Does Truvia Break A Fast? (3 Reasons Not To Use It).

People often wonder if artificial sweeteners like Truvia will break their fast.

Indeed, Truvia has an impact on your fasts, but what kind of impact does it have?

In this article, we will look into the effects of Truvia on your fasting state and help you make an informed decision on whether or not to use Truvia during your fasts.

Let’s start by understanding Truvia’s nutritional properties.

What Is Truvia And Does Truvia Have Calories?

Truvia is a popular zero-calorie sweetener made from stevia leaf extract, erythritol, and natural flavors.

It is often used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages and has become a popular option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.

Although Truvia is a “zero-calorie” sweetener, it does contain a small amount of calories due to the erythritol.

Erythritol contains about 0.2 calories per gram, which is much lower than regular sugar, which contains 4 calories per gram.

A single packet of Truvia contains less than 2 grams of erythritol, which means it provides less than 1 calorie per packet.

When you consume Truvia, it is absorbed into your bloodstream and travels to your liver.

Unlike regular sugar, erythritol is not metabolized by your body and it is excreted unchanged in your urine.

Stevia, on the other hand, is metabolized by your body but does not raise blood sugar levels.

Does Truvia Break a Fast?

In terms of caloric intake, Truvia does not break a fast as it contains only a negligible amount of calories.

It’s important to note that if you are approaching fasting in terms of strictly “no calorie intake,” then Truvia will break your fast.

While Truvia is not expected to cause a significant insulin spike or raise your blood sugar levels, because it does not contain any significant amounts of carbohydrates or protein, you should know that some studies have shown that Truvia could potentially trigger an insulin response – similar to the arguments surrounding Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.

This could affect your metabolic state of fasting and inhibit the benefits you are seeking from your fast.

But if you are not as strict and allow yourself a certain amount of calorie intake during your fast, then consuming Truvia in moderation may be acceptable.

Why Truvia Is Not So Great For Fasting.

While Truvia may not technically break your fast, it may still have unintended consequences that could outweigh any superficial benefits.

Here are a few:

1. It can trigger sugar cravings and increase hunger.
   
   Like aspartame, Truvia is a calorie-free sweetener that can trick your brain into thinking it’s receiving energy.
   
   This can decrease satiety and increase hunger, potentially leading to overeating or increased snacking after the fast or during it.
   
   Truvia may also activate reward centers in the brain, similar to sugar, which can lead to cravings for more sweet foods.
   
   
2. It may negatively affect your gut microbiome.
   
   Studies suggest that the use of artificial sweeteners like Truvia may alter the composition and diversity of gut bacteria.
   
   This can lead to negative health outcomes such as impaired digestion, weakened immune function, and mood disturbances.
   
   
3. It may interfere with your fasting goals.
   
   While Truvia may not technically break your fast, it can still hinder the benefits you may be seeking from your fast, such as gut rest, autophagy, longevity, and weight loss.

Benefits of Taking Truvia During a Fast?

There are some potential benefits to taking Truvia during a fast.

For one, it is almost calorie-free, so it will not practically break your fast while satisfying your sweet tooth.

But, as I mentioned earlier, these “potential benefits” are by far outweighed by the disadvantages.

Will Truvia Break Your Fast – Takeaway.

While Truvia does not contain significant calories and may not technically break your fast, its potential adverse effects on insulin levels, hunger, and gut health should be considered before consuming it during a fast.

The decision to use Truvia during a fast depends on your own individual fasting goals and plans.

It’s generally recommended to prioritize gut rest, autophagy, and longevity during a fast, and save Truvia for intermittent fasting cheat days or eating windows.