Our anxiety, depression or alike symptoms, in some cases may not only be caused by our surrounding, as a matter of fact right next to attitude, diet affects our mood most primarily.
A brief description of what is aspartame - The Silent Killer
Based on top publishers, aspartame was found in 1967 by a Chemist named by James Schlatter, while simply testing, created this combination by "error". In 1977 a report by Bressler showing multiple tests that were conducted on animals, and in addition to this over 900 scientific studies all show that aspartame was linked a huge list of tragic side effects, including brain cancer, Alzheimer and even death. The substance was deemed unsafe by the FDA in 1980, yet somehow in 1983 the food additive, aka calorie-free sweetener was finally approved, and now is found in a massive of food selection. That's over 30 years ago!
Aspartame is a highly toxic substance when combined in this form and ingested by humans. According to an article written by Marco Torres, the chemical-like substance is easily absorbed by our skin membrane, meaning as soon as we take a sip or take that bite it is immediately absorbed in the mouth and straight through to our blood-brain barrier. What that means is these substances go straight to the brain and interferes with neurotransmitters. Talk about a headache, but this ain't no simple headache...
The three components are two amino acids Aspartic acide and Phenylalanine (normally found in the brain), and an alcohol called Methanol, which is naturally found in some food, yet when accompanied by pectin (in its natural state) it is completely harmless to human's health. Essentially, without getting into the gritty scientific details, when these substances are introduced to first the human body and then the brain, our neurotransmitters get "highly excited" which then leads cells to self-destruct by being overly stimulated, resulting to, yes, dead neural cells. If neurotransmitters are what communicate everything to our body, then think about the consequences of losing brain cells prematurely? The fact is that the results are terrifying, and mind as well leave the rest to our imagination. Tricking us in believing that we're absorbing "amino acids" doesn't seem to work for a lot of people, nor does it make sense, based on years on scientific research.
For a more profound explanation on the effect of aspartame there is an easy to understand article by PreventDisease.com, or simply Google or YouTube the effect of Aspartame, and simply see for yourself. I've been hearing plenty of debates from both parties, however conducted research have shown enough proof over decades, rather than just a statement, in other words I'd prefer listenning to my gut feeling, at this point.
It landed with multiple names such as the "Silent Killer", "Slow Killer", "Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World", "The Bitter Truth", and the most recent one the "AminoSweet" to mention a few. My thoughts on that is why does it require a name in the first place? It doesn't matter how you call it. Mind as well just keep it as the "Calorie-free sugar", bottom line it won't make it any safer for humans to ingest, nor will it rectify why it was approved as safe in the first place. I don't personally think we care for the why, I mean that it's for money or power over population, it's more a matter of understanding the substance for then opt towards making a wiser choice, or allow me to add a life or death choice.
Although the FDA and Health Canada allows aspartame and other similar artificial chemicals to be added to our foods, I personally strongly recommend that we watch for them to ensure they're not listed on the packaging of the foods we buy. The artificial sweeteners (food additive) that should be avoided are Acesulfame K (Acesulfame Potassium), Saccharin, Sucralose, Neotame and then Aspartame ranking first place for hidden poisonous substances. However in 2002 Neotame came along and doesn't seem too too far back.
What does aspartame (food additives) have to do with anxiety or depression?
We may not always be able to associate our symptoms with a couple of packets of sugar we added to our coffee this morning, yet if a simple headache suddenly presents itself what do we do? We blame stress? Work or family issues? I was born having migraines? Lack of sleep? Dizziness, vision problem, irritability, insomnia, anxiety or even depression are very common side effects of long term use of aspartame (accumulated deposits). Not only it's toxic to our liver but it also destroys our precious brain cells, which we all know that without a proper function of the brain, we are pretty nothing, walking zombies. This is very serious stuff!
