When I began my health journey with nutrition, I was skeptical. Could giving up gluten, dairy, and sugar really make a difference? If these foods were that problematic, I would have certainly learned about them in pharmacy school, right?
Well, much to my surprise, within three days of giving up these three foods, my bloating, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome vanished! “This can’t be,” I remember thinking to myself. Why did I not know about this?
If you’ve been following me for a while, you will know that I often speak of going gluten and dairy free — this can be incredibly helpful for Hashimoto’s, as 88 and 80 percent of people report feeling significantly better, respectively. But sugar can also be a major issue!
Of the people I have surveyed, 87 percent felt better sugar free. After the initial withdrawal, most people see benefits in mood, energy, and weight.
In my past life, I would put three teaspoons of (white, refined) sugar in my tea. My brother would look at me in disgust and say, “This stuff will make you sick, Izabella. You need to cut out the sugar.”
I knew he was right — sugar can contribute to a yeast overgrowth, lowered immunity, blood sugar issues, weight gain, diabetes, and a whole host of health problems — but I was a sugar addict, and it was devastating to think that I would have to let go of this old friend and not have any sweetness in my life.
So I had to find a bridge to help me off the sugar.
I knew from papers that I read in pharmacy school, that artificial sweeteners were toxic. NutraSweet, Equal (aspartame), and Splenda (sucralose) have all been connected to triggering Hashimoto’s. In fact, Dr. Isaac Sachmechi, a professor at Mount Sinai, reported that two of his patients saw a complete remission of Hashimoto’s after quitting artificial sweeteners.
To wean myself off of sugar, I transitioned to using honey as my go-to sweetener. I actually carried around little jars of honey with me everywhere I went! That seemed to work well… until one of the jars ended up spilling inside of my purse. ?
I knew I had to find something more practical, so I decided to give stevia a try.
At the time I began to use stevia, the research I found was mostly good. However, there have since been some new studies, as well as concerns and questions from readers, that have surfaced, and I’d like to address them.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- What stevia is
- The history of stevia
- The research behind stevia
- Who might benefit from using stevia
- Who should avoid stevia
What My Readers Are Saying About Stevia
Over the last few years, I’ve worked with quite a few women who suffer from varying degrees of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. What comes up time and time again is that there are widely diverse reactions to the foods we eat. Many of us with Hashimoto’s are experimenting with new recipes with unfamiliar ingredients as we try to address our many autoimmune symptoms. We are also paying greater attention to our unique bodies — so naturally, we have a lot of questions about specific ingredients.
Over the past few years, the question of stevia has come up in many conversations with my readers. Everyone wants to know: Is it good or bad for those of us with Hashimoto’s?
One very concerned reader was certain that stevia was causing her insomnia and bladder irritation. She was getting up to go to the bathroom more frequently, which was really hurting the quality of her sleep. Her mother was the only person that could relate and mentioned that she should stop using stevia. Sure enough, she read all the labels on her supplements and in her pantry, and gave her kitchen a stevia-free makeover. She also stopped baking with stevia — and was able to sleep like a baby!
Let’s break down exactly what stevia does when it enters the body, and how it may help or hurt a person, depending on the current state of their health. Very few studies have been done on its direct link to hypothyroidism, and no studies with Hashimoto’s, so it does take some digging and connecting the dots.
What Is Stevia?
Stevia is a natural sweetener, derived from the plant Stevia rebaudiana, or “honey leaf,” which contains the sweet-tasting compounds known as steviol glycosides. Stevia is 200-350 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) – but unlike sugar, stevia contains no calories. Therefore, it is often recommended as a healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up foods without the negative effects of sugar.
Classified as a nonnutritive sweetener (NNS), stevia is among a group defined as low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS). However, unlike other LNCS options in this group, such as saccharin (Sweet’N Low) and aspartame (Equal), stevia is natural and often organically grown.
Stevia originated in Brazil and Paraguay, and has been used by indigenous people as a food sweetener and a medicine for hundreds of years. It was first approved for use in the United States as a dietary supplement in 1995, and was later accepted as a sweetener in 2008.
It was also introduced as a sweetener in the EU in 2011, as well as in Canada in 2012.
The safety studies that allowed stevia to be approved as a sweetener concluded that stevia is non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic.
Steviol glycosides, which are refined extracts of stevia, are recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, whole-leaf varieties and raw stevia extracts are currently not approved by the FDA for use in food products, due to a lack of research.
Regulatory agencies like the FDA, the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have defined the acceptable daily intake of steviol glycosides as up to 1.8 mg per pound of body weight (4 mg per kg).
