The Side Effects and Dangers of Aspartame

By Susan Dickson

The Side Effects and Dangers of Aspartame thegearhunt.com

It is said to be sweeter than sugar but is also said to have zero calories, which makes people who are trying to lose weight but need that sweet fix every day, extremely happy. We’re talking about Aspartame, and while it may seem like a good thing from the looks of it, looks can be deceiving and the food additive actually said to be highly toxic, a whole lot more so than the natural sweeteners on the market today. Most people already realize that this chemical is really too good to be true, but there are those out there who either don’t believe it or don’t even realize that a chemical like Aspartame is in the food and drinks they are eating and drinking every single day.

In fact, Aspartame is a common chemical put into diet sodas and many low calorie processed foods on a regular basis. We were even surprised at foods that we had no idea contained this sweetener. As a matter of fact, it’s said that this chemical does a whole lot more harm than it does good when it comes to your health, which is the exact opposite of what it says it is going to do.

It is said that the side effects of Aspartame go way beyond even what natural sugar will do to your health. It is said to cause everything from cancer to autism and heart disease. That’s why in this blog, we’re going to go into the dangers and the side effects of Aspartame and anything else you should know. Ready? Then, let’s get started, shall we?

What is Aspartame?

Before we can go into the side effects and danger of this sweetener. We first should know a little bit about what it is. Aspartame goes by a few different names. Those names are listed below.

Acesulfame potassium

AminoSweet
Neotame
Equal

Advantame
NutraSweet
NutraSweet New Pink

AminoSweet
Pal Sweet Diet
Blue Zero Calorie Sweetener Packs

Canderel

What is really scary is that this sweetener exists worldwide in over 60,000 food packages to replace natural sugars that are supposed to be bad for you. In reality, the side effects and dangers reported from this sweetener are much worse than the sugar ever could be, according to reports and experts. There are three different chemicals that are added to this artificial sweetener that is said to be toxic. So, the debate rages on as to whether this is dangerous or not? It’s better to be safe than sorry in our opinion and better to talk to your doctor before you use any of these artificial sweeteners as well. So now that we know what Aspartame is, by its many names, let’s move into the dangers and side effects that come with it as well.

Side Effects and Dangers of Aspartame

Now that we know a little bit about Aspartame and what it is, it’s time to move into the purpose of this blog, to begin with. We need to talk about the side effects and danger of putting this chemical in our systems. So without further ado, let’s get started on the side effects and dangers of Aspartame that you should know about.

Can Contribute to Obesity

One of the most common reasons that people look for Aspartame and other low-calorie or no-calorie sweeteners in their foods and drinks is because it is said to aid in weight loss. This is done by saying that the sweetener helps to curb your cravings for sugar without pumping up your caloric intake and adding to your weight. This in turn with lead to weight loss and help you reach your weight loss goals. This isn’t exactly true. Studies have shown that adding Aspartame to your diet has actually been linking to weight gain and even obesity. There are many theories as to why these artificial sweeteners actually do the opposite of what they’re meant to do, but none have been scientifically proven. Just suffice it to say that they sweeteners are doing the opposite of what they are claimed to do and leave it at that.

Can Cause Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is a group of symptoms that when all present and added together can lead to heart disease or diabetes. Studies have linked Aspartame to making these symptoms worse and increasing the chance that you will end up with one of the diseases caused by Metabolic Syndrome. If there is a history of any of these diseases in your family, then it’s best for you to abstain from using anything with Aspartame in it and contact your primary health care provider for help as well.

Can Cause Kidney Damage

Research also shows that Aspartame can cause damage to your kidneys. It has shown that after Aspartame was introduced for public consumption the rate of overall kidney function declined in people who were drinking the artificially sweetened sodas that contained Aspartame. Again, these facts have not been proven, but kidney damage in users of these artificial sweeteners has been on the rise since that time. It’s better to stick to drinks that don’t have any of these sweeteners in them, just to be on the safe side, wouldn’t you think?

Can Lead to Type 2 Diabetes

Since Aspartame is linked to Metabolic Syndrome, it stands to reason that artificial sweetener can lead to Type 2 Diabetes. It does this by affecting the good bacteria your gut needs to be healthy and creating a glucose intolerance, which leads to Type 2 Diabetes in the long run. It’s best to avoid this sweetener period, but even more important to avoid it if you have a history of any type of diabetes in your heritage.

