The Hidden Health Risks of Artificial Sweeteners

Although these artificial sweeteners are most often used by diabetics and dieters, many of us ingest aspartame almost everyday without even knowing it. It is used in diet soda, and many other low calorie food items. It may even be hiding in your toothpaste.

Studies

When tested on mice in the 1970`s studies concluded that aspartame (Aspartic Acid ) left the mice with holes in their brains. Requests by the Public Board of Inquiries that this artificial sweetener not be approved by the FDA were overruled and in 1981 they were approved for soft drinks. This approval came even after the National Soft Drink Association warned the FDA of possible health risks to consumers. Since then it has been showing up in a growing number of everyday products.

Hypoglycemia

Artificial sweeteners  increase the appetite because as soon as it hits the tongue, a message is sent to brain telling it that  the body will soon be getting some carbs. This puts the pancreas into action and it sends insulin into the blood stream. Because  there are no actual carbohydrates, the insulin lowers the blood sugar and  increases the appetite and can contribute to hypoglycemia.

Disguises

In addition to contributing to hypoglycemia, aspartame can also cause symptoms that mimic diseases such as fibromyalgia, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypothyroidism, Epstein-Bar, ADD, Lyme disease and Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, after discontinuing use of aspartame, most of these symptoms disappear.

Consumer Complaints

Since the arrival of aspartame in the early 1980`s, the FDA have been with complains from consumers, claiming that aspartame was the cause of many debilitating health conditions including but not limited to:

headaches,  anxiety attacks, hyperactivity,  loss of hearing, heart arrhythmia, edema and/or swelling, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, numbing/tingling of extremities, blurred vision, slurred speech, moderate to suicidal depression,  personality changes, chest pains, violent episodes, increased appetite menstrual irregularity, vertigo and mood swings.

*Please see your Doctor if you use aspartame and experience any of these symptoms.

Why They Use It In Our Products

Because it it cheaper to produce than natural sweeteners and is 200 times sweeter than sugar.

Healthy Alternatives

• Honey
• Maple Syrop
• Stevia (natural and up to 300 times sweeter than sugar)
• Agave  (Agave nectar is a natural juice extracted from agave, the same plant that is processed into tequila. 42 percent sweeter than white sugar but has the same caloric value)