Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Gimme The Lowdown On Stevia

mythreesuns

Recommended Posts

mythreesuns Contributor
mythreesuns
Posted

After still being sick on a Gluten-free Casein-free diet, I've decided to cut out EVERYTHING artificial. At least until I get my EnteroLab results back to see if there's something else I'm intolerant to.

So, I'm not using Equal anymore (and after reading some research, I'm not sure I ever will again!) but I did find some Stevia extract at Whole Foods and I've been using that in my coffee.

It wasn't in the food section, but in the supplement section. So, is Stevia safe? What's good about it? What's bad about it? Anyone have any info?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


chrissy Collaborator
chrissy
Posted

stevia is safe. it is in the supplement section because it is an herbal product. i have found that i like stevia better on cold cereal than sugar-----and i have never cared for the tasted of artificial sweeteners------i guess i must like stevia because it is not artificial!! i have never tried using it for other things.

Guest nini
Guest nini
Posted

it's safe... just get it in the pure form, not cut with anything, sometimes they cut it with maltodextrin so if you are sensitive to corn you would need to avoid that...

mythreesuns Contributor
mythreesuns
Posted
  • Author
it's safe... just get it in the pure form, not cut with anything, sometimes they cut it with maltodextrin so if you are sensitive to corn you would need to avoid that...

The one I got actually does have maltodextrin in it. Where can you get pure stevia?

gabby Enthusiast
gabby
Posted

Stevia is part of the ragweed family, and needs to be used with caution by people who have ragweed allergies. The brand we used to use (can't remember which) had this printed on the bottle. We don't use it anymore because my DH sneezes up a storm whenever he is exposed to stevia. It is a pity though, because he really liked it as an alternative to sugar and other sweeteners. Also great because it doesn't raise blood sugar.

linz7997 Explorer
linz7997
Posted

my grandmother is diabetic and this may be a good alternative for her-ive never heard of it...is it in a crystal/powder form like sugar!!?!?!?

mythreesuns Contributor
mythreesuns
Posted
  • Author
my grandmother is diabetic and this may be a good alternative for her-ive never heard of it...is it in a crystal/powder form like sugar!!?!?!?

I bought it in packets, just like Equal or Sweet-n-Low packets. It's crystal-y or powdery just like the other sugar substitutes.

I think you can buy it in other forms too, that's just what I happen to see on the shelf.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


happyhealthy1 Newbie
happyhealthy1
Posted

hi stevia has a lot of benefits over artificial sweeteners, it has vitamins and minerals and is used in South America to treat diabetics since it lowers blood glucose levels as well as lowers hypertension and blood preasure. It has zero calories, zero carbs, and zero glycemic index, I even grow a plant and eat the leaves when I want a sweet treat or use the fresh leaves with my mint and limes in water. I found this coupon and just recently used it so hopefully it will come in handy for you too. The liquid flavors that sweetleaf has are awesome, i like the apricot in my water, it tastes so good and helps me drink more water all day.

Open Original Shared Link

VydorScope Proficient
VydorScope
Posted
Stevia is part of the ragweed family, and needs to be used with caution by people who have ragweed allergies. The brand we used to use (can't remember which) had this printed on the bottle. We don't use it anymore because my DH sneezes up a storm whenever he is exposed to stevia. It is a pity though, because he really liked it as an alternative to sugar and other sweeteners. Also great because it doesn't raise blood sugar.

Really?? I am very allergic to ragweed, ah well I guess I will stick with Splenda.

Michi8 Contributor
Michi8
Posted
The one I got actually does have maltodextrin in it. Where can you get pure stevia?

The one I have is Herbal Select brand. I bought it at Walmart in the supplement section of the pharmacy. Its ingredients list: rice maltodextrin, stevia powdered leaf extracts (stevia rebaudiana), silica.

Michelle

chrissy Collaborator
chrissy
Posted

mine is pure stevia by KAL dietary supplements. there are no other ingredients in it. i think i bought it at smith's food king (kroger). you can also get it in a liquid form. it is alot sweeter than suger.

TCA Contributor
TCA
Posted
Really?? I am very allergic to ragweed, ah well I guess I will stick with Splenda.

