| By Joe King, M.S.
Stevia is a type of natural sweetener derived from
the leaves of a variety of plants that primarily grow throughout North
and South America. Stevia is used as a sweetener and a sugar substitute
because it has about 300 times the sweetness of sugar without the
calories. However, stevia's safety and potential side effects have
generated controversy. According to the Mayo Clinic, the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration, FDA, has approved refined stevia for use as a sugar
substitute; however, whole-leaf or crude extracts of stevia are not
approved. Consult your physician before using a product containing
stevia.
Central Nervous System Effects
Your central nervous system is composed of your
brain and spinal cord and serves as the collection point for nerve
impulses. Stevia contains beta-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide,
compounds that may depress the activity of your central nervous system.
Beta-caryophyllene epoxides may depress central nervous system activity
by crossing the blood-brain barrier and binding to cellular receptors
that regulate neurological impulses within your brain. More research is
needed to determine the long-term effects of stevia on both brain and
spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System Effects
Long-term stevia use may have adverse effects on
your peripheral nervous system, which is comprised of sensory nerves
that send and receive messages to and from your spinal cord and brain.
Stevia may affect the transmission of nerve impulses to and from your
central nervous system and may slow down nerve conduction velocity.
Overdosing with stevia may lead to tingling or numbness in your hands
and feet, similar to the feeling of neuropathy, as well as a temporary
loss in motor control.
Psychological Effects
Stevia use may cause mild to severe psychological
side effects, accordingn to The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals,
Supplements, and Herbs. Individuals suffering from psychosis,
schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders may find a worsening of
their symptoms as a result of stevia use. Stevia may interfere with the
actions of anti-psychotic medications because they can compete for the
same cellular receptors in the brain. Individuals taking anti-psychotic
medications should consult with their physicians prior to using any
products containing stevia.
Effects on Mood
Stevia may affect hormone and neurotransmitter
production in the brain. Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and
serotonin, are important in the natural regulation of mood and greatly
influence thoughts of happiness and satisfaction. When these compounds
are inhibited, you may have increased thoughts of depression and
sadness. If you suffer from depression, anxiety, or nervousness, stevia
may compound these symptoms because it slows the release of dopamine and
serotonin.
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