Can Cause Distorted Brain Function and Memory Loss

Studies have shown that the use of Aspartame can be hard on the brain. Studies have shown that it causes distorted brain function and causes cells to die in certain regions of the brain. These studies showed that otherwise perfectly healthy adults had problems on tests that they didn’t have before they ate or drank anything with Aspartame in it. It is also said to result in memory loss and is said to impair your ability to remember things on a regular basis. It’s best to avoid this artificial sweetener and all others like it, wouldn’t you think?

Can Cause Cancer

There are so many chemicals, foods, and things that are said to cause cancer these days that many people have taken to not paying the warnings much attention lately. However, studies have shown that Aspartame can lead to certain types of cancer. Studies have shown that this food additive can lead to widespread cancer and tumors as well. The cancers it has been linked with are listed below for your perusal.

Liver cancer
Brain cancer
Breast cancer

Many types of nervous system cancers
And much more

The scariest part of this is that even the lowest doses, under the legal limit, have been linked to cancer way down the road, so don’t think you’re safe because you only use it every now and then or only in your coffee once a day, because you very well might not be safe at all.

Can Lead to Heart Disease

Studies have also shown that Aspartame is capable of creating metabolic derangements, which can lead to heart disease. It does this by interfering with your glucose regulation. This causes the way your body usually handles sugar digestion and glucose to change. It also affects your bodies ability to balance the calories you take in and your energy levels as well.

Can Cause Mental and Mood Disorders

Studies show that Aspartame can have a severe and lasting effect on your mood and even cause mental and mood disorders as well. Many people who have frequently eaten foods and drinks with Aspartame in them have reported depression, worsening moods, and even headaches, insomnia and seizures. It is said that there are chemicals in these artificial sweeteners that affect dopamine levels in your system and other parts of the body as well. This ends in worsening mental disorders, depression, and even the development of mental and mood disorders. If you feel that you have become depressed or need help with a mental or mood disorder, stop using Aspartame right away and contact your primary care doctor for help and see if there is an underlying cause for your problem as well.

Can Cause Autism

Studies have shown that Aspartame may be harmful to your unborn child also. Scientists believe, but it has yet to be proven, that Aspartame damages the central nervous system, leading to an increased toxicity risk in unborn children. This can lead to autism in children. It is best to contact your doctor to see what is and what isn’t safe for you to eat or drink when you’re expecting. Try to avoid all food and drink with Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners in them as well, then consult your doctor for everything else.

These are just a few of the top side effects and dangers that are associated with the artificial sweetener Aspartame, there are more out there and more that are being revealed on a regular basis. It is possible that none of these dangers, diseases or side effects could ever happen to you, but why take that chance?

Foods to Avoid that Contain Aspartame

The thing is that when you see the words healthy on a label it’s easy to go ahead and buy it without looking into it any further. However, the truth is that everything that is labeled healthy isn’t. Below you will find a few foods that may contain Aspartame, foods that you should read the labels on carefully, before buying and serving them to the family you love.

Some baby foods
Diet Sodas
Sugar-free sweeteners

Some gum and lozenges
Some breakfast cereals
Yogurt

Hot chocolate
Jams and jellies
Sugar-free ketchup

Hard candies
Flavored waters
Puddings

And meal replacement bars and shakes
Some vitamins

This isn’t to say that all of these foods contain Aspartame, but it does serve as a warning to look into the foods you buy before you feed them to your family. Remember, that Aspartame comes in many forms and is sold under many different names, so be careful what you buy and remember anything that is labeled as “sugar-free,” should send up red flags and be checked into further. Luckily, there are quite a few different ways that you can naturally sweeten your food and avoid the dangers and side effects of not only sugar but artificial sweeteners as well. Some of those methods are listed below.

Raw honey
Maple syrup
Coconut sugar

And more

It’s important to note here that these studies are not based in fact, but the research is pretty overwhelming as well. Make sure that you check your foods before you cook them to see what they contain and if in doubt talk to your primary health care provider for help on what is safe for you and your family to eat.

This concludes our blog on the side effects and dangers of Aspartame. If you aren’t sure whether a food you are feeding your family includes this chemical, make sure to read the labels and do more extensive research. The food we feed our families should be wholesome and keep them safe from harm. From all reports and research gathered the additive Aspartame does anything but that. Until next time, be safe and read those labels, everyone!