Life Blog
Cutting-edge information and tips for creating health in all areas of life – wellness, nutrition, fitness, attitude, and relationships
April 16, 2026
Are Artificial Sweeteners Healthier Than Sugar?
When people “quit sugar” they often switch to an artificial, calorie-free sweetener. Today, these sweeteners are widely used in soft drinks, chewing gum, candy, jellies, dairy products and many other foods and drinks. There are six FDA approved calorie-free sweeteners: acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, Stevia and sucralose. Any product that is labelled “sugar free” or “diet” contains one or more of these sweeteners. Just what is in these sweeteners and are they any healthier than sugar? Artificial Sweeteners and Weight Gain Sweeteners give you all the sweetness of sugar with none of the calories. They are a good alternative for diabetics because they have no effect on blood sugar levels. What more could you ask for, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Research shows that artificial sweeteners may be beneficial in the short-term but can lead to weight gain in the long term. Even though they are calorie-free, they are still capable of stimulating the development of new fat cells. Artificial Sweeteners and Cravings Sugar substitutes keep your sugar cravings alive. They may be able to fool your taste buds but they can’t fool your brain. When you consume a sugary treat, dopamine, the pleasure and reward chemical, is released in the brain. Unfortunately, artificial sweeteners do not trigger the release of dopamine, so the cravings do not go away. As a result, you’re more likely to binge on sugar and other unhealthy foods later on. In addition, artificial sweeteners are several times sweeter than sugar and regular use can…
How to Take Proper Care of Your Gums (AND Heart)
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the main cause of tooth loss; one in three adults has it. Their gums are constantly irritated and inflamed, and bacteria is slowly destroying the tissues and bones that support their teeth! Gum disease occurs when bacterial plaque builds up along and underneath the gum line. The bacteria produce…
Learn MoreManage Social Anxiety In 4 Easy Steps
Perhaps you wish you were friendlier, and more open and sociable, but the idea of interacting with other people fills you with fear and dread. If this is the case, you could be dealing with social anxiety. It’s More than Nerves Social anxiety is more than occasional nerves and self-consciousness. It’s a constant and intense…
Learn MoreCan’t Get Your Kids to Fall Asleep? Try This
Every parent knows how challenging it is to get a child to go to bed and fall asleep. Children’s bodies don’t abide by the clock, and bedtime is almost always an ordeal. It can be tempting to let your kids stay up until they fall asleep, but science says that’s not a good idea. When…
Learn MoreDo Weather Changes Really Cause Joint Pain?
Everyone has an aunt or uncle who can “feel” when the weather is about to change. In fact, more than two-thirds of people who suffer from joint pain believe there is a connection between weather patterns and their creaky joints. But is this just an old wives’ tale? Could so many people be mistaken about…
Learn More4 Ways to Break The Cycle Of Overanalyzing Everything!
One nasty habit that keeps people stuck is overanalyzing everything. Overanalyzing transforms little issues and situations into big problems and overwhelming challenges. Overanalyzing is like yeast; it makes things grow and grow and grow until something cute and small becomes monstrously huge with fangs and claws. Overanalyzing turns positive situations and relationships into negative ones…
Learn MoreSeven Diet Tips & Tricks For Staying Healthy And Losing Weight
Learning how to eat healthy isn’t nearly as complicated as people think. By practicing these simple habits, healthy eating will become second nature. Eat A Variety Of Foods Many diets don’t work in the long run because they either cut out healthy food groups entirely (for example, carbs) or severely restrict what you can eat….
Learn MoreHypoallergenic Dogs and Cats: Myth or Reality?
About one in 10 people has pet allergies. They cannot be in the same room with a cat or dog without sneezing or experiencing other allergy symptoms. For these people, hypoallergenic pets may seem like the obvious solution. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. In fact, hypoallergenic dogs or cats might be a myth after all….
Learn MoreCan You Really Detox or Cleanse Your Body?
You’ve probably come across a detox program or two in your pursuit of better health. These programs are based on the idea that your body is constantly accumulating toxins and needs a “spring cleaning” every now and then. These programs usually involve a combination of fasting, juicing, eating selected foods, taking supplements, and enemas. The…
Learn MoreDoes Your Home Stress You Out?
How do you feel when you get home after a long day? Relieved or more stressed? You probably already know that a messy, disorganized home can make it very difficult to relax and unwind. What may surprise you, though, is that a clean and organized home can be just as stressful if you make the…
Learn MoreGo Vegetarian & Live Longer (A Lot Longer…)
There are many reasons to become a vegetarian. Although some people choose to do so for religious or ethical reasons, more and more Americans are choosing the vegetarian lifestyle for health reasons. The Benefits Vegetarians have a huge advantage over meat eaters in the long term. They live longer and are generally 30 pounds lighter….
Learn MoreAre Your Teeth and Bones Getting Enough Calcium?
Calcium is a tricky mineral. It’s the most abundant mineral in the human body and is present in many different foods. However, people still suffer from calcium deficiency, low bone mass, and osteoporosis. Insufficient calcium intake doesn’t produce symptoms in the short term, making it really difficult to know when you’re not getting enough. Also,…
Learn MoreSmell Your Way to Better Health
The sense of smell is our most sensitive sense. It is the first to develop and it influences our emotions, mood, memory, and behavior. This is where aromatherapy comes in. Aromatherapy, derived from the French word “aromatherapie”, is the use of fragrant essential oils extracted from plants to promote physical and psychological health and wellness….
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