Aspartame and Autoimmune Disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue - Health Blog (Reloaded 02/20/09)
About a month ago a friend called and asked me what natural remedies might help her family member with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). While I was doing research, I ran upon something that I have known for sometime, but I began to wonder how many people were aware of it - the many faces of Aspartame/chemical poisoning. After I sent her the information, I lay in bed thinking about it for a long time. It affects the lives of so many people in so many ways. And as so many people are suffering (estimated 350,000 in the US alone, 8-10% of all women), I wanted to share some of the information with every sufferer of the symptoms. The things I am sharing are known by others, but perhaps not by you, so please read on...
I have, for sometime now, become increasingly more suspicious about the role played upon our health by the aspartame products in the market known as 'NutraSweet', 'Equal', and 'Spoonful'. There are over 5,000 products currently being marketed as 'sugar-free' which use it, and the manufacturers are not required by the FDA to state that the product has aspartame in it, including most yoghurts. Be aware: if the product says 'sugar-free' but tastes sweet, and doesn't state 'aspartame free', most likely it is being sweetened with aspartame.
"The dangers of aspartame poisoning have been a well guarded secret since the 1980's. The research and history of aspartame is conclusive as a cause of illness and toxic reactions in the human body. Aspartame is a dangerous chemical food additive, and its use during pregnancy and by children is one of the greatest modern tragedies of all."
- Janet Starr Hull @ www.sweetpoison.com.
"There are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame consumption... [which] dissolves into solution and can therefore travel throughout the body and deposit within any tissue. The body digests aspartame unlike saccharin, which does not break down within humans. The multitude of aspartame side effects are [according to] your genetic ... physical weaknesses." - Janet Starr Hull @ www.sweetpoison.com
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is considered to be an autoimmune disorder wherein the bodies T-cells aim themselves at the myelin sheath surface proteins. In the cerebral spinal fluid of MS patients, it has been found that there is a significantly higher level of aldehydes, including formaldehyde. The action of aldehydes in the body is more evident at higher temperatures. - Chinese Herbal Treatment @ http:/www.itmonline.org/arts/msalsmg.htm.
Dr. Weil.com @ http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA35890, states that the medical profession has not found any one thing that causes MS, and that the drug called beta-interferon is most often used for treating it, but is doesn't cure it, it is expensive, and has unpleasant side effects. He recommends dietary changes and the addition of vitamin and mineral supplements and ginger to the diet.
This website: http://www.medhelp.org/forums/neuro/archive/14204.html offers a large quantity of information about the various ailments caused by aspartame/formaldehyde, including those commonly diagnosed with having MS. It appears, typically, in those who drink diet drinks, including Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi (usually 3 to 4 -12oz cans per day). It can appear with systemic lupus-type of symptoms. The symptoms listed are: spasms, shooting pains, numbness in the legs, cramps, vertigo, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, joint pain, depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, memory or vision loss. Other symptoms are fibromyalgia-like symptoms, inability to walk, neurological problems of all kinds, the brain's chemistry is affected, severe seizures appear, the drug changes the dopamine level in the brain, causes birth defects. The diet drinks are not 'diet' products at all, but are the opposite - they make you crave carbohydrates and will make you fatter.
Aspartame/formaldehyde stores in the fat cells, particularly the fat and thighs; it is deadly for diabetics, because it keeps the blood sugar levels out of control, causing some patients to go into a coma and then death. Memory loss is due to the fact that aspartic acid and phenylalanine are neurotoxic without the other amino acids found in proteins. It crosses the blood brain barrier and deteriorates the neurons of the brain. See also this website: Aspartame - the Shocking story of the world's bestselling sweetner @ http://www.wnho.net/the_ecologist_aspartame_report.htm
This website has a "Aspartame Detoxification Program" that promises to scrub the body clean inside and out. It works to remove toxic metals from the body tissues and organs, bloodstream. http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-detox-process.html. I do not know if it really works, and would like to get some feedback on it, if you do try it.