Soooooo glad to find this out. I'm severely allergic to ragweed and was about to buy some to try. I'm a Splenda gal too. so far haven't noticed any problems with it and we've been using it for years since my hubby is diabetic.

VydorScope Proficient
VydorScope
Posted
Soooooo glad to find this out. I'm severely allergic to ragweed and was about to buy some to try. I'm a Splenda gal too. so far haven't noticed any problems with it and we've been using it for years since my hubby is diabetic.

Yea I am checking around this morning. Seems like anyone with a ragweed allergy should aviod it. So that removes it from my list of safe things to try. As a hypoglycemic that white junk that ppl think is natural and safe is out, and honey/etc not much better. Leaving Splenda as the safest alternative. Contray to the conspiracy theroy web sites Splenda is safe, unless your intolerant to it.

also found this..

When should I be careful taking it?

Precautions

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take stevia because very little is known about how a developing baby or an infant may be affected by it.

In animal studies, extremely large doses of stevia caused kidney damage. Although no reports of similar injury in humans have been published, it is possible that stevia could damage human kidneys. Individuals with known or suspected kidney disease should avoid its use.

What side effects should I watch for?

Stevia belongs to the same family of plants that includes chrysanthemums, daisies, and ragweed. Individuals who are sensitive to any of these plants may also be sensitive to stevia.

What interactions should I watch for?

Prescription Drugs

Because stevia may have a lowering effect on blood sugar, it may increase the effectiveness of insulin and oral medications used for the treatment of diabetes. Individuals who are taking medications for diabetes should talk to their doctors or pharmacists before using stevia. Blood sugar levels may need to be checked more often, as well.

It is thought that stevia may lower blood pressure by blocking calcium channels – the same way that certain high blood pressure drugs work. If stevia is taken with one of these drugs, blood pressure may become too low – a condition known as hypotension. Low blood pressure may not have any signs, but it may produce blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, or fainting. Calcium-channel blocking drugs include:

* diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor)

* nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)

* Norvasc

* Plendil

* verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan)

NOthing scary there realy, just some things to note.

mythreesuns Contributor
mythreesuns
Posted
  • Author
The one I have is Herbal Select brand. I bought it at Walmart in the supplement section of the pharmacy. Its ingredients list: rice maltodextrin, stevia powdered leaf extracts (stevia rebaudiana), silica.

Mine actually has rice maltodextrin in it as well. Don't think I'm sensitive to rice, so I'm sticking with it. :)

RiceGuy Collaborator
RiceGuy
Posted

Here's a site for Stevia:

Open Original Shared Link

I recently read about Xylitol, which is apparently a natural sweetener, and our bodies actually make the stuff too. The catch is that it can cause some reactions in larger amounts. Generally if I need a sweetener I just use fruit. Raisins, dates, apple sauce (w/no added sugar), pineapple, banana...the list goes on and on.

  • 1 year later...
tuttabella44 Newbie
tuttabella44
Posted

I have been using Stevia for almost 6 months and have never felt better. I recommend using Sweetleaf. Check out Sweetleaf.com for more info and recipes. Here's my favorite!

Apple Crisp

7 to 8 cups peeled & chopped apples (about 5 apples -- peeling is optional)

3 Tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp SweetLeaf

ShayFL Enthusiast
ShayFL
Posted

If you are gluten free substitute the "Whole Wheat Flour" in that recipe for a gluten free one. ;)

Pyro Enthusiast
Pyro
Posted

Just FYI, today I was pretty hungry for some chocolate and all I have in the house right now is unsweetened powder for baking.

I happened to have some stevia on hand, and decided to toss a little bit on a spoon to mix with the chocolate and it was really good! I like it a lot and am happy that I don't have to drive all the way out to the store for a chocolate bar now.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      3

      Second chance

      Current careteam is still up in the air about my celiac thanks to me googling "celiac specialist" what popped up was once known as a good name hospital back in the days. I went in for answers for my declining health, it was the autoimmune part that did me in, being a former bus driver.I read that in my medical records so easily downplayed, i refused the...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to cristiana's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      British Coeliacs: Marks and Spencer's have launched a Gluten Free Colin the Caterpillar Cake.

      Are you trying to make us in the USA jealous? 😉
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Florence Lillian's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      Gluten-Mimicking Proteins that can affect some Celiac individuals.

