| Aspartame Toxicity |
| Why we *all* should be concerned |
| In 1999, after recovering from major back surgery, I began to have difficulties which perplexed me. The absolute simplest things became hard. I struggled to remember even minor things. I struggled with math...and finding "the right word". I wasn't quite sure what the cause was...when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, I assumed that was the cause of it. My rheumatologist and I argued over this for two years---he said it was NOT the cause of my problems, I said it was. This year, after two and a half years of having these difficulties, my family physician sent me to a specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. I had an extremely thorough exam (and at the price of an office consult at Cleveland Clinic, it better be pretty damn extensive!!) and bloodwork. The result? I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome...known to others as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, CFS, CFIDS, "Yuppie Flu", etc. I also have possible Fibromyalgia. Many things can cause CFS...it is believed to originate from an Epstein Barr virus (which causes "mono") that has lied dormant until an incident (or incidents) has triggered it. Since approximately 90% of the entire population will have been exposed to EBV, and show it through bloodwork, many never have any symptoms. So, why with CFS? It is believed that people who go into full CFS have compromised immune systems to begin with. They have a much lower resistance than the average person. The syndrome is often triggered by various means---car accident, injury, surgery...anything that can take its toll on the body physically and emotionally. In 1998, I herniated a disc while at work. In 1999, I had major back surgery. My symptoms began within three months of my surgery and they have come and go ever since. Despite my belief that my CFS was triggered by my injury and subsequent surgery, I have also found there seems to be a link between an exacerbation of CFS-like symptoms and Aspartame toxicity. Studies have shown that aspartame might not be as safe as once thought. I don't believe it was a coincidence that my symptoms not only began within months of my surgery but also within weeks of beginning a relationship with diet colas as well as using aspartame in my coffee instead of sugar. So, where did my CFS come from? My surgery triggering an already compromised immune system or from aspartame toxicity? I actually believe both play a role in the difficulties I have had. |
| Signs of Possible Aspartame Toxicity: dizziness migraines and severe headaches memory loss (common) confusion numbness/tingling of extremities chronic fatigue depression insomnia irritability panic attacks (common) tachycardia (common) asthma chest pains hypertension (high blood pressure) nausea or vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain itching hives / urticaria hypo/hyperglycemia menstrual cramps/menstrual problems or changes impotency/sexual problems food cravings weight gain baldness or thinning of hair burning urination excessive thirst/excessive hunger bloating joint pain |
| Diseases that Aspartame may mimic or worsen: fibromyalgia arthritis multiple sclerosis (MS) parkinson's disease lupus multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) chronic fatigue syndrome lymphoma lyme disease |
| These symptoms and possible effects of aspartame toxicity are just a few of what have been reported. Did you know (and this was a shock to me!) that aspartame has the basic chemical compound that is found in formaldehyde?? What in God's name are we doing to our bodies? As someone whom has worked with formaldehyde, that is one of the last things I'd ever knowingly put in my body. I have since ceased all aspartame use and trust me, it has been like a withdrawl. It is amazing that what is supposed to be better for us might not be in our best interests. |
| A good place to start researching for info about aspartame is at the info center. Many emails have circulated that this is an "urban legend"...maybe to a point, it started that way. However, aspartame toxicity support groups have been coming up all over the internet. Hundreds of websites can be found on the subject...they can't all be wrong. |
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