However, there may be some harmful side effects for artificial sweeteners. Mostly, they have been ruled as 'cancer free', even though some studies in the 70's linked saccharin to bladder cancer in laboratory rats. Overall, there is a lack of scientific evidence to say they are harmful.
"The FDA has approved five artificial sweeteners: saccharin,
acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, and sucralose. It has also approved one
natural low-calorie sweetener, stevia. How the human body and brain
respond to these sweeteners is very complex." - Harvard
So the question is, should you substitute your high sugary drink with an artificially sweetened one to help with NAFLD or weight-loss? That all depends on your view. For me personally, artificial sweeteners can cause abdominal pain (as I've mentioned in a previous post on Lactose Intolerance, Protein Powders, and Sucralose). The only sweeter I use is Stevia as it doesn't cause me any gastrointestinal distress.
If your goal is to lose weight or lower your fat in your liver, then by all means, find some substitute until you get to the point of drinking healthy alternatives that are natural and do not contain artificial substances.
If you want a high quality drink formulated with vital electrolytes, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that supports cardiovascular health and provides nutrition to the body’s muscular and nervous system check out IDLife's Hydrate.
Additional Reading:
- See my high-level ID Life Review here.
- Lactose Intolerance, Protein Powders, and Sucralose
Resources:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.21310/abstract?campaign=woletoc
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/artificial-sweeteners-sugar-free-but-at-what-cost-201207165030
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936