Today, stevia is often used in teas and coffee. It can also be found in other products, such as supplements, protein powders, and snacks.
What Are the Benefits of Stevia?
The majority of the studies to date have come to the conclusion that those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity can benefit from using stevia.
A study done in March 2015 suggests that it is “good for diabetic patients because it is calorie-free, non-toxic and cannot be oxidized.” In this study, diabetic rats were given different doses of stevia. Those given the higher dose had lower blood glucose levels over time. (Stevia increases insulin secretion without any glucose being introduced to the bloodstream. This allows for the insulin to reduce high glucose levels. This will also help lower complications for people with diabetes.) This can be good news for some of us with high blood sugar issues and diabetes, which are common in those with Hashimoto’s. However, others with Hashimoto’s may have issues with hypoglycemia, and in that case, stevia could exacerbate the hypoglycemia.
In another study, it was proven that stevia also has antioxidant properties in people with diabetes because of its “free radical scavenging [activity],” reducing oxidative stress and the risk of liver and kidney damage.
Stevia is also known to have a positive effect on hypertension (high blood pressure). Scientists found that feeding stevia to rats over time will result in the dilation of blood vessels, leading to a lowering of blood pressure. This effect results from long-term use of stevia and can be seen after 40-60 days of use. (12) Again, this could be a positive if you have high blood pressure, but a negative if your blood pressure is already low.
Additionally, stevia may help with suppressing Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease — a potential Hashimoto’s trigger — at least in a petri dish! In one study, researchers evaluated the antimicrobial potential of whole leaf stevia extracts against B. burgdorferi, by comparing the antimicrobial effect of stevia with three commonly used antibiotics (doxycycline, cefoperazone, daptomycin). The results revealed that stevia was capable of eliminating the bacteria as effectively as the reported three-antibiotic combination treatment.
There is anecdotal evidence that stevia has anti-cancer and anti-diarrheal qualities, but more studies need to be done on this, as the number and quality of studies done are not adequate to come to a conclusion on those benefits.
How Does Stevia Affect Hashimoto’s?
There are not many studies on how stevia affects thyroid hormones, and I’ve never seen any issues with it clinically. I’ve only found two studies that evaluated the effect of stevia on thyroid hormones, and the good news is that stevia does not seem to pose any adverse effects (at least, not in rats or chickens).
However, stevia may affect other hormones…
Varanuj Chatsudthipong and Chatchai Muanprasat have noted multiple studies that analyze stevia’s effect on fertility. In one study, they cite that rats who were fed high doses of stevia over two months did, in fact, show a decrease in fertility. In another study done on hamsters, stevia toxicity existed when administered in high doses to the hamsters and their fetuses. This was observed as a significant decrease of maternal body-weight gain during the experimental period (days 6-14), a high percentage of maternal mortality, a decrease in the number of live fetuses per litter, and a decrease in fetal weight.
Another study found that stevia can shrink the seminal vesicle of male rats. As semen is partially produced by the seminal vesicles, this may play a role in fertility.
Beyond potentially affecting hormones related to fertility, stevia may also affect the adrenals.
If you have Hashimoto’s, you likely have some degree of adrenal dysfunction — this is a very important root cause that most people need to address. Adrenal dysfunction manifests as fatigue, weight gain, irritability, moodiness, lowered immunity, and sleep issues.
The main factors that can cause or exacerbate adrenal dysfunction are stress, inflammation, lack of sleep, and blood sugar imbalances — especially hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Because stevia can lower blood sugar, this could potentially exacerbate blood sugar imbalances, and in turn, lead to hypoglycemia.
Additionally, studies suggest that stevia may not be beneficial for gut health, which is always a factor with Hashimoto’s. One study observed that zero-calorie sweeteners, such as stevia, could inhibit beneficial gut bacteria, which play an important role in disease prevention, digestion, and immunity.
Some research has even concluded that stevia and other calorie-free sweeteners could lead a person to consume more calories throughout the day. For example, one study in 30 men determined that drinking a stevia-sweetened beverage caused participants to consume more calories later in the day than they did when they drank a sugar-sweetened beverage. While overeating isn’t a symptom of Hashimoto’s, many people with hypothyroid conditions may have issues with weight gain, so this is important to keep in mind.
Those with low pressure may also want to be cautious with stevia, as studies have shown that it may reduce blood pressure. Many people with adrenal issues, as well as thiamine deficiency (which are both common in Hashimoto’s), often have low blood pressure — the dilation effect of stevia on blood vessels can potentially exacerbate this.
Should You Use Stevia?
