25 Favorite and Forbidden Foods for a Healthy Gut and a Healthier You

#2 Worst: Artificial Sweeteners – Fake Friends to Your Gut

Think swapping sugar for artificial sweeteners is a smart move? Your gut might disagree. Aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin have been shown to alter gut bacteria, reducing the diversity of good microbes and potentially leading to glucose intolerance (which can increase your risk of diabetes). Some studies suggest they even trick your body into craving more sugar. Instead, go for natural sweeteners like raw honey or monk fruit, which can offer sweetness without gut-wrecking side effects.