PSA About Sucralose/Splenda

I just read this and found it really interesting and scary. I thought some of you *****ly on a ton of Splenda would appreciate some info, if you haven't already seen it. I prefer xylitol for the taste and health benefits, but am still unsure about the carb impact from my research. Even though it's a sugar alcohol, I can't help be skeptical. Has anyone out there tried Monk Fruit?

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/sucraloses-splenda-harms-vastly-underestimated-baking-releases-dioxin
(I'm sorry, I can't figure out how to just add links to my posts on OH recently)

These excerpts are especially concerning.

"Sucralose alters metabolic parameters and its chronic effects on body weight are unknown": both animal and human research indicates sucralose may raise blood sugar and insulin levels, indicating it may have diabetogenic properties.

"Sucralose alters P-gp and CYP expression": While classified as a food additive, sucralose's organochlorine structure indicates it interferes with a wide range of organochlorine class drugs, and activates detoxification pathways and enzymes, in a manner similar to these xenobiotic chemicals.

"The metabolic fate and health profile of sucralose metabolites are currently unknown": Contrary to statements in the research literature that sucralose passes through the body in the feces 'unchanged,' metabolites have been detected in the urine and feces of both animals and humans, the nature and health consequence of which have never been studied

"Sucralose alters indigenous bacterial balancein the GIT": Sucralose (delivered as Splenda) has been found to reduce the number of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointesintal tract (e.g., lactobacilli, bifidobacteria), while increasing the more detrimental bacteria (e.g., enterobacteria). One study found the adverse effects on flora did not return to normal (baseline) after a 3-month recovery period. Sucralose also altered the pH of the gastrointestinal tract.

I use Sweet Leaf, which is an all natural Stevia derivative with no artificial extras in it, unlike Truvia.  You can find Stevia in health food stores, or on Amazon.  I completely steer away from sucralose, and NutraSweat.

Thanks for the recommendation. I usually get stevia drops from my local health food store. It's bitter though, (I think grapefruit extract is a natural preservative in it) so I've been doing a mix w/ xylitol. I'm still unclear on the carb impact of xylitol, but it is my favorite alternative sweetener for taste and health benefits. Some say to subtract those carbs, but I'm skeptical. I've also steered away from splenda and aspartame for years. I've been in DS back to basics mode/Atkins induction phase since last March and had reluctantly let some splenda in here and there during that time. The article got my attention and I immediately threw anything with it out.

Can't stand Stevia or any of it's derivatives. Need to avoid sugar (resolved diabetic) and ANYTHING ending in itol turns my guts into the 7 levels of hell.

I'll stick to Splenda...