“There are a growing number of clinicians and basic scientists who are convinced that excitotoxins play a critical role in the development of several neurological disorders, including migraines, seizures, infections, abnormal neural development, certain endocrine disorders, specific types of obesity, and especially the neurodegenerative diseases; a group of diseases which includes: ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and olivopontocerebellar degeneration.”
“An enormous amount of both clinical and experimental evidence has accumulated over the past decade supporting this basic premise. Yet, the FDA still refuses to recognize the immediate and long term danger to the public caused by the practice of allowing various excitotoxins to be added to the food supply, such as MSG, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and aspartame.”
As a general rule, it would be best to avoid the use of aspartame, especially if you have ever experienced any negative reaction such as headaches, susceptibility to seizures or an increase in appetite when using aspartame. Other symptoms that have been reported include rash and leg nodules.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Aspartame Intolerance
Adverse reaction to aspartame
Strong appetite
Counter Indicators
No adverse reaction to aspartame
Short-term memory failure
Conditions that suggest Aspartame Intolerance
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
There have been a few individuals who claim that their IBS symptoms went away after removing all sources of aspartame from their diet. Here is a quote from one of them:
“You know I had those symptoms for about 8mths and I had every stomach and blood test you can imagine done. The docs couldn’t find a thing. So they called it IBS. I did alot of research on symptoms and started researching ingredients of all the things I eat or drink everyday and guess what! It was aspartame in the gum I chewed, the diet drinks I drink and the fat free sweets I ate. I stopped anything with aspartame and in about a week I was close to normal and every since then I haven’t had a problem at all.” Lynn Chaney.
Headaches, Migraine/Tension
Double-blind studies have demonstrated that aspartame causes headaches. [Headache 1988:28(1) pp.10-14, Biological Psychiatry 1993:34(1) pp.13-17, Neurology 1994:44 pp.1787-93.]
Risk factors for Aspartame Intolerance
Absence of short-term memory loss
Aspartame Intolerance can lead to
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
There have been a few individuals who claim that their IBS symptoms went away after removing all sources of aspartame from their diet. Here is a quote from one of them:
“You know I had those symptoms for about 8mths and I had every stomach and blood test you can imagine done. The docs couldn’t find a thing. So they called it IBS. I did alot of research on symptoms and started researching ingredients of all the things I eat or drink everyday and guess what! It was aspartame in the gum I chewed, the diet drinks I drink and the fat free sweets I ate. I stopped anything with aspartame and in about a week I was close to normal and every since then I haven’t had a problem at all.” Lynn Chaney.
Recommendations for Aspartame Intolerance
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| Weakly counter-indicative |
| Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative |
| May do some good |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Migraine
Not just a headache, but a disorder affecting the whole body, characterized by clearly defined attacks lasting from about 4 to 72 hours, separated by headache-free periods; progresses through five distinct phases. Prodrome: experienced by about 50% of migraineurs and starting up to 24 hours before the headache - changes in mood, sensory perception, food craving, excessive yawning, or speech or memory problems. Aura: experienced by about 15% and starting within an hour before the headache - disruption of vision (flashing lights, shimmering zigzag lines, blind spot) or sensation (numbness or 'pins and needles' around the lips or hand), or difficulty speaking. Headache: usually pulsating and occurring on one side of the head, it may occur on both sides of the head and alternate from side to side. Muscles in the neck and scalp may be tender; there may be nausea and the desire not to eat, move, see or hear. Resolution: the headache disappears and the body returns to normal. Resolution may occur over several hours during sleep or rest; an intense emotional experience or vomiting may also end the headache. Postdrome: After the headache stops, the sufferer feels drained, fatigued and tired. Muscles ache, emotions are volatile and thinking is slow.
Seizure
While there are over 40 types of seizure, most are classed as either partial seizures which occur when the excessive electrical activity in the brain is limited to one area or generalized seizures which occur when the excessive electrical activity in the brain encompasses the entire organ. Although there is a wide range of signs, they mainly include such things as falling to the ground; muscle stiffening; jerking and twitching; loss of consciousness; an empty stare; rapid chewing/blinking/breathing. Usually lasting from between a couple of seconds and several minutes, recovery may be immediate or take up to several days.
FDA
The (American) Food and Drug Administration. It is the official government agency that is responsible for ensuring that what we put into our bodies - particularly food and drugs - is safe and effective.
Monosodium Glutamate
(MSG) Used as a flavor enhancer and preservative in many foods, especially Asian (Chinese). Once banned, it is now permitted in small amounts because no health risks have been found in older children and adults.
Protein
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Aspartame
A low-calorie sweetener used in a variety of foods and drinks and as a tabletop sweetener. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and is commonly known by names such as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful or Equal-Measure.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(IBS) A condition that causes upset intestines for a long period of time. It is very unpleasant to the sufferer but tends to be harmless and usually does not lead to more serious complaints. The symptoms vary from person to person and from day to day. In order to be diagnosed with IBS, a person must have at least three of the following symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen; bloating; constipation; diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation; nausea; loss of appetite; tummy rumbling; flatulence; mucous in stools; indigestion; constant tiredness; frequent urination; low back pain; painful intercourse for women.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.