For a long time, authorities have known the health risks associated with and side effects of aspartame. In fact, the FDA refused approval of this toxic substance for 16 years after its accidental discovery (it was originally a peptic ulcer drug) due to compelling evidence of its role in brain tumors and several other health disorders.
Interestingly enough, shortly after current Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, became CEO of G.D. Searle Company and the day after Ronald Reagan took office, FDA commissioner Arthur Hull Hayes approved aspartame over objections by the FDA Board of Public Inquiry. Hayes was appointed to the post by the Reagan Administration. Shortly after its approval, he went to work for Monsanto subsidiary NutraSweet on a 10-year contract for $1000 per day.
Today, 75% of food additive-related health complaints to the FDA are concerning aspartame. At one point, the NIH estimated about 170 side effects associated with it. Currently the FDA only recognizes 92 side effects of aspartame.
Adverse reactions and side effects of aspartame include:
Eye
- blindness in one or both eyes
- decreased vision and/or other eye problems such as: blurring, bright flashes, squiggly lines, tunnel vision
- decreased night vision
- pain in one or both eyes
- decreased tears
- trouble with contact lenses
- bulging eyes
Ear
- tinnitus – ringing or buzzing sound
- severe intolerance of noise
- marked hearing impairment
Neurologic
- epileptic seizures
- headaches and migraines
- dizziness/unsteadiness
- confusion and memory loss
- severe drowsiness and sleepiness
- paresthesia or numbness of the limbs severe slurring of speech
- severe hyperactivity and restless legs
- atypical facial pain
- severe tremors
Psychological/Psychiatric
- severe depression
- irritability
- aggression
- anxiety
- personality changes
- insomnia
- phobias
Chest
- palpitations,
- tachycardia
- shortness of breath
- recent high blood pressure
Gastrointestinal
- nausea
- diarrhea, sometimes with blood in stools
- abdominal pain
- pain when swallowing
Skin and Allergies
- itching without a rash
- lip and mouth reactions
- hives
- aggravated respiratory allergies such as asthma
Endocrine and Metabolic
- loss of control of diabetes
- menstrual changes
- marked thinning or loss of hair
- marked weight loss
- gradual weight gain
- aggravated low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- severe PMS
Other side effects of aspartame
- frequency of voiding and burning during urination
- excessive thirst, fluid retention, leg swelling, and bloating
- increased susceptibility to infection
Additional Symptoms of Aspartame Toxicity include the most critical symptoms of all, death
- irreversible brain damage
- birth defects, including mental retardation
- peptic ulcers
- aspartame addiction and increased craving for sweets
- hyperactivity in children
- severe depression
- aggressive behavior
- suicidal tendencies
Additional side effects of aspartame, which may trigger, mimic, or cause the following illnesses:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Epstein-Barr
- Post-Polio Syndrome
- Lyme Disease
- Grave’s Disease
- Meniere’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- ALS
- Epilepsy
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- EMS
- Hypothyroidism
- Mercury sensitivity from Amalgam fillings
- Fibromyalgia
- Lupus
- non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Now that you’ve read the dangers of aspartame, I hope you have resolved to eliminate it from your diet once and for all. Be patient because aspartame just happens to be highly addictive as well.
When ending your love affair with aspartame, switching to another artificial chemical compound such as saccharin or Splenda,® is not a good idea. Highly refined sweeteners like agave syrup, corn syrup, white sugar (including organic sugars like Florida Crystals) or fruit juice concentrate are not the answer either.
So what are some healthy foods to eat instead of aspartame and these other synthetic sweeteners? One excellent choice is stevia, which comes from the dried leaves of the South American plant of the same name. It has been used for centuries without ill effects and does not cause blood sugar to spike.
If tolerated or not contraindicated by your health regimen, small amounts of whole food sweeteners like raw honey, real maple syrup, Rapadura and molasses may be occasionally used.
