The Side Effects of Aspartame
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Jeanette401
New member
Can you clarify for me what the chemical components of a strawberry are and the effects of each chemical in a strawberry as it enters your body?
I was under the impression that the ingredients of a strawberry were: A strawberry. And the ingredients of aspartame were: aspartame.
That doesn't change my point - strawberries can literally kill people with a bad sensitivity to them. That does not stop me from eating them. Nor does it create actual scientific studies which can actually link aspartame to alzheimers - unless and other sites focused on alzheimer call this a myth because they're all being bribed by the aspartame industry.
Sesha
New member
I suppose it just comes down to what people are willing to risk. I have watched 2 Grandparents die from Alzheimer's so for me I will take any precautions I possibly can to avoid suffering from it myself. I will find the studies I have read on the connection and post them here.
Jeanette401
New member
Thanks - and I agree that it's a matter of risk management. I personally make a moderate attempt to avoid aspartame "just in case" but there are other considerations. If eating foods with aspartame made a huge difference in my ability to control my weight, the health risks of being overweight would vastly overshadow the risks of aspartame, and I'd go for it.
There's also a factor that the liver/kidneys can handle small amounts of toxins with no problem - it's only when they get overloaded that you have an issue. That's exactly why fish with mercury is fine in moderation - as long as you stay within what your system can screen out, it doesn't really matter.
I'm not saying not to be careful, or not to care if your food has aspartame, I'm just saying you should get as accurate as possible gauge of the risks of it so you can compare them properly against all the other things you have to worry about in your food.
Kori
New member
I think the real point here is that if someone has a sweet addiction, they should be looking at re-educating their palate, not simply substituting one bad sweet thing for another sweet thing.. the effects of which are NOT really known.
Start by cutting back on sugar, use sweet fruits for your sweet "hit" rather than turning to a substitute or whatever... then over time eliminate the majority of refined sugars
AND artificial sweeteners from your diet.
You can train yourself out of your sweet addiction if you want to.. and it will do you far greater good in the long term than proping up your bad habits...
It's just like smoking.. nicotine replacement therapies are for short term use.. not for ever, they give you the hit without a lot of the bad stuff.. to me artificial sweeteners could be viewed the same...the end play should be to remove, not replace.
Start by cutting back on sugar, use sweet fruits for your sweet "hit" rather than turning to a substitute or whatever... then over time eliminate the majority of refined sugars
AND artificial sweeteners from your diet.
You can train yourself out of your sweet addiction if you want to.. and it will do you far greater good in the long term than proping up your bad habits...
It's just like smoking.. nicotine replacement therapies are for short term use.. not for ever, they give you the hit without a lot of the bad stuff.. to me artificial sweeteners could be viewed the same...the end play should be to remove, not replace.
San2
Mod
I'm allergic to Strawberries. Eating one can kill me.
It doesn't matter if I know what's in it or not.
Besides....all that is in a strawberry is a strawberry? What about all the pesticides, the stuff that the soil is treated with that the strawberry grew in, the air pollution.....you have really no clue what's in a strawberry. Think about it.
It doesn't matter if I know what's in it or not.
Besides....all that is in a strawberry is a strawberry? What about all the pesticides, the stuff that the soil is treated with that the strawberry grew in, the air pollution.....you have really no clue what's in a strawberry. Think about it.
Sesha
New member
Good point! I used to use sooo much artificial sweetener and that is why I had to eliminate it entirely. I'm not good with moderation, it's either all or nothing for me. I'm working on it.
When I was 18 - 19, I consumed Equal in my tea, and drank diet soda, etc etc.
On the days I had a little too much for my system, I began having petit-mal seizures, which prgessed into grand-mal seizures.
It finally stopped when I totalled my car during one. Thank God no one was seriously injured.
Since searing off the stuff, I have been seizure-free for the last 19 years.
Its some nasty stuff.
On the days I had a little too much for my system, I began having petit-mal seizures, which prgessed into grand-mal seizures.
It finally stopped when I totalled my car during one. Thank God no one was seriously injured.
Since searing off the stuff, I have been seizure-free for the last 19 years.
Its some nasty stuff.
I've been a diet soda drinker for years with no ill effects (that I know of 
), but when I started working hard on losing weight a few weeks ago I cut back on them, and now have all but cut them out and to be honest I feel better. Before, I could drink one and it would just make me want another, and usually something sweet to go with it. Now I can't even drink a full one...if it comes with a meal (I haven't been able to ditch my fast food yet, although I'm making better choices of what's available) I drink just enough to wash it down and that's it.