As a pharmacist, I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out appropriate medication use. My training is in evaluating the pharmacology of a particular substance and learning about how it could affect the human body. I’ll say the same things about stevia, that I would about most things with medicinal properties: whether it’s good or bad depends on the person.
On one hand, stevia can help certain people lose weight, improve diabetes, lower high blood sugar levels, lower high blood pressure, and even potentially help people with Lyme disease. Given this, stevia definitely seems to be a better alternative to sugar!
But if you are someone with adrenal fatigue, low cortisol, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure, or if you are trying to conceive, you may want to avoid stevia, especially long-term use of it. Though I have no evidence that occasional or short-term use would pose a problem at the moment, there is a school of thought that any sweeteners, in general, may cause insulin releases and a stress response in the body.
If you’re struggling with your adrenals and are currently using stevia, this may be something to consider removing from your diet. Stevia is found in many supplements and protein powders like the Rootcology Organic Pea Protein, so be sure to check labels if you want to do a real trial of how you feel without stevia (note: the Rootcology AI Paleo Protein is stevia-free and hypoallergenic).
What About Other Sweeteners?
There are many other alternative sweeteners on the market: some that have always been around, as well as new options that are being promoted every year. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, and as with stevia, each individual will have a different level of tolerance. As with most substances, the dose is key!
- Honey, molasses, coconut sugar, and maple syrup are natural sweeteners. However, they will raise blood sugar levels just like regular refined cane sugar. They may also contribute to Candida overgrowth and blood sugar imbalances.
- Trehalose (a sugar derived from insect cocoons) is an interesting option because it can accelerate tissue repair, but it can also exacerbate small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a common issue that’s present in Hashimoto’s. Some researchers have found that trehalose may feed the Clostridium difficile (C. diff.) bacteria. Thus, if you are struggling with an overgrowth of this gut bacteria, this sugar may not be appropriate for you.
- Xylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from corncobs and birch, that contains 40 percent fewer calories than table sugar. It has a very low glycemic index and won’t spike blood sugar levels. While it has some positive side effects, such as reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth and increasing collagen production, xylitol may also contribute to gut bacteria overgrowth and should be avoided by those with SIBO or an intolerance to FODMAPs.
- Erythritol is a sugar alcohol, created when a certain type of yeast ferments glucose from corn or wheat starch. However, it contains even fewer calories. Erythritol does not raise blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol or triglyceride levels, and is very well tolerated by most people.
- Monk fruit extract is 150-250 times sweeter than table sugar, has zero calories and carbohydrates, and does not raise blood glucose levels. It is considered safe for those with diabetes and has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, research is still new at looking at this sweetener, and it has been found that many non-nutritive sweeteners impact gut bacteria and the lining of the intestines, so you may want to use it with caution.
- Myo-inositol is a form of inositol, a type of natural sugar alcohol that’s present in mammalian cells. It is found in many plants and in the tissues of animals. Foods with the highest concentration of myo-inositol are fruits, beans, corn, and nuts. Due to its key role in TSH signaling, myo-inositol supplementation has been shown to reduce TSH levels, reduce thyroid antibodies, and even achieve remission in people with Hashimoto’s. It can also be effective for reducing PCOS, blood sugar balance, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Rootcology Myo-inositol Powder is about half as sweet as table sugar and can be used to replace other sweeteners in tea or coffee.
Unrefined cane sugars, which include sucanat, panela, rapadura, and muscovado, are sometimes used as healthier alternatives to refined sugar. However, while they do contain higher levels of nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A and B vitamins, the sucrose levels are so high that they will still have a significant impact on blood sugar levels.
Instead, I encourage you to start weaning your taste buds away from sweets where possible. Most people do find that, once they start reducing the level of sugar or sweetened foods and beverages that they consume on a daily basis, their cravings for those sweetened flavors fade and they no longer miss the sweetness.
The Takeaway
Getting blood sugar imbalances under control and reducing sugar intake, are a key part of reducing symptoms of Hashimoto’s, and finding an alternative to refined sugar can make that process easier for many people. However, there are pros and cons to all of the sugar alternatives on the market, including stevia.
If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood sugar levels or even Lyme disease, stevia may be a great option for you. However, other people with low blood pressure or adrenal dysfunction may want to avoid this sweetener.
If you haven’t read Hashimoto’s Protocol yet, you may wish to pick up a copy! In it, you will find more detail on how to take away foods that may be harming you, as well as what you should add back in, that will nourish you back to good health! (If you’ve been reacting to stevia, definitely take note of the Adrenal Recovery Protocol, as adrenal issues may be at the root of your reaction!)
As always, I wish you well on your journey to better health!