Here's how I personally experienced side effects of aspartame when I was first introduced to it roughly about 8 years ago:
I liked the idea of a sugar-free alternative, considering I was highly into nutrition, this seemed like a perfect fit, yet the universe didn't allow it for me for very long. I'd started alternating from color packets for my morning coffee instead of regular refined sugar. At first I hated the taste but eventually learned to accept it due to it's lack in calories. One morning out on the blue I got a headache (and I never get headaches), just around mid cup, and headache persisted each day. I also recall feeling weird, or just plain "not ok" and for no apparent reason, dizzy, low of energy and felt depressed. In my early twenties I had already established a pretty strict diet so there was really nothing else I could blame my headaches on. It wasn't too long after I made the link, immediately stopped using it, and began researching on the subject. Surprisingly enough my headaches stopped from coming back. I'd would freak out when my friends and family would use the colored sugars. I remember giving to friends and family "safe sugar lessons" as soon as I'd see one reach for the bad stuff. Yet I don't think no one really took me seriously. I can still taste that chimerical tingling feeling on my tongue when I think of it. Never touched it since.
Here are some of the not-so-softer side effects of frequent or long term intake of aspartame:
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If you're that person who drinks five cups of sweetened coffee per day, or diet drinks are what keep you going throughout the day, or your diet consists mostly of "diet" labeled food products, then you could be at risk and I strongly recommend that you do your own research on the subject or speak to your doctor about the harmful effects of aspartame. Also, if you've resonated with most of the above symptoms, perhaps an effective experiment would be to cut down or eliminate aspartame products from your diet for a week or two and see if your symptoms improve.
As much as these softer consequences sound pretty bad, researchers have found from testings that aspartame can mimic the following illnesses (but not limited to):
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I'm ready to cut aspartame off of my diet, what should I avoid?
That you're dieting, simply eating a balanced diet, or maybe you're not attracted toward dieting at all, aspartame or any sort of artificial sweeteners should be avoided at all times to heal and generate new healthy brain cells. Quickly below is a list of the most common foods that may contain artificial sweeteners or aspartame, listed in alphabetical order:- Baked goods (mostly commercially made)
- Candy
- Canned fruit
- Cereal
- Chewing gum
- Cooking sauces (low fat or calorie reduced)
- Coffer creamer
- Diet juice
- Diet soda
- Diet or slimming formulas
- Flavored water
- Granola bars
- Ice cream :(
- Jam and spread
- Jello
- Milk and substitutes (not sure on the status but it's certainly around)
- Powdered drink (Kool Aid or water flavoring powder)
- Protein supplements
- Pudding
- Redbull, energy drinks or replenishing drinks
- Salad dressing (low fat or calorie reduced)
- Table packet sweetener (aka pink, yellow and blue packets)
- Various kids' snacks :( :(
- Vitamin supplements (chewable and not chewable, including children's vitamin)
- Yogurt
Here are the celebrity brands of artificial sweeteners that SHOULD be avoided at all costs: Blech, Equal, NutraSweet, Splenda, SugarTwin, Sweetos and Sweet'N Low.
Choosing a Calorie-free Sweetener
Based on my personal findings (and I read every single label with no exception--I have a very sensitive stomach), I saw that some natural sweeteners had been blended with artificial sweeteners, which technically adds even more confusion when seeking for a low calorie yet healthier alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. So when searching for a replacement make sure that it does not include any of these five food additives: Acesulfame K (Acesulfame Potassium), Aspartame, Saccharin, Sucralose or Neotame. Here is a simple table to help guide you through (simply stay away from the first column). My calorie-free safe sweetener of choice is Stevia extract.
Natural Sweeteners are Simply Natural
Now the best part. Sugar is never a good thing to begin with when we feel the need to add it to whatever we eat or drink, but let's face it, lots of us have a sweet tooth and life is beautiful! There are great alternatives and way better options to the artificial "stuff", and in addition to being safe options most of them offer vitamins, minerals, amino acids (complete real ones) antioxidants, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties (support to our gut--the heart of our health), help fight colds and flues and even prevent a list of illnesses! Talk about a happy switch! Read on their offerings and go with your gut! Fine, trace vitamins and minerals are low compared to food source, but this is why we have food. I present you my top 7 by preferences (also based availability and price):
- Honey (raw or unpasteurized)
- Maple syrup (100% pure)
- Cane sugar (raw or unrefined)
- Date sugar (grinding up dates--perfect for cooking and baking!)
