When it comes to sugar, the options are plentiful. Sugar comes in various forms and types, each with its unique characteristics and effects on the body. From naturally occurring fruit sugars to artificial sweeteners like High Fructose Corn Syrup, the choices can be overwhelming. However, when it comes to health and well-being, opting for natural sugar alternatives is crucial. Let’s delve into two popular options and their benefits.
Xylitol: A Low-Calorie Sweetener
Xylitol, a sugar alcohol sweetener found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables, offers a sweetness similar to table sugar but with 40% fewer calories. While it provides empty calories like regular sugar, Xylitol is a favored choice for weight management. Unlike artificial sweeteners, Xylitol retains a natural sweetness without the excess calories. Ideal for prediabetics, diabetics, and individuals aiming to shed pounds, Xylitol stands out for its health benefits compared to alternatives like Equal or Splenda.
Primarily used in gums, candies, and treats, Xylitol is recommended by dentists for its ability to prevent tooth decay and promote dental health. Studies indicate that replacing sugar with Xylitol can reduce cavities and tooth decay by 30-85%. Incorporating Xylitol into your diet may also aid in reducing ear and yeast infections, enhancing gut health, and potentially combating signs of aging.
While excessive consumption of Xylitol may lead to mild diuretic effects, such symptoms are rare. It is advisable to start with small doses and gradually increase intake to allow your body to adjust smoothly.
Stevia: A Plant-Based Sweetener
Derived from the Stevia plant, Stevia leaf extract serves as a natural, plant-based sweetener. Initially utilized by South American natives in the 1800s to sweeten beverages and promote various health benefits, Stevia has evolved into a popular sugar alternative.
The safest forms of Stevia include the leaf extract and blends like Truvia and Stevia in the Raw. Store-bought Stevia products are highly refined and may not contain the entire Stevia leaf. Stevia leaf extract, composed of purified stevia tea, undergoes a stringent purification process to ensure FDA approval. Stevia is significantly sweeter than table sugar, with no calories or carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for calorie-conscious individuals and those with Type 2 Diabetes.
While Stevia is generally safe for daily consumption, the recommended daily limit is 4mg per kilogram of body weight. Potential side effects such as gastrointestinal issues are rare, with some individuals experiencing benefits like lowered blood pressure. Despite a past FDA ban due to cancer concerns, Stevia is now a widely accepted alternative for reducing sugar intake.
If you or a loved one are seeking to manage sugar consumption, combat prediabetes, or navigate Type 2 Diabetes, incorporating Xylitol and Stevia products into your diet may offer a beneficial solution.
Explore the realm of natural sugar alternatives and embark on a journey towards better health and well-being.
References:
- Stevia Side Effects: Weighing the Pros and Cons (verywellhealth.com)
- Natural sweetener Stevia rebaudiana: Functionalities, health benefits and potential risks – PMC (nih.gov)
- History of Stevia | Stevia.org
- Xylitol: Everything You Need to Know (healthline.com)
- Mutans Streptococci Dose Response to Xylitol Chewing Gum – PMC (nih.gov)
- Xylitol in preventing dental caries: A systematic review and meta-analyses – PMC (nih.gov)
- Coconut Sugar: A Healthy Sugar Alternative or a Big, Fat Lie? (healthline.com)
- Meta-analysis on the Effectiveness of Xylitol in Caries Prevention – PMC (nih.gov)
The post Best Natural Sugar Alternatives appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine is an umbrella term for any medical treatment that complements mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medicine is not meant to be used in place of conventional medicine, but instead as a complement. Sometimes they’re called “alternative”, or “integrative”, because they combine Western scientific methods along with other therapies that have proven to be effective in healing people.
What is holistic medical opposite?
Holistic medicine refers to a holistic approach to health care. It considers all aspects and their emotional, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. It is based on the concept that any illness must have multiple causes and requires a combination of treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine doctors believe that prevention is more effective than treatment. To achieve optimal wellness, holistic medicine doctors work closely alongside their patients.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic doctors look at the whole body, not just the organs. Holistic physicians often refer to the whole being as “the Body”.
They treat the whole body, not just the skin. The doctor may recommend changes to your diet, exercise, or life style. He may also recommend yoga and meditation, herbal supplements or massage, acupuncture treatment, or alternative medicine.
What is the difference between holistic medicine and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine focuses on treating symptoms, while holistic medicine treats the whole person. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just one aspect of a patient’s health.