This website http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/aspartame-poison.html speaks of the strong link between Aspartame consumption and Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. It explains that the extremely toxic aspartame, is made by Monsonto, (the same company that is putting toxic BSP in the milk and in the lining of all aluminum cans). Aspartame causes you to gain weight, changes the brain's chemistry, causes seizures, and is particularly deadly for those suffering from Parkinson's disease.
The toxic ingredient is wood alcohol, which when the temperature exceeds 86 degrees, is converted into formaldehyde, and then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis. Formaldehyde kills quietly, and causes all kinds of neurological problems. People with severe aspartame poisoning are often diagnosed as having Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Some symptoms mentioned that are associated with aspartame and MS are difficulty walking; blurred vision; light, sun, and heat sensitivity; chronic fatigue; flashes of light in front of the eyes; debilitating muscle weakness all over the body - especially the legs; painful and embarrassing muscle spasms; loss of muscle coordination overall; numbness - especially in the hands, legs and feet; tingling and burning sensations which move throughout the body; slurred speech and stuttering; memory loss; loss of balance; loss of the use of the legs; loss of depth perception; loss of sense of taste; cold hands and feet; bowel and urinary incontinence; partial paralysis.
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The website: http://www.sweetpoison.com/articles/0706/aspartame_symptoms_submit.html
discusses that the problems of Aspartame Poisoning were sent to the FDA - to no avail - in 1995. The symptoms of Aspartame Poisoning submitted to the FDA on April 20, 1995 are:
Headaches - 21.1%; Dizziness/poor equilibrium - 11.2%; Change of Mood - 10.0%
Vomiting or Nausea - 9.8%; Abdominal pain and cramps - 6.9%;
Change in Vision, for the worse - 5.5%; Diarrhea - 5.0%
Seizures and Convulsions - 4.4%; Memory Loss - 3.9%
Fatigue, weakness - 3.7%; Other neurological problems - 3.7%Rashes - 3.4%; Sleep Problems - 3.1%; Hives - 2.9%; Changes in heart rate - 3.8%
Itching, numbness, tingling - 2.7%; Gran Mal Seizures - 2.6%Local Swelling - 1.7%; Change in Activity Level - decreased - 1.7%Difficulty Breathing - 1.7%;
Oral Sensory Changes - Loss of taste - 1.7%
Changes in Menstrual patterns - 1.6%; Other Symptoms, not listed - 1.6%
The food items that most caused bad reactions because of Aspartame that were reported to the FDA in 1995 were:
Diet Soft Drinks - 45.9%; Table Top Sweeteners - 26.1%
Puddings - gelatins - 9.6%; Lemonade - 6.2%
Kool Aid and Other drinks - 5.1%; Chewing Gum - 4.8%
Hot Chocolate - 4.8%; Frozen Confections - 2.1%
Cereal - 1.8%; Sugar Substitute Tablets - 1.1%; Breath Mints - .9%
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Aspartame is the common denominator for over 92 different health symptoms and the root of many modern 'diseases'.Other Aspartame Poisoning symptoms found in children, but not listed:
Severe Headaches, Migraines
Ear aches
Stomach aches and Nausea
Clumsiness and Vertigo
Blindness, temporary visual loss
Hyperactive at times; Lethargy at other times
Slurred Speech
Loose stools, diarrhea and cramping
Head pain
Vomiting
No appetite, burning tongue with some foods
Seizures
Apnea
Twitching in the limbs
Liver poisoning/dysfunction
Hard time standing up
Acute toxicity, unusually high liver enzyme levels
Confusion, Depression
Impairment of Articulation
Weight Gain
Insomnia
from:http://www.sweetpoison.com/
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Based on what I researched this is what I recommend, if you have any of these symptoms, and are suspicious that it is tied to aspartame use:
* Start by throwing everything in the house away that has aspartame in it and never using them again. If it has a sweet taste and says ‘sugar free’ most likely it has aspartame in it. Some examples are soft/diet drinks, lemonade, chewable vitamins, etc.
