Trying to start an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding excess sugar. Wondering if anyone has any opinions on the use of artificial sweeteners, specifically aspartame, sucralose, and stevia? Are these inflammatory? Do they adversely affect people with MPNs in any way?
Would also be interested in people thoughts on caffeine use with an MPN. I do not drink coffee.
"Antimicrobial—stevia has the ability to evade the growth and reproduction of harmful bacteria and prevent other infections. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory—stevia is also helpful in decreasing inflammation and immuno-modulation."
news-medical.net/health/Is-....
"Sucralose induced elevated pro-inflammatory gene expression in liver. As described above, sucralose could increase the production of bacterial pro-inflammatory mediators, which may cause inflammatory responses in host tissues after being translocated into the host circulation"
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl....
Not going to bother with quoting aspartame. Just say "NO" to that one. It is bad for you in multiple ways. Most artificial sweeteners trigger an insulin release because the body thinks you just consumer sugar. This causes an imbalance and cravings. Many artificial sweeteners also are hard on your gut microbiome.
I switched over to Stevia some time ago when I modified my diet. It is a natural sweetener that does not trigger an insulin release and is safer to consume. That is not to say to have at it with abandon, but in moderations is the best choice. I found a brand of sodas that I really like - ZEVIA. They also do not have any artificial food colorings. I still limit myself to one/day. I have also found some really nice non-caffeine herbal teas that have unprocessed stevia leaf in the blend. These are quite nice too.
I also limit my caffeine due to my hx of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (for which I had surgery). Still get a bit of sinus tachycardia on occasion. I limit caffeine for that reason, not because of the MPN per se.
The anti-inflammatory diet is a good way to go. It is better for you in other ways too. We need to give ourselves the best chance we can. I also avoid foods with toxic agents: synthetic hormones, xeno-estrogens, pesticides, high lead content, BPAs, etc. There is a lot in the food chain best avoided. Not to say I do not enjoy the occasional treat (bacon is an essential food) but really limit that which is just not good for you.
Good luck on the diet.
Love your work, as per your usual Hunter... (aka Steve)...
Personally, I try to only have natural sweeteners... Canadian Maple syrup, (organic of course). Lemon & limes in teas, (green), and my caffeine is always a weak long-black in the AM...
No sweeteners! 
Anti-inflammatory diets tend to agree well with most MPNers, I believe... 
Best wishes
Steve
I love real maple syrup! I do limit all sweets though. These days, I make homemade whole wheat sourdough pancakes with a fruit compote as a topping. I do agree with Mostew about the coffee, but can only do one cup of caffeine/day. The rest is decaf. I have a fabulous tea shop nearby where I get most of my teas. Several non-caffeine herbals as well as regular and decaf teas. My favorites are Earl Gray and Russian Caravan. Amidst all the stressors we deal with with MPNs, COVID and such I think we all need simple things to just enjoy and relax. Best to pick something that does not make problems worse though. All things in moderation, except for common sense.
Afternoon Steve . I agree about M S being better . But if u just want sweet . No taste . Stevia is great . Half spoon a day max !!.
Moderation in all things . .....
you are just to disciplined !!!
Carolyn
Maybe at times Carolyn...
However, I have not had added sugar in anything for many years now due to the adverse affect it can have on possibly contributing to or causing diabetes ?
BTW, I am not too disciplined either... I regularly break my diet, but just jump back on again as soon as I can... 
Best wishes, stay safe...
Steve
I avoid anything with any artificial sweeteners.
Echoing What Hunter says.
Stevia is a great sweetener . Quarter spoon is plenty in hot choc .( I make with almond milk and good organic cacao . Real treat.
I have two cups strong black organic coffee a day. It contains polyphenols which are beneficial. But if you feel you are better off without try not having .
It’s the one thing I would really miss!!
Definitely agree about the coffee! I had to switch mostly to decaf due to tachycardia. I am lucky to have a couple of local coffee roaster who roast wonderful decaf coffees. I am really looking forward to having the whole COVID crisis over so I can just go sit in the coffee shop and relax with friends again.
Good note about the polyphenols. They are indeed good for you.
Take a look at Angela Fleischman's talks on anti inflammatory diet for MPNers, on YouTube.
Thanks . Really like the way she speaks . Good to have confirmation of effects of Mediterranean. Diet .
Anti inflammatory eating..
Anti-inflammatory options
Has anyone tried alternate anti-inflammatory agents for MPNs?
Inflammatory response
