Raipur cancer surgeon shares a gentle guide to safer sweeteners

Many people are cutting back on sugar because excess intake is linked to weight gain, diabetes and even a higher cancer risk. With a crowded market full of sweetening options, deciding what to use can feel overwhelming. Dr Jayesh Sharma, a cancer surgeon based in Raipur, offers clear, reassuring advice to help readers choose wisely.

Dr Sharma notes that the small‑packet artificial sweeteners and those found in sugar‑free sodas are not proven to cause cancer and can lower calorie intake. At the same time, he warns these substitutes can alter gut bacteria for some people, which may increase appetite and lead to eating more. That means they don’t always deliver the expected weight‑loss benefit.

Low‑calorie alternatives used in sugar‑free candies and treats — such as sucralose or erythritol — deliver sweetness with minimal calories and do not cause sharp blood sugar spikes, making them useful for people with diabetes. However, some users experience digestive side effects like gas or bloating. For this reason, Dr Sharma says that in many situations a modest amount of regular sugar can be preferable to relying on these products constantly.

For a more natural option, Dr Sharma recommends plant‑based sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit. These options have little to no calories and do not raise blood glucose. Stevia is versatile for cooking and is generally regarded as safe, while monk fruit is also promising though longer‑term data are more limited.

His overall message is practical: pay attention to how your body responds and use sweetness sparingly. If you enjoy sweet flavours, alternate natural sweeteners with small amounts of real sugar rather than imposing strict bans. Balance, he says, matters most.

This guidance is intended to inform healthier choices and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. People with health concerns should consult their doctor.