I have been using Stevia and recommending it to my patients as a slow carb sweetener for some time.<\/p>\n

Derived from the plant, Stevia, has the advantage of being a natural sweetener which goes great in a morning cup of coffee or even to add a bit of punch to slow carb chili (although my wife still criticizes me for this one).<\/p>\n

My two favorite brands are\u00a0[easyazon_link identifier=”B0079P0QNA” locale=”US” tag=”4hourlife00-20″]Stevia Raw[\/easyazon_link] and\u00a0[easyazon_link identifier=”B0014ATCU4″ locale=”US” tag=”4hourlife00-20″]Wisdom Natural SweetLeaf Stevia Clear Liquid[\/easyazon_link]. \u00a0If you are looking for a blend, consider [easyazon_link identifier=”B004LSGEXY” locale=”US” tag=”4hourlife00-20″]Truvia Sweetener[\/easyazon_link]\u00a0which combines an ethyl alcohol and Stevia for a different flavor that is still Slow Carb appropriate.<\/p>\n

Now let’s take a look at the skinny on Stevia: What it is, how it works, safety and efficacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n \u00a0Stevia<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n What is it?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/td>\n Stevia is a plant that is native to South America. It is probably best known as a source of natural sweeteners. In fact, native people in South America have used stevia as a sweetener for hundreds of years. But the leaves are also used to make medicine.Stevia is used as a weight loss aid; for treating diabetes, high blood pressure and heartburn; for lowering uric acid levels; for preventing pregnancy; and for increasing the strength of the muscle contractions that pump blood from the heart.<\/p>\n In foods, stevia is used as a non-caloric sweetener and flavor enhancer. Stevia was originally available as a “dietary supplement” in the U.S. It wasn\u2019t allowed as a \u201cfood additive\u201d until 2008. That\u2019s when the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status to rebaudioside A, one of the chemicals in stevia that makes it sweet. Stevia is also available as a sweetener in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Russia, Israel, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Columbia, Brazil, and Argentina.<\/p>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Is it Effective?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/td>\n Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database<\/em>\u00a0rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale:\u00a0Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate<\/em>.The effectiveness ratings for\u00a0STEVIA<\/strong>\u00a0are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for…<\/strong><\/p>\n \n High blood pressure<\/strong>. Some research suggests that taking 750-1500 mg per day of stevioside, a chemical compound in stevia, reduces systolic blood pressure (the upper number in a blood pressure reading) by 10-14 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) by 6-14 mmHg within one week of starting treatment. However, other research suggests that taking stevioside in doses up to 15 mg per kg per day does not significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with mild high blood pressure.<\/li>\n Diabetes<\/strong>. Early research suggests that 1000 mg daily of stevioside, a chemical compound in stevia, might reduce blood sugar levels after meals by 18% in people with type 2 diabetes. However, other research suggests that taking 250 mg of stevioside three times daily does not significantly affect blood sugar levels or HbA1c (a measure over blood sugar levels over time) after three months of treatment in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.<\/li>\n Preventing pregnancy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n Heartburn<\/strong>.<\/li>\n Weight loss<\/strong>.<\/li>\n Water retention<\/strong>.<\/li>\n Heart problems<\/strong>.<\/li>\n Other conditions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of stevia for these uses.<\/p>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n How does it work?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/td>\n Stevia is a plant that contains natural sweeteners that are used in foods. Researchers have also evaluated the effect of chemicals in stevia on blood pressure and blood sugar levels. However, research results have been mixed.<\/p>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Are there safety concerns?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/td>\n Stevia and chemicals contained in stevia, including stevioside and rebaudioside A, areLIKELY SAFE<\/strong>\u00a0when used as a sweetener in foods. Rebaudioside A has generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status in the U.S. for use as a sweetener for foods. Stevioside has been safely used in research in doses of up to 1500 mg per day for 2 years.Some people who take stevia or stevioside can experience bloating or nausea. Other people have reported feelings of dizziness, muscle pain, and numbness.<\/p>\n Special Precautions & Warnings:<\/h4>\n Pregnancy and breast-feeding<\/strong>: Not enough is known about the use of stevia during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.<\/p>\n Allergy to ragweed and related plants<\/strong>: Stevia might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae\/Compositae family of plants. This family includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other plants.