* Begin by cleansing the Liver & Pancreas; this will begin the body cleanse by freeing up the liver and pancreas to be able to process further toxins better;
* Take an all-natural Multiple Vitamin and Mineral Formula daily for several months during the cleansing and healing period; this will help the body have a higher immunity level and the nutrients it needs to heal.
* Change the diet to be as nutritionally correct as possible; i.e., reduce intake of red meats to a minimum, eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, and drink as much pure water as possible.
* Take a Parasite and Worm Formula, a Colon Cleanse Formula, and Toxin Cleanse Formula; after the liver and pancreas have been cleansed. This will kill most of the parasites and worms, cleanse the colon, and remove the larger portion of heavy metals, and chemical toxins, making it easier for the body to heal.
* Take a good Omega Essential Fatty Acid supplement (about 1000mg), as well as Vitamin C (about 200mg) and Vitamin E (about 200 mg), twice daily as long as there is pain in the muscles and nerves. It helps the body heal, and is good for pain.
* Use an all natural pain cream or ointment (with cinnamon essential oil in it) on the various parts of the body that become hot and inflamed. Essential oils are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal. The live essence of the plant will penetrate into the skin and 'go after' the things that shouldn't be there. They can cause viruses to go dormant, kill bacteria, and release toxins. If it is 'working', it will heat up, so if it doesn't heat up, then it is not 'working', test it on the arms and legs first, and then move in to the chest, stomach, etc. Never put the oils in the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or on the private parts.
Note: Cinnamon is known to pull some of the worst toxins out of the body, and can be used in its strong, undiluted form (neat) only on the bottom of the feet by adults. If you want to accelerate the cleansing process, you can put a very thin layer of it on the bottom of the feet before going to bed at night and again in the morning after your shower (put socks on after a few minutes). Don't put it neat on anything else because it is too hot. Don't use it neat on children, mix with olive or almond oil 1:2 (1 part cinnamon to 2 parts mixing oil) or 1:3, before putting on their feet. Be sure to drink plenty of water when cleansing the body.
Note: To further speed up the cleansing process, I recommend a blend of parsley root and peppermint tea be taken everyday. Drink it with a bit of lemon and honey in it hot (1 cup up to 4 times daily). To make the tea, purchase the powdered or fresh herbs; heat four cups of water to a boil, remove from the heat, and stir in 2 teaspoons of each herb. Let the mixture steep for at least 10 minutes, then strain through a paper towel, add honey and lemon, and sip the first cup warm with breakfast. Set the rest aside for the next two meals, and drink once again before bedtime.
Note: Although I myself have done each of the recommendations, and have found them to be beneficial, I am not sure if they will work for you, so please let me know how they work for your particular symptoms, as I am very interested in learning more. Each of us is responsible for our own health, we cannot pass that responsibility to another.
Thanks, HerbalLady
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"When you push against the boundaries of experience into the twilight of the unknown, the Lord will strengthen you. The beauty of your eternal soul will begin to unfold." Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 2003, 41
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Trials come to us all: "Some have supposed that trials are reserved only for the disobedient. But the scriptures make it clear that even the humble and obedient will face tribulation. Experience is a great teacher, and sometimes our hardest experiences can be our greatest teachers (see D&C 122:7). This may be why we are commanded to give thanks for all things (see Eph. 5:30). Some blessings come to us painfully. But the Lord promises that 'he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be glorious'. (D&C 78:19). - Carolyn Wright, Tambuli, Nov 1994, pg 11.
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"I have cherished from childhood the truth that God is a personal being, and is, indeed, our Father whom we can approach in prayer and receive answers thereto. I cherish as one of the dearest experiences of life the knowledge that God hears the prayer of faith. It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication.”
- Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay, 71
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