P.S. For continued updates and interaction, please become a part of our Facebook community and sign up for my newsletter to have helpful information delivered right to your email inbox. You’ll also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways, and more!
References
- Magnuson B, Karakostas M, Moore N, Poulos S, Renwick A. Biological fate of low-calorie sweeteners. Nutrition Reviews. 2016;74(11):670-689. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuw032.
- Chen T, Chen S, Chan P, Chu Y, Yang H, Cheng J. Mechanism of the Hypoglycemic Effect of Stevioside, a Glycoside of Stevia rebaudiana. Planta Medica. 2005;71(2):108-113. doi:10.1055/s-2005-837775.
- Theophilus P, Victoria M, Socarras K et al. Effectiveness of Stevia rebaudiana whole leaf extract against the various morphological forms of Borrelia burgdorferi in vitro. European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology. 2015;5(4):268-280. doi:10.1556/1886.2015.00031.
- Boonka Wwan C, Ao M, Toskulkao C, Rao M. Specific Immunomodulatory and Secretory Activities of Stevioside and Steviol in Intestinal Cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2008;56(10):3777-3784. doi:10.1021/jf072681o.
- Shivanna N, Naika M, Khanum F, Kaul V. Antioxidant, anti-diabetic and renal protective properties of Stevia rebaudiana. J Diabetes Complications. 2013 Mar-Apr;27(2):103-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2012.10.001.
- Shukla S, Mehta A. Comparative phytochemical analysis and in vivo immunomodulatory activity of various extracts of Stevia rebaudiana leaves in experimental animal model. Frontiers in Life Science. 2014;8(1):55-63. doi:10.1080/21553769.2014.961615.
- Daneshyar M, Geuns J, Willemsen H et al. Evaluation of dietary stevioside supplementation on anti-human serum albumin immunoglobulin G, Alpha-1-glycoprotein, body weight and thyroid hormones in broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2011;96(4):627-633. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0396.2011.01188.x.
- Payne A, Chassard C, Lacroix C. Gut microbial adaptation to dietary consumption of fructose, artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols: implications for host-microbe interactions contributing to obesity. Obesity Reviews. 2012;13(9):799-809. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789x.2012.01009.x.
- Pepino M, Bourne C. Non-nutritive sweeteners, energy balance, and glucose homeostasis. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 2011;14(4):391-395. doi:10.1097/mco.0b013e3283468e7e.
- Brown R, Rother K. Non-Nutritive Sweeteners and their Role in the Gastrointestinal Tract. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2012;97(8):2597-2605. doi:10.1210/jc.2012-1475.
- Roberts A, Munro I. Stevioside and related compounds: Therapeutic benefits beyond sweetness. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2009;122(3):e1-e2. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.03.005.
- Oliveira-Filho R, Uehara O, Minetti C, Valle L. Chronic administration of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni in rats: Endocrine effects. General Pharmacology: The Vascular System. 1989;20(2):187-191. doi:10.1016/0306-3623(89)90013-x.
- Has Stevia been approved by FDA to be used as a sweetener? U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-basics/has-stevia-been-approved-fda-be-used-sweetener. Updated March 28, 2018. Accessed March 17, 2020.
- Lohner S, Toews I, Meerpohl JJ. Health outcomes of non-nutritive sweeteners: analysis of the research landscape. Nutr J. 2017;16(1):55. Published 2017 Sep 8. doi:10.1186/s12937-017-0278-x.
- Onakpoya IJ, Heneghan CJ. Effect of the natural sweetener, steviol glycoside, on cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2015 Dec;22(12):1575-87. doi: 10.1177/2047487314560663.
- Tey SL, Salleh NB, Henry J, Forde CG. Effects of aspartame-, monk fruit-, stevia- and sucrose-sweetened beverages on postprandial glucose, insulin and energy intake. Int J Obes (Lond). 2017 Mar;41(3):450-457. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2016.225.
- Grech A, Kam CO, Gemming L, Rangan A. Diet-Quality and Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Non-Nutritive Sweetener Use in the Australian Population. Nutrients. 2018;10(7):833. Published 2018 Jun 27. doi:10.3390/nu10070833.
- Pepino MY. Metabolic effects of non-nutritive sweeteners. Physiol Behav. 2015;152(Pt B):450–455. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.06.024.
- Wang QP, Browman D, Herzog H, Neely GG. Non-nutritive sweeteners possess a bacteriostatic effect and alter gut microbiota in mice. PLoS One. 2018;13(7):e0199080. Published 2018 Jul 5. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199080.