Part of my problem was also mental...I thought I just had to have a drink if I was going to work. Every day I had to stop and get my Super-Mega-Big-Gulp-Thirstbuster, but thought a candy bar would go nicely with it.
Now I just drink water 99% of the time and can feel a difference. I know it's better for me, and it's what I want.
(now giving up my sweet tea...that was a challenge. You don't take a boy from the south and take away his tea, that's just not right. But I'm proud to say I haven't had any in 3 weeks )
), but when I started working hard on losing weight a few weeks ago I cut back on them, and now have all but cut them out and to be honest I feel better. Before, I could drink one and it would just make me want another, and usually something sweet to go with it. Now I can't even drink a full one...if it comes with a meal (I haven't been able to ditch my fast food yet, although I'm making better choices of what's available) I drink just enough to wash it down and that's it. Part of my problem was also mental...I thought I just had to have a drink if I was going to work. Every day I had to stop and get my Super-Mega-Big-Gulp-Thirstbuster, but thought a candy bar would go nicely with it.
Now I just drink water 99% of the time and can feel a difference. I know it's better for me, and it's what I want.
(now giving up my sweet tea...that was a challenge. You don't take a boy from the south and take away his tea, that's just not right. But I'm proud to say I haven't had any in 3 weeks
)
Aspartame is Simply Poison
It is well-documented that aspartame is dangerous. I would never take this into my body, even in moderation. Ladies and gentleman, it is nothing more than poison! It is made up of three toxic chemicals that were never meant to ingested in combination. The body simply is not equipped to handle it. There are 92 negative side effects, including brain tumors (brain cancer), seizures, brain damage, memory loss, nausea, vision problems, anxiety, diahrrea, and on and on and on to 92. It is possible to die from aspartame poisoning! There have been people who were very sick, or say they were dying UNTIL they stopped ingesting it. Why would you ingest poison into your body, even in moderation?
There is also no reason to take it if you want to lose weight. Aspartame has been known to cause fat storage and increase appetite for fatty foods and sweets. It also carries heavy metals, such as arsenic into the body, which poisons your metabolism (kills it), so that you cannot lose weight.
I stay away from splenda, too. It's a little scary as well. Besides, who wants to eat "sugarized chlorine"? Seriously, between artificial sweeteners and sugar, you're much better off using sugar.
Stevia is the best. It is a natural sweetener. I use SweetLeaf brand-it is the most natural of the brands.
It is well-documented that aspartame is dangerous. I would never take this into my body, even in moderation. Ladies and gentleman, it is nothing more than poison! It is made up of three toxic chemicals that were never meant to ingested in combination. The body simply is not equipped to handle it. There are 92 negative side effects, including brain tumors (brain cancer), seizures, brain damage, memory loss, nausea, vision problems, anxiety, diahrrea, and on and on and on to 92. It is possible to die from aspartame poisoning! There have been people who were very sick, or say they were dying UNTIL they stopped ingesting it. Why would you ingest poison into your body, even in moderation?
There is also no reason to take it if you want to lose weight. Aspartame has been known to cause fat storage and increase appetite for fatty foods and sweets. It also carries heavy metals, such as arsenic into the body, which poisons your metabolism (kills it), so that you cannot lose weight.
I stay away from splenda, too. It's a little scary as well. Besides, who wants to eat "sugarized chlorine"? Seriously, between artificial sweeteners and sugar, you're much better off using sugar.
Stevia is the best. It is a natural sweetener. I use SweetLeaf brand-it is the most natural of the brands.
San2
Mod
I suggest you stop breathing as well. The stuff that is in the air nowadays is responsible for a myriad of illnesses. Oh, and do you take painkillers? Any kind of medication for anything? Do you drink water? I would stop all of that. Very dangerous.
Aspartame doesn't stop you from losing weight, that's pure nonsense. The only thing that stops you from losing weight is putting more calories into your body than you burn.
As for Stevia - when Aspartame first came out, everybody said it was safe. In a few years, they'll tell you that Stevia is just as bad as everything else. Mark my words.
Stop dramatizing. If you don't want to use it, fine. Use something else. Eat sugar, whatever. Get over it.
Aspartame doesn't stop you from losing weight, that's pure nonsense. The only thing that stops you from losing weight is putting more calories into your body than you burn.