Traditional medicine treats individual organs or systems (such as the brain), whereas holistic medicine considers all aspects of the body from the inside out. It also looks at how lifestyle choices affect overall wellness.
What is an alternative name for medicine?
Alternative medicine is a term that covers any treatment approach that is not conventional. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine may include acupuncture, homeopathy or herbalism, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine and reflexology.
Alternative practitioners claim their treatments have improved health outcomes. They also claim they are more cost-effective and provide better patient satisfaction. These claims can not be supported scientifically as the evidence supporting alternative medicine has been largely ignored by mainstream medical authorities.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
How To
What type of products are used for holistic medicine?
This product can be described as “natural” without necessarily being organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. Some herbs, such as some that can cause allergic reactions, may need to be prepared differently depending upon their specific needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbs often have higher levels of herbicides than those sold at grocery stores.
The majority of herbal supplements are made from dried plants. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. However, this doesn’t mean that they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There is no guarantee that the product will retain all its original potency. Most herbal supplements are not subject to quality control before they are sold.
After cooking, herbs and spices can be added to foods. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements are typically taken orally (by mouth). Most vitamins are available in tablet form. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances derived from plant, animal, mineral, or synthetic sources. They are designed to stimulate the body’s healing systems. They are “homeopathic” and do not have the same effect as regular medicines. They activate the immune system of the body to restore balance and promote well-being. Homeopathic remedies may be safe and not toxic. They are popularly used in Europe and South America.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. It is based in a traditional Chinese medical theory which says that life force flows through energy channels. According to this theory, illness is caused by blockages in these channels. The stimulation of certain points along the Meridian lines with fine needles is thought to restore energy flow and allow the body to return to normal function.
Chiropractors correct misalignments by manipulating the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer developed this technique in 1895. Palmer claimed that he could cure and diagnose diseases by manipulating the spines. His methods included spinal adjustments. Muscle tests. And percussion.
Chiropractic has become very popular over the past few years. Many people think it is more effective than traditional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage can loosen tight muscles, relax tension and soothe sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissues, sports, reflexology, myofascialrelease, trigger point therapy and other methods are used by massage therapists.
Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving pressure applied to specific areas of the feet and hands using thumb pads, fingers, and toes. Reflexologists claim this stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants to relieve stress and boost mood. Essential oils are therapeutic as their chemical makeup can benefit health conditions such arthritis treatment to headache relief. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral Treatment uses gentle touch for pain relief and discomfort. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. The therapist uses light pressure to the head, neck, shoulders and arms of the patient while moving her/his fingers across their body.
Cupping therapy works by placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum and draw out toxins. Cupping can be used to detoxify.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1992 regulates dietary supplements. To be sold legally, a diet supplement must meet two conditions. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses electrical currents in order to stimulate nerves or muscles. The most widely used form is transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS devices provide low-level electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the skin. These pulses activate receptors in the brain that block pain signals. Other forms of electrotherapy include interferential current therapy, magnetic field therapy, and ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing relies on the belief system that all of us have innate healing abilities. In addition, our thoughts and feelings can impact our physical health. Although energy healing has been practiced since ancient days, practitioners today accept that there is more than one layer of energy. One layer is emotional energy. Another is called mental energy. Others include psychic, spiritual and chakras. Vital, life force, prana. Kundalini, biofield. Aura, quantum fields, and prana. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some claim to be able to heal others using only the power of their minds. The scientific evidence for energy medicine is still limited.
Energy psychology involves studying how human emotions affect physiological functions and vice versa. Energy psychology is often considered an alternative for psychotherapy, as it does not focus on past events but rather on helping clients to change their behaviour. Energy psychology does require no specific theoretical framework. Instead, it draws upon many disciplines like cognitive behavioral therapy, transactional psychoanalysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis as well as attachment theory and developmental psychology.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Olivia Salzwedel
Title: Exploring the Best Natural Sugar Alternatives
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/lifestyle-2/best-natural-sugar-alternatives/
Published Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:23:17 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine is an umbrella term for any medical treatment that complements mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medicine is not meant to be used in place of conventional medicine, but instead as a complement. Sometimes they’re called “alternative”, or “integrative”, because they combine Western scientific methods along with other therapies that have proven to be effective in healing people.
What is holistic medical opposite?
Holistic medicine refers to a holistic approach to health care. It considers all aspects and their emotional, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. It is based on the concept that any illness must have multiple causes and requires a combination of treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine doctors believe that prevention is more effective than treatment. To achieve optimal wellness, holistic medicine doctors work closely alongside their patients.
