Nutrition News

Diet Soda Anyone?
By Dr. Marissa Bentham

At Curves, we are huge advocates of exercise and proper nutrition to lose weight safely and effectively. Through years of recommending the Curves weight loss program, we can't help but notice that our members, friends, and family are still drinking DIET SODAS! Why? No matter how often we recommend avoiding diet sodas, people still perceive them as a key substitute to all sugary beverages in the quest to lose weight. Some people view diet sodas as a zero calorie, and therefore, zero guilt solution to their cravings. The interesting fact is, if you were to ask 10 women who drink diet colas,"Do you know that diet sodas are unhealthy for you?" most will respond,"Yes, of course, but I'd rather take the chance to lose some weight."

What does this tell us? The general public really doesn't understand how dangerous diet sugars are, especially aspartame. This is very alarming to us, so today we are designating this entire article to the dangers of aspartame.

What is aspartame?

Aspartame is a very common sugar substitute found in a vast array of products in the grocery store; in fact, aspartame is the basis of NutraSweet and Equal, flavors Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, and other drinks, and sweetens a host of foods you or I wouldn't even begin to suspect. In fact, I challenge you to find a gum that doesn't have aspartame in it. If the general public is well aware that aspartame is a very unhealthy substance, then why is it found in so many products?

The dangers of aspartame poisoning have been a well guarded secret since the 1980s. The research is conclusive in identifying aspartame as a cause of illness and toxic reactions in the human body. aspartame is a dangerous chemical food additive, and in some researcher's opinions "its use during pregnancy and by children is one of the greatest modern tragedies of all."

Aspartame is a molecule composed of three components: phenylalanine (50%), aspartic acid (40%), and methyl ester (methanol) (10%). Aspartic acid and phenylalanine are two amino acids you cannot isolate because they become neurotoxins without the other amino acids in protein. The famed Dr. John Olney, who founded the field of neuroscience called 'excitotoxicity,' conducted studies on aspartic acid in l970 and found that it caused lesions in the brains of mice. He informed G.D. Searle (early manufacturers and pre-approval researchers of aspartame), but they did not tell the FDA until after it was approved. Aspartic acid is an excitotoxin and has the potential to stimulate the neurons of the brain so extensively that it can cause brain damage of varying degrees. Methanol or wood alcohol is a severe metabolic poison that converts to formaldehyde and formic acid (ant sting poison). According to Dr. Richard Wurtman of MIT,"Phenylalanine at 50% goes directly into the brain. Moreover, phenylalanine lowers the seizure threshold and depletes serotonin. Lowered serotonin can trigger manic depression, rage, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, paranoia, suicidal tendencies, insomnia, etc."

You have to question:"Why haven't I heard about aspartame poisoning before?" Could it be because the diet industry is worth trillions of American dollars to corporations, and they want to protect their profits by keeping the truth behind aspartame's dangers hidden from the public? When NutraSweet® was introduced for the 'second' time in 1981 a diet crazed America began consuming it in vast quantities.

Where is aspartame found?

This sugar substitute found in diet sodas and sold commercially as Equal and NutraSweet, was hailed as the savior for dieters who, for decades, had put up with saccharine's unpleasant aftertaste.

How much are we drinking?

Americans drink a little more than 52 gallons of carbonated soft drinks per person per year, according to the American Beverage Association. That's about 555 12-ounce cans, or about a can and a half for every person in the country every day.

What if I have no symptoms...now?

The latency period is very important because independent researchers are in agreement that it often takes weeks, months, or sometimes years of aspartame ingestion before toxicity reactions and chronic health problems are evident.

What are some common effects?

There are a number of health risks associated with aspartame use. The first is phenylketonuria (PKU). One out of 20,000 babies is born without the ability to metabolize phenylalanine, one of the two amino acids in aspartame. Toxic levels of this substance in the blood can result in mental retardation. Beyond PKU, several scientists believe that aspartame might cause altered brain function and behavior changes in consumers. Many people have reported the following side effects from aspartame:

• Fibromyalgia Syndrome and symptoms of Fibromyalgia
• Multiple Sclerosis symptoms
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Menstrual problems
• Weight Gain!!!

What can you do about aspartame poisoning?

Simply put...set an example by changing your diet.

• Let your family, friends, and co-workers know about the dangers of aspartame
• Talk to the schools and day care centers
• If you are very passionate about making a change, contact your local, state, and Federal government representatives
• Do your own due diligence: Check out the aspartame Consumer Safety Network and Pilot's Hotline number: 1-800-969-6050 or 1-214-563-4268.
• Register a complaint with the FDA, the FAA, or the NutraSweet Company about aspartame poisoning
• Set a personal example for health and wellness

Healthy sweetener alternatives:

• Safe alternatives are Stevia, Evaporated Cane Juice, Fruit Extracts, and Honey.
• Note: Many diabetics can use small amounts of healthy caloric sweeteners such as evaporated cane juice. Check with your healthcare practitioner for more information.