As for Stevia - when Aspartame first came out, everybody said it was safe. In a few years, they'll tell you that Stevia is just as bad as everything else. Mark my words.
Stop dramatizing. If you don't want to use it, fine. Use something else. Eat sugar, whatever. Get over it.
KaraCooks
New member
You'd do far better to worry about a much more prevalent chemical compound:
Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound, also referred to by some as Dihydrogen Oxide, Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. Its basis is the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, a species shown to mutate DNA, denature proteins, disrupt cell membranes, and chemically alter critical neurotransmitters. The atomic components of DHMO are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol.
Although the U.S. Government and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not classify Dihydrogen Monoxide as a toxic or carcinogenic substance (as it does with better known chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and benzene), DHMO is a constituent of many known toxic substances, diseases and disease-causing agents, environmental hazards and can even be lethal to humans in quantities as small as a thimbleful.
Historically, the dangers of DHMO, for the most part, have been considered minor and manageable. While the more significant dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide are currently addressed by a number of agencies including FDA, FEMA and CDC, public awareness of the real and daily dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide is lower than some think it should be.
Unfortunately, the dangers of DHMO have increased as world population has increased, a fact that the raw numbers and careful research both bear out. Now more than ever, it is important to be aware of just what the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide are and how we can all reduce the risks faced by ourselves and our families.
Each year, Dihydrogen Monoxide is a known causative component in many thousands of deaths and is a major contributor to millions upon millions of dollars in damage to property and the environment. Some of the known perils of Dihydrogen Monoxide are:
* Death due to accidental inhalation of DHMO, even in small quantities.
* Prolonged exposure to solid DHMO causes severe tissue damage.
* Excessive ingestion produces a number of unpleasant though not typically life-threatening side-effects.
* DHMO is a major component of acid rain.
* Gaseous DHMO can cause severe burns.
* Contributes to soil erosion.
* Leads to corrosion and oxidation of many metals.
* Contamination of electrical systems often causes short-circuits.
* Exposure decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes.
* Found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors and lesions.
* Given to vicious dogs involved in recent deadly attacks.
* Often associated with killer cyclones in the U.S. Midwest and elsewhere, and in hurricanes including deadly storms in Florida, New Orleans and other areas of the southeastern U.S.
* Thermal variations in DHMO are a suspected contributor to the El Nino weather effect.
What are some uses of Dihydrogen Monoxide?
Despite the known dangers of DHMO, it continues to be used daily by industry, government, and even in private homes across the U.S. and worldwide. Some of the well-known uses of Dihydrogen Monoxide are:
* as an industrial solvent and coolant,
* in nuclear power plants,
* by the U.S. Navy in the propulsion systems of some older vessels,
* by elite athletes to improve performance,
* in the production of Styrofoam,
* in biological and chemical weapons manufacture,
* in the development of genetically engineering crops and animals,
* as a spray-on fire suppressant and retardant,
* in so-called "family planning" or "reproductive health" clinics,
* as a major ingredient in many home-brewed bombs,
* as a byproduct of hydrocarbon combustion in furnaces and air conditioning compressor operation,
* in cult rituals,
* by the Church of Scientology on their members and their members' families (although surprisingly, many members recently have contacted DHM
rg to vehemently deny such use),* by both the KKK and the NAACP during rallies and marches,
* by members of Congress who are under investigation for financial corruption and inappropriate IM behavior,
* by the clientele at a number of bath houses in New York City and San Francisco,
* historically, in Hitler's death camps in Nazi Germany, and in prisons in Turkey, Serbia, Croatia, Libya, Iraq and Iran,
* in World War II prison camps in Japan, and in prisons in China, for various forms of torture,
* during many recent religious and ethnic wars in the Middle East,
* by many terrorist organizations including al Quaeda,
* in community swimming pools to maintain chemical balance,
* in day care centers, purportedly for sanitary purposes,
* by software engineers, including those producing DICOM programmer APIs and other DICOM software tools,
* by popular computer science professors,
* by the semi-divine King Bhumibol of Thailand and his many devoted young working girls in Bangkok,
* by the British Chiropractic Association and the purveyors of the bogus treatments that the BCA promotes,
* in animal research laboratories, and
* in pesticide production and distribution.