<\/p>\n Diabetes<\/strong>: Some developing research suggests that some of the chemicals contained in stevia might lower blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control. However, other research disagrees. If you have diabetes and take stevia or any of the sweeteners it contains, monitor your blood sugar closely and report your findings to your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n Low blood pressure<\/strong>: There is some evidence, though not conclusive, that some of the chemicals in stevia can lower blood pressure. There is a concern that these chemicals might cause blood pressure to drop too low in people who have low blood pressure. Get your healthcare provider\u2019s advice before taking stevia or the sweeteners it contains, if you have low blood pressure.<\/p>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Are there any interactions with medications?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/td>\n \n\n\n\n Lithium<\/strong> \nInteraction Rating =\u00a0Moderate<\/strong>\u00a0Be cautious with this combination. \nTalk with your health provider.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Stevia might have an effect like a water pill or “diuretic.” Taking stevia might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)<\/strong> \nInteraction Rating =\u00a0Moderate<\/strong>\u00a0Be cautious with this combination. \nTalk with your health provider.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Stevia might decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking stevia along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.<\/p>\n Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)<\/strong> \nInteraction Rating =\u00a0Moderate<\/strong>\u00a0Be cautious with this combination. \nTalk with your health provider.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Stevia might decrease blood pressure in some people. Taking stevia along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. However, it’s not known if this is a big concern. Do not take too much stevia if you are taking medications for high blood pressure.<\/p>\n Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.<\/p>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Are there any interactions with Herbs and Supplements?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/td>\n \n\n\n\n Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Stevia might lower blood pressure. Using it along with other herbs and supplements that have this same effect might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in some people. Some of these products include andrographis, casein peptides, cat’s claw, coenzyme Q-10, fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, stinging nettle, theanine, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Stevia might lower blood sugar. Using it along with other herbs and supplements that have the same effect might cause blood sugar to drop too low in some people. Some of these products include alpha-lipoic acid, bitter melon, chromium, devil’s claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut seed, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.<\/p>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Are there interactions with Foods?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/td>\n There are no known interactions with foods.<\/p>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n What dose is used?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/td>\n The appropriate dose of stevia depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for stevia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.<\/p>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n What other names is the product known by?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n <\/td>\n Azucacaa, Ca-A-Jhei, Ca-A-Yupi, Caa-He-\u00c9, Caa’Inhem, Capim Doce, Chanvre d\u2019Eau, Eira-Caa, Erva Doce, Estevia, Eupatorium rebaudianum, Green Stevia, Kaa Jhee, Mustelia eupatoria, Paraguayan Stevioside, Plante Sucr\u00e9e, Reb A, Rebaudioside A, R\u00e9baudioside A, Rebiana, St\u00e9via, Stevia eupatoria, Stevia Plant, Stevia purpurea, Stevia rebaudiana, Stevioside, Sweetleaf, Sweet Herb of Paraguay, Sweet Herb, Sweet Leaf of Paraguay, Yerba Dulce.<\/p>\n  <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Recommended products:<\/p>\n \n [easyazon_link identifier=”B0025UC2DQ” locale=”US” tag=”4hourlife00-20″]Truvia Natural Sweetener, 400 Packets (Net.Wt 42.3 oz)[\/easyazon_link]<\/li>\n [easyazon_link identifier=”B0079P0QNA” locale=”US” tag=”4hourlife00-20″]Stevia Raw Sweetener, 9.7 Ounce[\/easyazon_link]<\/li>\n [easyazon_link identifier=”B0014ATCU4″ locale=”US” tag=”4hourlife00-20″]Wisdom Natural SweetLeaf Stevia Clear Liquid — 4.06 fl oz[\/easyazon_link]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Provided by: \n4hourlife.com \nBased on \n Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I have been using Stevia and recommending it to my patients as a slow carb sweetener for some time. Derived from the plant, Stevia, has the advantage of being a natural sweetener which goes great in a morning cup of coffee or even to add a bit of punch to slow carb chili (although my […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P1tiSR-St","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4hourlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3377"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4hourlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4hourlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.4hourlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.4hourlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3377"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.4hourlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3377\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.4hourlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}