify this issue by affecting dopamine release, making it harder for individuals to feel satisfaction and maintain motivation.
- Cognitive Impairments: Trauma can impair cognitive functions such as memory and attention. The lack of glucose provided by artificial sweeteners may worsen these impairments, particularly in those already struggling with trauma-related cognitive deficits.
Balancing Glucose and Artificial Sweetener Consumption
For individuals with trauma, maintaining balanced glucose levels is essential for optimal brain function. While it’s important to avoid excessive sugar intake, which can lead to metabolic issues and worsen mental health in other ways, completely substituting glucose with artificial sweeteners may not be the solution, especially for those with mental health challenges.
Instead, the focus should be on healthy glucose sources, such as fruits, whole grains, and vegetables, which provide a steady release of energy for the brain. These nutrient-dense options can support cognitive function without the risks associated with artificial sweeteners.
In trauma recovery, the brain needs all the support it can get, and that includes proper nourishment. Trauma-informed nutritional approaches can recognize the importance of glucose and aim to minimize potential negative impacts from artificial substitutes. It’s essential for individuals, especially those recovering from trauma, to consider how their diet may affect not only their body but also their mind.
The Science Behind the Warning
Several studies have explored the potential effects of artificial sweeteners on cognition and brain function, yielding varied results.
Aspartame
Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, has been the focus of numerous investigations:
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- Memory and Learning: Research involving mice indicated that even moderate consumption of aspartame could impair memory and learning abilities. Notably, these cognitive deficits were observed to persist into subsequent generations
- Neurobehavioral Effects: A study published in 2023 found that male mice consuming aspartame exhibited spatial working memory deficits, suggesting potential neurobehavioral impacts
- Human Studies: Some human studies have identified associations between high aspartame intake and increased risks of stroke and dementia. However, these studies are observational, and further research is needed to establish a definitive causal relationship
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Sucralose
Sucralose, another common artificial sweetener, has also been examined:
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- Appetite and Brain Activity: Imaging studies have demonstrated that sucralose consumption can lead to increased activity in brain regions associated with food cravings and appetite, particularly in women and individuals with obesity. This suggests that sucralose might influence eating behaviors by affecting brain function
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Gut-Brain Axis
Emerging research highlights the role of the gut-brain axis in mediating the effects of artificial sweeteners:
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- Microbiome Alterations: Some artificial sweeteners have been shown to negatively impact gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in cognitive function and mental health. Disruptions in gut health may, therefore, have downstream effects on brain function
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Considerations
While certain studies suggest potential links between artificial sweeteners and cognitive effects, it’s important to recognize that much of the current evidence is correlational. Confounding factors, such as overall diet quality and lifestyle, can influence both sweetener consumption and cognitive health. Therefore, definitive conclusions about causation cannot yet be drawn.
For individuals concerned about the potential cognitive impacts of artificial sweeteners, opting for natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit may be a consideration, though moderation remains key
In summary, while some research indicates possible associations between artificial sweeteners and changes in brain function and cognition, further comprehensive studies are necessary to fully understand these relationships.
Natural Sources of Glucose
Natural sources of glucose that the brain and body need primarily come from carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose during digestion. Here are some common natural sources:
Fruits – Many fruits are rich in natural sugars, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Examples include:
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- Bananas
- Apples
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Vegetables – Certain vegetables are also good sources of glucose:
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- Carrots
- Beets
- Sweet potatoes
- Squash
- Corn
Whole Grains – Whole grains provide complex carbohydrates that are gradually converted into glucose. Examples include:
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- Brown rice
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Barley
- Whole wheat products (bread, pasta)
Legumes – Beans and lentils are rich in complex carbohydrates:
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- Chickpeas
- Black beans
- Lentils
- Peas
Dairy Products – Lactose, the natural sugar found in milk, is another source of glucose:
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- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese (to a lesser extent)
Nuts and Seeds – Though not high in glucose themselves, they provide a slow-release source of energy when combined with other glucose-rich foods:
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- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds
Honey – Honey is a natural sweetener containing glucose and fructose, offering a quick source of energy.
Natural Starches – Foods like potatoes, yams, and other starchy vegetables provide glucose in the form of complex carbohydrates:
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- Potatoes (white and sweet)
- Plantains
- Yams
By including these natural sources in your diet, you can help ensure a steady supply of glucose for both your brain and body, supporting energy levels and cognitive function.
Conclusion
Glucose is vital for maintaining the brain’s health and functionality, particularly for individuals grappling with deep trauma. Artificial sweeteners, while seemingly benign, may contribute to cognitive and emotional challenges, particularly for those whose brain function is already compromised. By understanding the brain’s need for glucose and the possible risks of substituting it with artificial sweeteners, individuals can make more informed choices about their diets, helping to support both their physical and mental well-being.
SCARS Institute Recommendation
Our recommendation is to discontinue the use of ALL artificial sweeteners permanently. You do not have to switch to sugar because you can obtain glucose naturally in fruits, vegetables, honey, and whole grains. However, it is important to let your body stabilize so you can fully address the emotional and psychological consequences from your traumatic experience without also becoming a chemistry experiment in the process.
Referrences
Here are the links to the sources mentioned:
- Study on aspartame and memory loss:
https://newatlas.com/medical/aspartame-artificial-sweetener-memory-loss/ - Research on aspartame and heritable memory deficits:
https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/memory-deficits-linked-to-aspartame-may-be-heritable-study-says/ - Harvard Health article on artificial sweeteners and brain health:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/could-artificial-sweeteners-be-bad-for-your-brain-2017060711849 - Study on sucralose’s effects on brain activity and appetite:
https://www.azolifesciences.com/news/20210929/Study-examines-effects-of-artificial-sweetener-on-brain-activity-and-appetite-response.aspx - Article on the gut-brain axis and artificial sweeteners:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/mood-microbe/202210/healthy-sweeteners-and-the-gut-brain-axis - Article discussing sweeteners and mental clarity:
https://zsweet.com/blogs/news/sweeteners-and-mental-clarity-do-they-affect-cognitive-function
These sources offer a range of perspectives on the effects of artificial sweeteners on cognition and brain function.
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At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
SCARS Resources:
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- Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
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Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
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