Today’s top “weight loss and diet” products are known for harboring potentially dangerous ingredients like fructose, maltodextrin, sucralose, soy and artificial flavors. I encourage you to check the labels on your shake. If you are consuming brands like ID Life, Herbalife, Advocare, 310, as well as any  products found at GNC,  you will find these ingredients lurking in your “not so healthy” shake. So what does this mean for you? Let me break down the ingredients for you….

Fructose-

Typically associated with fruit. Most people deem Fructose as “healthy”. They see Fructose as “natural”,  when in fact, the Fructose found in diet products is chemically manufactured. The human body can only metabolize fructose through the liver. Your liver metabolizes fructose into fat through a process called lipogenesis. Ever heard of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? Yep – this is one of the causes. When you consume  large amounts daily, this leads to weight gain in the belly area. Fructose has been referred to as the key driver in obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Not only is Fructose converted to fat within the body, it causes insulin resistance which leads to obesity and type II diabetes, can cause leptin resistance and cause a strong reaction in sugar addiction.

Sucralose –

Sucralose is a chlorinated artificial sweetener with zero health benefits and several negative  health effects. Ingesting sucralose can cause impairment of appetite regulation, and ultimately results in weight gain. Sucralose also reduces beneficial bacterial population in the gut which can negatively affect your immune system. Furthermore, sucralose affects the P-glycoprotein levels which could result in medications (including those used for AIDS and Cancer treatments)  to be shunted directly to the intestines rather than being absorbed by the body. Sucralose is also absorbed by fat, creating more fat within the body.

Maltodextrin –

This is a chemically manufactured polysaccharide which is extremely high on the glycemic index. Related directly to corn syrup, this sweetener is extremely dangerous to PKU patients and those who are diabetic or borderline diabetic. Maltodextrin causes extreme spikes in blood sugar levels, creating a grave danger for those sensitive to blood sugar spikes. Sadly, this product is found in highly processed food and many diet products. In addition to the increase in blood sugar, maltodextrin also suppresses the growth of probiotics, beneficial bacteria within the gut. Research has shown a direct link to maltodextrin consumption and the increased diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. If you are consuming products with this ingredient and have a chronic inflammatory disease, you will see an increase in symptoms, often including pain, muscle aches, joint swelling and fatigue. As a derivative from genetically modified corn, which has no nutritional value, it negatively affects multiple body organs in the body.

Be smart and read your labels. Then make the wise decision to omit these chemicals in your daily diet. You can start with replacing one meal a day with a whole-foods based shake without dangerous additives like Shakeology.  Being fit and healthy shouldn’t be poisonous to your body.