- Shreiner AB, Kao JY, Young VB. The gut microbiome in health and in disease. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2015;31(1):69–75. doi:10.1097/MOG.0000000000000139
- Theophilus PA, Victoria MJ, Socarras KM, et al. Effectiveness of Stevia Rebaudiana Whole Leaf Extract Against the Various Morphological Forms of Borrelia Burgdorferi in Vitro. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp). 2015;5(4):268–280. Published 2015 Nov 12. doi:10.1556/1886.2015.00031
Note: Originally published in April 2017, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.
I was using Xylitol as a sweetner and recently found out that many of the sugar alcohol based sweeteners are derived from corn! I had a strong reaction to corn when I did an elimination diet, so I’ve cut all these sweetners out. Please help spread the word to others with corn sensitivity!
Jennifer- Thank you so much for sharing! Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts, and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Excellent article, as always. But for this long-time Hashimoto’s patient, stevia is a bladder/urethral irritant that keeps me having to get up at night to urinate. The same thing happened to my mother and to my aunt, neither of whom have Hashimoto’s; we all started getting more continuous nights’ sleep after we stopped using stevia. The brand I was using is SweetLeaf. I am not sure if just the mere use of stevia was the problem or if it was that over time I was starting to use increasingly more of it; maybe I was using too much, or it just built up in my system. Also, I am over 60, so any little bladder irritant can easily become a big bladder irritant for me. What my functional medicine consultant told me about it when I brought it up was that it may be the processing that extracts the product from the plant that is the problem, and not necessarily the stevia plant itself.
Vikki- Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! 🙂
A very interesting, useful and insightful article!
Dr. T- Thank you so much for your support! I hope you also check out my new book! 🙂
Hashimoto’s Protocol Book
thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol
That only seems to leave out Lo Huan or monk fruit extract. What is your opinion of that alternative sweetener? It seems like everything is a problem for someone. Trying to figure out which is a problem for one’s self is daunting. I have been using stevia and xylitol in my coffee/tea for years, thinking everything is okay, is it really? Who knows? But since these have their issues, I would sure like to know if monk fruit has any?
David- Thank you so much for following this page! I’ll say the same things about Stevia that I would about most things with medicinal properties: whether it’s good or bad depends on the person. The gold standard or the most accurate test for uncovering reactive foods and individual food sensitivities is actually the Elimination Diet.
It works better than trying a recommended dietary approach (i.e. gluten-free, Paleo, etc.) and even better than food sensitivity testing (which may be helpful in many cases but may not be affordable for many people). The elimination diet can work as a stand-alone or in symphony with food sensitivity testing. Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/elimination-diet-for-hashimotos/
Hi Izabella,
I have been a long time Stevia user without any sleep problems.
Before bed each night, I do though use a magnesium cream that has natural melatonin in it and place a dab of Lavender Essential Oil on the sole of each foot. Without fail – even on a night of full moon – I sleep easy & deep and awake refreshed.
I am interested to know your thoughts on two products that both David and Ryan have made enquires about.
I have done a little research, though it is inconclusive and so am disappointed you have not responded.
Luo han guo (Monk Fruit) contains 25-38% carbohydrates in the form of both fructose & glucose. Due to it’s low G.I. & it’s compounds, it is claimed to stimulate insulin secretion and so assist combat diabetes. Apparently only the sweet component called mogrosides are extracted from the green melon fruit – leaving behind the fructose.
I have read it is 200 times sweeter than sugar though with 96% less calories however because of this sweetness, is blended with Erythritol so that it can be used as a spoon for spoon sugar substitute.
Erythritol is said to be a naturally occurring nectar found in fruit like melons and grapes, though it has such a scientific name it leaves me suspicious that it may be an alcohol like substance with similar concerns for the gut, like Xylitol.
David Gillespie in his book ‘Sweet Poison’ refers to Glucose (also known as Dextrose) as our bodies primary source of energy and that all carbs, including fructose are converted into glucose by our body. He advocates a sugar free lifestyle – in particular avoiding fructose – and suggests using pure glucose/dextrose as the safest form of sweetener.
Ryan’s product combining dextrose and stevia would then I assume, be a good alternative.
I am aware that Gillespie has written from a weight loss perspective with good health resultant of that.
Izabella, can you please comment on Monk Fruit, Erythritol & Glucose/Dextrose as being acceptable sweeteners for those of us with Hashimotos.
With Gratitude.
Pamela – thank you for your interest. I wouldn’t want to venture an opinion on any subject that I hadn’t researched thoroughly. Thanks for highlighting your interest in these foods and I will certainly add them to the long list of subjects to write future articles on.
I was using Stevia until I read the label and found that there is other sweeteners in it as fillers.