      Thank you for sharing your experience, Florence. It’s important to clarify, though, that proteins like zein in corn, panicin in millet, and kafirin in sorghum are not considered gluten and have not been shown to trigger the same autoimmune intestinal damage seen in celiac disease. Some people with celiac disease do report symptoms with certain gluten-free g...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      3

      Second chance

      It’s true that awareness of celiac disease can vary among physicians, particularly outside of gastroenterology, and many patients end up educating their own providers. Reaching out to someone you trusted for 25 years makes sense if you felt heard and supported. That said, celiac disease management often benefits from a team approach, including a knowledgeable p...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to elisejunker44's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Schar's products contain wheat!

      I understand why that feels concerning. Some Schär products use specially processed wheat starch that has had the gluten removed to meet strict gluten-free standards (under 20 ppm in the U.S. and EU), which is why they can legally and safely be labeled “gluten free” for people with celiac disease. However, wheat must still be listed in the ingredients and ...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,603
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Dale S
    Newest Member
    Dale S
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Jmartes71
      Second chance

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Current careteam is still up in the air about my celiac thanks to me googling "celiac specialist" what popped  up was once known as a good name hospital back in the days. I went in for answers for my declining health, it was the autoimmune part that did me in, being a former bus driver.I read that in my medical records so easily downplayed, i refused the gluten challenge! Why the hell would I eat Gluten when im Celiac coming to them for answers when my body is falling apart? Glutenfree since 1994. They did unnecessary colonoscopy KNOWING im glutenfree. A celiac specialist would know that would be pointless to do if not eating gluten and it was done!Im so angery with that hospital for not explaining celiac disease and withholding information, Downplaying my ailments , mental distress,  causing more health issues, ect. All this could have been avoided If medical records were sent, when asked, explained and done properly. Im so angery.I do have the celiac dietitian on here in June and linked her up to my current health care yesterday, fingers crossed hopefully with that, the understanding of celiac is explained it's not just a food allergy will be understood. 
    • Scott Adams
      British Coeliacs: Marks and Spencer's have launched a Gluten Free Colin the Caterpillar Cake.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Are you trying to make us in the USA jealous? 😉
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten-Mimicking Proteins that can affect some Celiac individuals.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Thank you for sharing your experience, Florence. It’s important to clarify, though, that proteins like zein in corn, panicin in millet, and kafirin in sorghum are not considered gluten and have not been shown to trigger the same autoimmune intestinal damage seen in celiac disease. Some people with celiac disease do report symptoms with certain gluten-free grains, oats, or other foods, but that reflects individual intolerance or sensitivity—not a proven “gluten-mimic” effect that damages the small intestine. Certified gluten-free oats are considered safe for most people with celiac disease, though a small subset may react to avenin. If specific foods consistently cause symptoms for you, it makes sense to avoid them personally, but it’s helpful for readers to know that these foods are still medically classified as gluten-free and generally safe for the broader celiac community.
    • Scott Adams
      Second chance

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It’s true that awareness of celiac disease can vary among physicians, particularly outside of gastroenterology, and many patients end up educating their own providers. Reaching out to someone you trusted for 25 years makes sense if you felt heard and supported. That said, celiac disease management often benefits from a team approach, including a knowledgeable primary care provider and, when needed, a gastroenterologist or dietitian familiar with gluten-related disorders. Advocating for yourself is not unreasonable—it’s part of managing a chronic condition. If your current provider relationship isn’t working, it’s appropriate to seek care where you feel respected and properly supported.
    • Scott Adams
      Schar's products contain wheat!

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I understand why that feels concerning. Some Schär products use specially processed wheat starch that has had the gluten removed to meet strict gluten-free standards (under 20 ppm in the U.S. and EU), which is why they can legally and safely be labeled “gluten free” for people with celiac disease. However, wheat must still be listed in the ingredients and allergen statement because it is derived from wheat, even though the gluten protein has been removed. For individuals with a true wheat allergy, these products are not appropriate—but for those with celiac disease, properly tested gluten-free wheat starch is considered safe under current medical guidelines. That said, it’s completely reasonable to prefer products made without wheat starch if that gives you greater confidence, and clearer front-of-package communication could certainly help reduce confusion for shoppers.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.