They look for the root causes of disease to prevent them from returning. Holistic doctors look at the whole body, not just the organs. Holistic physicians often refer to the whole being as “the Body”.
They treat the whole body, not just the skin. The doctor may recommend changes to your diet, exercise, or life style. He may also recommend yoga and meditation, herbal supplements or massage, acupuncture treatment, or alternative medicine.
What is the difference between holistic medicine and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine focuses on treating symptoms, while holistic medicine treats the whole person. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just one aspect of a patient’s health.
Traditional medicine treats individual organs or systems (such as the brain), whereas holistic medicine considers all aspects of the body from the inside out. It also looks at how lifestyle choices affect overall wellness.
What is an alternative name for medicine?
Alternative medicine is a term that covers any treatment approach that is not conventional. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine may include acupuncture, homeopathy or herbalism, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine and reflexology.
Alternative practitioners claim their treatments have improved health outcomes. They also claim they are more cost-effective and provide better patient satisfaction. These claims can not be supported scientifically as the evidence supporting alternative medicine has been largely ignored by mainstream medical authorities.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health? NCCIH
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
How To
What type of products are used for holistic medicine?
This product can be described as “natural” without necessarily being organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. Some herbs, such as some that can cause allergic reactions, may need to be prepared differently depending upon their specific needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbs often have higher levels of herbicides than those sold at grocery stores.
The majority of herbal supplements are made from dried plants. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. However, this doesn’t mean that they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There is no guarantee that the product will retain all its original potency. Most herbal supplements are not subject to quality control before they are sold.
After cooking, herbs and spices can be added to foods. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements are typically taken orally (by mouth). Most vitamins are available in tablet form. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances derived from plant, animal, mineral, or synthetic sources. They are designed to stimulate the body’s healing systems. They are “homeopathic” and do not have the same effect as regular medicines. They activate the immune system of the body to restore balance and promote well-being. Homeopathic remedies may be safe and not toxic. They are popularly used in Europe and South America.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. It is based in a traditional Chinese medical theory which says that life force flows through energy channels. According to this theory, illness is caused by blockages in these channels. The stimulation of certain points along the Meridian lines with fine needles is thought to restore energy flow and allow the body to return to normal function.
Chiropractors correct misalignments by manipulating the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer developed this technique in 1895. Palmer claimed that he could cure and diagnose diseases by manipulating the spines. His methods included spinal adjustments. Muscle tests. And percussion.
Chiropractic has become very popular over the past few years. Many people think it is more effective than traditional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage can loosen tight muscles, relax tension and soothe sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissues, sports, reflexology, myofascialrelease, trigger point therapy and other methods are used by massage therapists.
Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving pressure applied to specific areas of the feet and hands using thumb pads, fingers, and toes. Reflexologists claim this stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants to relieve stress and boost mood. Essential oils are therapeutic as their chemical makeup can benefit health conditions such arthritis treatment to headache relief. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral Treatment uses gentle touch for pain relief and discomfort. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. The therapist uses light pressure to the head, neck, shoulders and arms of the patient while moving her/his fingers across their body.
Cupping therapy works by placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum and draw out toxins. Cupping can be used to detoxify.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1992 regulates dietary supplements. To be sold legally, a diet supplement must meet two conditions. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses electrical currents in order to stimulate nerves or muscles. The most widely used form is transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS devices provide low-level electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the skin. These pulses activate receptors in the brain that block pain signals. Other forms of electrotherapy include interferential current therapy, magnetic field therapy, and ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing relies on the belief system that all of us have innate healing abilities. In addition, our thoughts and feelings can impact our physical health. Although energy healing has been practiced since ancient days, practitioners today accept that there is more than one layer of energy. One layer is emotional energy. Another is called mental energy. Others include psychic, spiritual and chakras. Vital, life force, prana. Kundalini, biofield. Aura, quantum fields, and prana. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some claim to be able to heal others using only the power of their minds. The scientific evidence for energy medicine is still limited.
Energy psychology involves studying how human emotions affect physiological functions and vice versa. Energy psychology is often considered an alternative for psychotherapy, as it does not focus on past events but rather on helping clients to change their behaviour. Energy psychology does require no specific theoretical framework. Instead, it draws upon many disciplines like cognitive behavioral therapy, transactional psychoanalysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis as well as attachment theory and developmental psychology.