From one of the types I was buying…
Front of the package: “100% natural zero calorie sweetener”
Back of the package: dextrose, stevia leaf extract.
Dextrose is another name for glucose, which is a kind of sugar. How is it possible for sugar to be in a zero-calorie product? There is an asterisk on the nutrition facts with this fine print: “Each packet contains less than 4 calories per serving which the FDA considers dietetically zero.” Stevia in the Raw — blazing new trails in math and grammar.
And another brand I bought was similar with some other type of sugar added..
How is this possible and if I do go back to stevia I will have to pay particular attention to the adders.
Ryan- Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to hearing your progress! 🙂
I have hypothyroidism (not Hashimoto’s), and I started using liquid stevia extract in carbonated water, drinking stevia soft drinks from time to time, and also using it in my tea, I was using quite a bit on a daily basis. After eliminating certain foods from my diet, including sugar and all substitutes, I of course felt better and lost some stubborn weight. I have since been able to add back in a little honey and extra dark chocolate, and still feel good, and decreased inflammation. I think the stevia extract was having a negative effect on my insulin response and causing bloating and weight gain! The extract also only contains a small portion of the stevia plant, which itself, has none of the health benefits of the whole leaf, that were used in the studies you reference above. If you use it, it should be the whole leaf, otherwise, I think it tricks your body into an insulin response. Thanks for all you do!
Lauren, thank you so much for your kind comments and insights from your personal experience. Everyone is different and people have different levels of sensitivity. I’m glad to hear you are making improvements.
I have celiac and hashimoto’s And use stevia in my morning hot tea!!! I never dreamed that it could possible have an effect on me!!! I usually have 4 packets per day ( two per cup), more when it’s cold ,,, Use sugar or Splenda when baking!, Interesting info!!!
Roselyn – thank you for your insight! I would be interested to hear how you feel if you cut out the stevia! Good luck on your health journey!
Interesting article on Stevia… I, too, am extremely sensitive to Stevia. Even in very small quantities, I have determined that it causes me to become incontinent. Not fun! This is the first time I have seen this correlation noted. Facinating! I wonder if this is why so many women are having incontinence issues — having not heard of the possible connection. Fortunately by completely avoiding Stevia, my bladder feels 15 years younger. I would like to learn more about this side effect should you come across additional information/data concerning it.
Many thanks for your valuable work and this well researched article!
Jan – thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you were able to work out this connection and makes changes for your health. I will certainly look out for more research on this issue.
I have been taking Stevia for many years.The brand I use also contains inulin.I’m not sure what inulin does,or if it does any harm.however since you mentioned that stevia might be good for people with high blood pressure and high blood sugar,I will continue using stevia,since I have both.I’m 92 years old,and still going strong,mostly without sugar, Thank you,I enjoyed reading your article on Stevia.
Bill Fagenson
Bill – Inulin is a component of coconut and can cause stomach upset. If you feel like your brand is affecting your stomach you may like to try other brands. However it sounds like you are doing something right!
Hi, thanks so much for this information.
Wondering if the same goes for green stevia? I know it’s more unprocessed but wondering if it could still cause me issues. I have at least 1 tsp everyday in my morning smoothie as I have to be low sugar. Curious for your response
Viv – Everyone is different. The only way to be sure how much it is affecting you is to cut it out for a short period and see if you feel better and see if you feel worse when you add it back to your diet. Going though an elimination diet will help you figure out your own individual food triggers and your specific response to each trigger food. Here is an article I hope you find interesting! 🙂
ELIMINATION DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/elimination-diet-for-hashimotos
Stevia comes in different forms:
– The white stuff as pictured at the top of this article
– The liquid form
– The natural dried leaves (most difficult to find).
I avoid the white stuff as it just seems too processed – and as another commenter said, there can be additives in it (or things done during processing that you wouldn’t want). I’ve been using the liquid stuff, because it’s convenient to add a few drops. But this reminds me that the simple dried leaves is likely the best option – and even so, not to overdo them. One thing I’ve learned from illness is to eat a variety of foods – to optimize nutrition – and not to overdo any single food.
Catherine – Everyone is different and may affected differently by the varieties on offer. The only way to be sure how much it is affecting you is to cut it out for a short period and see if you feel better and see if you feel worse when you add it back to your diet. Going though an elimination diet will help you figure out your own individual food triggers and your specific response to each trigger food. Here is an article I hope you find interesting! 🙂
ELIMINATION DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/elimination-diet-for-hashimotos
This is interesting……I shall try cutting out stevia to see if it has any affect on my chronic abdominal bloating, and other health problems, (I have previously tried going gluten/dairy free with no change in symptoms)…..I have been using a good quality liquid stevia for years (Stevita brand, has no additives, just pure organic stevia) thinking it was doing me no harm, but now it’s possible it may be.