What you may find surprising are some of the products and places where DHMO is used, but which for one reason or another, are not normally made part of public presentations on the dangers to the lives of our family members and friends. Among these startling uses are:
* as an additive to food products, including jarred baby food and baby formula, and even in many soups, carbonated beverages and supposedly "all-natural" fruit juices
* in cough medicines and other liquid pharmaceuticals,
* in spray-on oven cleaners,
* in shampoos, shaving creams, deodorants and numerous other bathroom products,
* in bathtub bubble products marketed to children,
* as a preservative in grocery store fresh produce sections,
* in the production of beer by all the major beer distributors,
* in the coffee available at major coffee houses in the US and abroad,
* in Formula One race cars, although its use is regulated by the Formula One Racing Commission, and
* as a target of ongoing NASA planetary and stellar research.
One of the most surprising facts recently revealed about Dihydrogen Monoxide contamination is in its use as a food and produce "decontaminant." Studies have shown that even after careful washing, food and produce that has been contaminated by DHMO remains tainted by DHMO.
What are the symptoms of accidental Dihydrogen Monoxide overdose?
You may not always recognize that you have been a victim of accidental DHMO overdose, so here are some signs and symptoms to look for. If you suspect Dihydrogen Monoxide overdose, or if you exhibit any of these symptoms, you should consult with your physician or medical practitioner. The data presented here is provided for informational purposes only, and should in no way be construed as medical advice of any sort.
Watch for these symptoms:
* Excessive sweating
* Excessive urination
* Bloated feeling
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Electrolyte imbalance
* Hyponatremia (serum hypotonicity)
* Dangerously imbalanced levels of ECF and ICF in the blood
* Degeneration of sodium homeostasis
A recently noted medical phenomenon involves small amounts of DHMO leaking or oozing from the corners of the eyes as a direct result of causes such as foreign particulate irritation, allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock, and sometimes severe chemical depression.
Recently, German analytical chemist Christoph von Bueltzingsloewen at the Universitaet Regensburg identified what may be key reasons why the dangers of DHMO are ever present. According to von Bueltzingsloewen, the chemical separation of dihydrogenoxide from the hazardous oxygendihydride is extremely difficult. The two similar compounds curiously occur in nearly equimolar distribution wherever they are found. It is not clear how the two contribute directly to the dangers inherent in Dihydrogen Monoxide, although von Bueltzingsloewen believes that a synergetic mechanism, catalyzed by traces of hydrogenhydroxide, plays a major role.
What can I do to minimize the risks?
Fortunately, there is much you can do to minimize your dangers due to Dihydrogen Monoxide exposure. First, use common sense. Whenever you are dealing with any product or food that you feel may be contaminated with DHMO, evaluate the relative danger to you and your family, and act accordingly. Keep in mind that in many instances, low-levels of Dihydrogen Monoxide contamination are not dangerous, and in fact, are virtually unavoidable. Remember, the responsibility for your safety and the safety of your family lies with you.
Second, exercise caution when there is the potential for accidental inhalation or ingestion of DHMO. If you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from a dangerous situation. Better safe than sorry.
Third, don't panic. Although the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide are very real, by exercising caution and common sense, you can rest assured knowing that you are doing everything possible to keep you and your family safe.
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Why Scoff the Truth?
To San,
It seems to me that for some reason you took my dislike of aspartame personally. If you like aspartame so much, by all means use it! But wouldn't it be immoral for me to not try to warn people of a nervous system toxin that is in so many of our foods? All I said regarding the dangers of aspartame is well-documented. You CAN gain weight from it and it IS dangerous. I didn't make it up. I suggest you do your homework, instead of reacting so emotionally.
By the way, stevia is not new. The fact is, stevia has been used in South America for over 1000 years and in Asia for decades, and never has there been any report of harmful effects. Ever. That cannot be said of artificial sweeteners.
FYI, I don't take any painkillers or medication--not even for "that time of the month," migranes, or colds! (I drink Symfre herbal tea for colds from Wisdom Natural Brands, and I simply wait-out menstrual cramps and migranes-when I get them) I hate medication and painkillers! They can be harmful to the body because they can deplete our immune systems when we rely on them too much. Our immune systems are the most powerful resource we have to keep us healthy and get rid things that harm us. I will only use these if there is no other way I can get better on my own, or if I have pain from surgery (which I've never had), or something like that. Then the meds will work quickly with smaller doses because I have not developed a tolerance to them. I just like taking things into my body that help enhance my immune system. This one of the reasons why I believe I am so healthy!
I guess you don't know me as well as you think you do!