- Agave nectar (high in fructose)
- Barley malt syrup (from sprouted barley)
- Blackstrap molasse (derived from cane sugar)
Some may be high in glucose fructose, like honey, agave nectar and maple syrup, however when used in moderation and combined with solid unsweetened food they are fantastic for you. For those of you who must stay away from glucose or all sugars (diabetes), then the sugar alcohols sweeteners (considered safe) may be an option, but make sure to consult with a physician.
Gums That Are Not So Deadly
The one that frightens me the most is gum, since the most popular brands add artificial sweeteners all being sugar-free products, with a whopping 2.5-30 mg of aspartame per piece!! Simply negatively remarkable (if you find a good online resource for this please do share it in the comments below). I'm not going to mention what are the daily doses that were recommended, reason being unlike alcohol, as it naturally drains through us with a good liver function, au contraire aspartame directly enters the brain and alters neuro cells to their deaths. This can lead to unwanted brain tumors and cancers, so the daily doses should be, nada. Just to think of how many people chew gum every day (including myself), then afterwards reach out for an Advil to ease the headache. It's not just a really nasty habit most are still oblivious to, aspartame is THE worse food additive ever added to food.
There are so many companies that are as passionate as I am, who came up with safe, yet great tasting and long lasting gums. Although some ingredients may not be ideal, since we removed the worse from the package, the rest in moderation won't hurt as much. Personally, my favorite brand is Pur and my heart is set and I'll never go back! I offer a gum to strangers all the time (no joke), that's how I show I care ;) They come in 6 flavors, from minty to sweet to hot cinnamon and also come in value packs. Here are some other great options, Now we can chew away worry and aspartame free!
On The Go Foods
If you're out eating at a restaurant that's pretty simple, refrain yourself from requesting "diet" anything; diet pops, juices and even low fat or low calorie deserts. Some commercial brands still include sweeteners in their products although they're not diet, but if you absolutely want a soft drink then regular ones are a safer option. If you're one of those who absolutely love their pop and drink them regularly then I would recommend that you get to know your ingredients so that you can make a sound decision and not risk your health. You may also ask the waiter what kind of sweeteners they use in their cooking, so you can rest assure.
Grocery Foods for You and Your Family
If I were you I'd stay away from prepackaged foods labeled as "diet", "sugar-free", "low calories or low carbs", "reduced calories or reduced carbs", and carefully review the ingredients of foods labeled as "low fat", "fat-free", "Blue Menu", as well as foods "approved for diabetes", as you never know what could be of substitute to sugar or fat to make it sweet, creamy and great satisfying options.
My personal verdict?
READ YOUR LABELS! It's really that simple, and you'll do yourself a lot of good and illness prevention. If the label only displays "Artificial Sweeteners" it's mostly likely aspartame or one in the same family.
From further readings I surprising found out that aspartame may also increase body weight, one, by tricking the brain that we're introducing it sugar calories when we're not, so our body responds by restoring fat, just like it would in a state of starvation, and second, the neurotransmitters are gravely disturbed to the point that the brain is longer able to transmit proper messages to the body. Aspartame is also known to be highly addictive. Our bodies are designed to work with foods, not with mimic-sugar-like-chemicals--Thanks science, but I'll stick with mother nature's science.
Just like we prefer to stay away from MSG, artificial coloring and flavoring, aspartame hits first place or somewhere close to MSG. By reorienting ourselves towards healthier food selections we'll also naturally be avoiding other potentially harmful ingredients.
You'll find that you'll quickly get the hang of this (if it's something you're wanting), and who knows maybe you'll learn to enjoy it ;) Reading your labels takes only one minute, and also shows you're interested in what you're putting in your body. We have one body--let's take care of it before "substances" take care of it!
Don't be afraid to take a good step forward if you feel you've been victimized--it's never too late to click undo.
Hope you've found this informative, and please, please share!
Namaste
Sources:
Deep Roots At Home
Eatingrules.com
Wakingtimes.com
Preventdisease.com
Dorway.com
Aspartame.mercola.com
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