Thank you for the info, and all the comments from everyone.
Lesley – thank you for following this page. Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.
I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos
10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 5.5 years back and have been taking levothyroxine since. I have heard people say that if you have taken meds longer than 4-5 years, there are no chances of it healing. I am eager to know if this is true? Do you have any success stories where people have healed themselves after many years of medicating. I am 32 years old and a vegetarian.
Deepika – Here is some information you may find interesting. Three things MUST be present in order for autoimmunity to occur…
1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental triggers
3. Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Developing autoimmunity is like a three-legged stool, all of these factors must be present for autoimmunity to occur! When you remove one of these, you can prevent or stop autoimmune disease. While we can’t change genes, if we know the trigger, we can remove it and we can heal the gut.
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
You didn’t answer his question – do you personally have an experience of people healing their thyroid after 5 or more years of synthetic hormones? I understand you can’t make personal recommendations, but this is a simple yes or no question. I also would be very curious to know this.
Conny – Thanks for asking! We do have a good list of success stories. Here is a link with some motivational success stories to get you started. Enjoy! https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/tag/success-stories/
I would also like to know if there is a doctor around Seattle area who is open to work with natural approach. Please suggest.
Deepika – I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms. There are many doctors listed in these databases:
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid/
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
You may also like to check out the doctors that other patients recommend on this list:
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
I was surprised to read that Stevia may be have anti-diarrheal qualities because whenever I eat too much of it I get stomach bloating and diarrhea. Does this mean I have an allergy to it?
Laura – thank you for following this page. Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.
I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos
10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
TRUVIA BRAND MAY CAUSE A GUT & SKIN REACTION
After using 2-4 packets of Truvia daily for a few weeks, I developed itchy raised bumps in my inner elbow and in one of my inner thighs as well as abdominal pain each time I used it. It took me a few weeks of eliminating things before I figured out it was the Truvia. About two weeks after elimination, the itchy bumps were gone. It has Erythritol which could have been causing the pain.
Oh wow, I thought it was just me, but I also noticed that if I drink any soft drinks sweetened with Stevia – up all night peeing!! lol. As if I didn’t already get up once or twice in the night, but this increased it to about 6 times – big bags under my eyes!!
Lynda – thank you for sharing! 🙂
All artificial or substitute sweeteners give me brain fog and make it hard for me to think. Honey and maple syrup don’t do this. But I don’t use it because sugar makes it very hard for me to lose weight. I recently started (two days) to try 100 % pure monk fruit that is organic as well and has nothing else. VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY, SWEET. A tiny sprinkle in tea or coffee is enough. 1/16 of teaspoon or less is sufficient, So far no brain fog. But sometimes it takes about a week to show itself. Hope this is helpful.
Alana – thank you for sharing! 🙂 I’m looking forward to seeing you progress here.
Thank you for your thought-provoking post. What is your opinion on palm jaggery as an alternative sweetener? Also, would it have a place in an anti-inflammatory diet?
Sudha – thank you for reaching out. In general palm jaggery should be fine if used in moderation. However, if you are following the AIP diet added sugars are are not recommended.
sadly, so many of you are complaining about stevia, when it is really is a clean product which does not do all the terrible things you say. you are wasting your money on stripped commerical stevias w/fillers like erythritol, which IS a sugar alcohol and can cause bloating and gut pain and diarrhea. you must buy stevia from an organic farm–not stripped or played with, totally ground into it’s naturally green-colored leaves into a powder. you say you are buying whole leaf stevia—that’s just a brand name to fool you, You low functioning thyroid is causing you incontinence, not the stevia–but do get the totally organic stevia which is very mild and clean to taste–no aftertaste; no fillers. Inulin is a prebiotic found in many foods and can cause some bloating also. Hashi folks are best staying away for it, as well as sugar alcohols. Buy the fresh green powder stevia at Suede Hills Organic Farm in British Columbia. Really great folks who own and run the farm. you really do not need much stevia to make something sweet-doesn’t take much at all. Wish you all the best as you explore what God gave us naturally. * ( true of Truvia–very processed; stay away from all of them).
Sincerely,
Bernadette Fritz, RN
Bernadette – thank you so much for sharing what has worked for you! <3
I am allergic to grasses, dandelions and some other flowers, and I discovered to stevia too! It is a cousin to dandelions & some other plants. It was causing me to have intense nasal symptoms, headache, brain fog, dizziness. Now I read all labels very carefully since it is added to many products, even in small amounts so it is likely at the bottom of long lists of ingredients. Just beware if you have certain allergies. Thanks for the article, as always very informative.