To San,
It seems to me that for some reason you took my dislike of aspartame personally. If you like aspartame so much, by all means use it! But wouldn't it be immoral for me to not try to warn people of a nervous system toxin that is in so many of our foods? All I said regarding the dangers of aspartame is well-documented. You CAN gain weight from it and it IS dangerous. I didn't make it up. I suggest you do your homework, instead of reacting so emotionally.
By the way, stevia is not new. The fact is, stevia has been used in South America for over 1000 years and in Asia for decades, and never has there been any report of harmful effects. Ever. That cannot be said of artificial sweeteners.
FYI, I don't take any painkillers or medication--not even for "that time of the month," migranes, or colds! (I drink Symfre herbal tea for colds from Wisdom Natural Brands, and I simply wait-out menstrual cramps and migranes-when I get them) I hate medication and painkillers! They can be harmful to the body because they can deplete our immune systems when we rely on them too much. Our immune systems are the most powerful resource we have to keep us healthy and get rid things that harm us. I will only use these if there is no other way I can get better on my own, or if I have pain from surgery (which I've never had), or something like that. Then the meds will work quickly with smaller doses because I have not developed a tolerance to them. I just like taking things into my body that help enhance my immune system. This one of the reasons why I believe I am so healthy!
I guess you don't know me as well as you think you do!
KaraCooks
New member
In my opinion, it's immoral to use scare tactics to spread mis-information.
I reference my earlier post on Dihydrogen Monoxide. There are far more than "92 negative side effects including brain tumors (brain cancer), seizures, brain damage, memory loss, nausea, vision problems, anxiety, diahrrea, and on and on and on" and people have DIED (*gasp*) from consuming it as well.
Of course that becomes less shocking when you realize that Dihydrogen Monoxide is another way of saying WATER.
Balance and solid information is good. Scare tactics and panic mongering is immoral. IMO, of course.
San2
Mod
I didn't take anything personal, and I have no desire to know you at all. All I did was pointing out that your so called 'truths' were far from, and some of your information is either misleading, or plain and simply false.
I won't argue with you though. Just a little tip for you....there is a good reason Stevia is banned in most countries. It does have known side effects, two main ones....a) It's genotoxic, and components of it are known to cause genetic mutations in human DNA, and b) it's known to affect the male reproductive system and even cause infertility.
So much for your no side effects, safe sweetener. By the way, those side effects and the studies these claims stem from are controversial, just like the claims about aspartam and the hundreds of other sweetener products out there.
As Kara said, balance and information is good, but scare tactics are simply not. And just telling people to replace one thing that is supposedly dangerous for them with another that is no better is worse than useless.
I won't argue with you though. Just a little tip for you....there is a good reason Stevia is banned in most countries. It does have known side effects, two main ones....a) It's genotoxic, and components of it are known to cause genetic mutations in human DNA, and b) it's known to affect the male reproductive system and even cause infertility.
So much for your no side effects, safe sweetener. By the way, those side effects and the studies these claims stem from are controversial, just like the claims about aspartam and the hundreds of other sweetener products out there.
As Kara said, balance and information is good, but scare tactics are simply not. And just telling people to replace one thing that is supposedly dangerous for them with another that is no better is worse than useless.
WineDeer
New member
Let's highlight what KaraCooks said again -- "it's immoral to use scare tactics to spread mis-information. "
WebMD on Stevia: STEVIA: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD
Let's assume WebMD is a relatively "neutral" source on products. None of what you wrote about Stevia is true. It hasn't been proven that it causes infertility or is genotoxic either, unless you are a rat and you're consuming it in high doses.
mmm I love myself some aspartame
as for the person who said it makes you gain weight, and all that other stuff..I'd be interested in seeing some neutral independent SCIENTIFIC studies that prove it, because I've been drinking diet coke and consuming products with it for years and never had any problems with weight management..or my hair falling out or anything. I'm not saying I think it's healthy I know it isn't..but yea..helps to back up what you say
as for the person who said it makes you gain weight, and all that other stuff..I'd be interested in seeing some neutral independent SCIENTIFIC studies that prove it, because I've been drinking diet coke and consuming products with it for years and never had any problems with weight management..or my hair falling out or anything. I'm not saying I think it's healthy I know it isn't..but yea..helps to back up what you say
San2
Mod
a) I wrote that those claims and studies are controversial. Please use the full quote if you quote me.
b) There were studies that indicated that Stevia has those side effects. If you want me to find you details, give me while.
c) The side effects of Aspartame have never been proven on a human either, and most of the studies are as controversial and much discussed as the Stevia ones. Does that make them untrue? Just wondering....