The Case Against Aspartame

NutraSweet. Sounds like a pretty good product -- nutritious, sweet, low-calorie and approved by the FDA. Well, that's what the makers of aspartame (G.D. Searle) and the commercial food and diet industries want us to think, but in truth, this chemical poison is one of the most damaging substances ever introduced into the food chain. Let's take a look at some of the basics about how aspartame affects the body, and how it is cloaked in secrecy and controversy, and never should have been approved for human consumption.

The first thing you need to understand is that aspartame, known by the brand names NutraSweet and Equal, is a multi-billion dollar product that is sold directly as a sweetener, but is also used in many consumer products. Thus, many people are exposed to it without even realizing it. The food industry loves this product, and they make a fortune from it. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the makers of aspartame spent megabucks in their efforts to get FDA approval and that some very suspicious things occurred during this process. Consider the following:

• In 1981, a researcher within the FDA was so concerned about data that pointed towards brain tumors caused by aspartame, that he stated he could not recommend its approval.
  
• Studies investigating aspartame's possible link to birth defects were cut off before completion because of "damaging information" about aspartame.
  
• Other studies about aspartame's effects on individuals with mood disorders were also stopped because of a dangerous increase of serious symptoms within the population being studied.
  
• Airline pilots have been warned against using aspartame in over twenty articles in various flight magazines including those published by the Air Force and the Navy. In fact, a hotline was set up for pilots to report adverse reactions to aspartame, and over 600 pilots reported experiencing seizures in the cockpit after using aspartame. How can the FDA ignore such data and continue to approve this toxic substance?
  
• In 1991, the FDA banned the import of the herbal sweetener stevia, and in the last few years resistance against stevia has surfaced in regulatory circles. It is estimated that stevia, which has been proven to be safe for human consumption, is a huge financial threat to the aspartame industry. Thus, it is very interesting that in 1992, shortly after this ban, the FDA approved widespread use of aspartame.
  
• There is also evidence that studies were falsified and misrepresented by G.D. Searle during the FDA pre-approval phase. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon in the world of FDA. Coincidentally, several high-ranking FDA officials that were involved in the ultimate approval of aspartame later moved into jobs with G.D. Searle or other companies linked to aspartame.

What Are the Hazards of Aspartame?

This "natural" substance, as the industry likes to call it, is actually composed of several very toxic chemicals that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, seizures, and other serious disorders.

50% of aspartame is a substance called phenylalanine, a naturally occurring amino acid found in certain foods. However, when it is isolated from other amino acids, and in high doses as in aspartame, it is very toxic and can cause brain dysfunction and mental retardation, especially in individuals who genetically cannot process phenylalanine (those with PKU).

Another major component of aspartame is methanol, which breaks down in the body into free-radicals formaldehyde and other hazardous substances. Methanol is a neurotoxin or "neuroexciter" that can cause hyperactivity, headaches, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, chest pain, high blood pressure, and other neurological side effects.

Because of its unique chemical structure, aspartame is very easily absorbed by the bloodstream and into organs throughout the body. Because of this quality, some researchers believe aspartame has the ability to trigger or mimic the symptoms of many illnesses including:

• ADD/ADHD
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Diabetes
• Migraines/headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)

Better Choices: Stevia, Agave Nectar & Organic Fruits

If you haven't already, I strongly suggest eliminating all sources of aspartame from your diet and then performing several liver/gallbladder/digestive tract cleanses in order to purge your system. If you need a sweetener, try using the herb Stevia or Agave Nectar from the agave cactus plant. Neither will spike insulin levels, and both are nutritious. Many people like to use freshly juiced organic fruit for use as a sweetener. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much better you will feel, simply by eliminating aspartame from your diet.