Mic – thank you so much for sharing this! <3
Great article, thanks. Love your book and I am feeling super happy and well after becoming dairy, gluten and refined sugar free. Many years ago, I gave up sugar in coffee and tea and switched to a sweetener to protect my teeth. The taste was so horrible I decided to forget sweeteners and just quit sugar in my drinks altogether. Now if I mistakenly pick up and take a sip of my partner’s coffee with sugar/sweetener in it, I wince. I can’t stand sweet drinks now. It really doesn’t take long to get used to the taste of drinks without sugar / sweetener (and I drink black tea and coffee) If you have your drinks with dairy or dairy-free milk its even easier. I’d recommend people give it a try and stick with it for a few days, you’ll be amazed how quickly your tastebuds adapt.
Samantha – thank you so much! I appreciate you sharing journey. <3 I would love to hear how your thyroid healing journey is going.
Some of us have the genetic snp where stevia and also monk fruit taste bitter, not sweet. Monk fruit for me is much worse than stevia. It tastes like a nasty chemical cooked up in a lab! My brother and son also have this same snp.
Wendy – thank you so much for sharing! <3
Im 70, female have had Hashis for 10 years, got all your books and thought I had read all your emails and articles so I dont know how I have missed this info on Stevia. For last 3 years Ive been going to Functional Doctor in Australia, blood tests showed I should not eat bananas, pineapple, sugar cane, green beans, kidney beans. After I got the blood tests and avoided these foods, and getting on the correct mthfr supplements and with T3 only, I lost 10 kgs. (22 lbs) As all sugar is made from sugar cane in Australia, thought I had the answer with Stevia. I occasionally have a weak fresh coffee with coconut cream and 1/3rd to 1/2 teaspoon stevia and my magnesium powder that I take to help me sleep also has stevia. Six months ago I went to the Dr. saying that I had to get up 2 or 3 times per night for a pee. They gave me bladder xrays with bladder full and empty. They said everything was good and could not give me any answers. I noticed that when I was getting up in the night for a pee, there was not the normal volume that I would have in the day so I couldnt understand why it was waking me up. I deduced that something was irratating bladder. So this morning after reading your article on stevia, I had my weak coffee and coconut cream (latter whipped in a nutriblender) with half teaspoon honey to sweeten. I will revert to magnesium citrate tablets for sleep (no stevia) I hope stopping the stevia will help my broken sleep to abate, I was getting up after4 to 5 hours, again 2 hours later. Thoroughly exhausted in the day from broken sleep. Will update you.
Olivia – thank you so much for sharing your journey! <3 I hope this helps and I'm looking forward to hearing your progress!
Hello, I’m commenting because I have hypothyroidism, am gluten free and ‘mostly’ dairy and sugar free, all three tending to cause inflammation in my digestive tract. Within the last month, I began drinking Zevia so I could still have my soda fix. Initially, my stomach wasn’t fond so I decreased the frequency and it seemed to adjust just fine. HOWEVER. I’m maybe 3 weeks into my newfound treat and I’m experiencing some rather radical water retention, particularly during menstruation and ovulation, to the point that my carpal tunnel is acting up. The only ‘new thing’ is the stevia in my soda and I’m thinking it must be the culprit. I’m definitely going to cut it out to see if it helps because I’m feeling increasingly ‘heavy’ and it’s effecting me negatively overall. On a side note, I rarely consume more than one 12 ounce can a day and some days I don’t drink any at all. In case that helps anyone else who might run across this. I really liked that the author made a point to say that every body reacts differently because that is so true, if you are new to having hypothyroidism, the absolute best thing you can do is pay attention to the foods you eat. Six years ago I was 165 with no signs of that changing. Today I’m 138 and that’s with all of this bloating. Not that weight is everything but for me it’s always been a good indication of how my thyroid is working. What finally worked for me was cutting out one irritant at a time rather than trying to wean myself from all three at once. Keep trying! It takes time but feeling like ‘you’ again is so worth it.
Dinah – thank you so much for sharing your journey! ❤️
One quick question. Can men take Myo-inositol? It sounds like an amazing supplement but I have read conflicting reviews. What do you think?
Oscar – thank you for reaching out. 🙂 While research has shown that myo-inositol seems to have a normalizing effect on testosterone in women with PCOS, myo-inositol has been shown to increase testosterone in men with low levels of this hormone. Thus, myo-inositol can be used by both men and women. However, a word of caution for men who are sexually active, myo-inositol can increase sperm quality, which can lead to surprise pregnancies in partners of men who were previously thought to be infertile.