I believe one of the major contributors to all auto immune problems, including MS, autism and ADD is the chemicals in our food. As you all know, my main issues are with aspartame and all MSG ingredients which are in almost everything! Check my prior blog about what MSG is in. Anyways, here is another article about aspartame I just recieved in the Natural News website. Read up, oh, unless you are STILL drinking diet drinks and don't want to quit.
"NaturalNews) High intake of the artificial sweetener aspartame may lead to the degeneration of brain cells and various mental disorders, according to a research review conducted by South African scientists from the University of Pretoria and the University of Limpopo and published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"We propose that excessive aspartame ingestion might be involved in the pathogenesis of certain mental disorders, and also in compromised learning and emotional functioning," the researchers concluded.
The review of prior research found that aspartame, marketed as NutraSweet, Equal, Canderal and Tropicana Slim, leads to both direct and indirect changes in the brain when consumed in high quantities. Among these effects, the chemical can disrupt amino acid metabolism and structure, degrade nucleic acids, and interfere with the function of nerve cells and hormonal systems. It also appears to change the concentration of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
The researchers also noted that aspartame appears to cause excessive signaling of nerve cells, and nerve cell damage or even death. By disrupting the functioning of the cells' mitochondria, or energy source, aspartame leads to a cascade of effects on the whole system.
"The energy systems for certain required enzyme reactions become compromised, thus indirectly leading to the inability of enzymes to function optimally," the researchers wrote.
This directly contradicts a review published in 2007, which concluded that "aspartame is safe at current levels of consumption … no credible evidence was found that aspartame is carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or has any other adverse effect on health."
Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener, particularly in food and beverage products marketed as low calorie or "diet." It is used in more than 6,000 products around the world.
The chemical has been controversial since its introduction, with a number of studies linking it to cancer and neurological and behavioral disorders. People have reported experiencing headaches, insomnia and even seizures from aspartame consumption.
The FDA and the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), however, continue to insist that the sweetener is safe.
Sources for this story include: foodqualitynews.com."
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26 comments:
Thanks Shari! I've been trying to get my husband off of the diet stuff since I first read about the EVILS of aspartame. . . this gives me more fuel for the fire! ;)
Shari, I love your blog!! Fun to have a fellow "nature freak" among my old pals! If you ever want to swap GFCF recipes, let me know.
I have always forbid my kids from eating /drinking aspartame, and it's so frustrating to me that it is in so many things. I can't believe the F.D.A. has been o.k. with this for so long with all the adverse findings out there. I have friends and a nephew that are diabetic, and they all think aspartame is the end all be all. I feel so angry that they have been mislead, and are damaging their bodies above and beyond what their disease is already doing. I have suggested Stevia, does anyone know if this is o.k. for diabetics?
Let us know when you have found a cure for obsessive compulsive disorder....
I don't know if the OCD comment was cynnical , but... I have talked to a specialist in this matter and she says that it is largely a cause of folate and B vitamin methylization. So, increasing B and folate are huge. Autistic children suffer greatly from OCD and some of their mothers!
As Shari’s husband I have the privilege of living with “The” Enlightened Homemaker, so naturally we discuss her blog on occasion. I am continually amazed by her simple eloquence in writing. The other night, Shari mentioned some comments on a recent post that had a tone of cynicism or bitterness and it reminded us of the minor backlash from an older post about obesity in America. Some subjects just seem to touch a nerve with some people. Anyway, Shari has thick skin and is not the type to break down crying over a few words, but like any normal person she is at least a little disturbed by unjustified negative comments directed towards her. People reading her blog have overwhelmingly found it “enlightening” and are constantly giving her encouragement and thanks. Rightfully so, as she devotes a lot of her precious time sharing knowledge to benefit others. There is little benefit in it for her and on many occasions she has considered quitting, but she continues out of a sense of duty. As a protective husband, my comments are directed to those who “anonymously” take little jabs at her.
I can testify that there is no hypocrisy in what Shari writes. Shari has admitted in several posts that she is not perfect and her motto has always been “moderation in all things”, yet she truly practices what she preaches and our family has been blessed immeasurably because of it.
We discuss the information in her posts regularly because it has become a natural part of our lives over the years. Yes, I said “years” in the plural. Her blog is not even a year old and we have learned much this past year from our youngest son’s autism, but the basic health concepts Shari writes about have been practiced by us for almost twenty years and practiced, researched, and written about by others for much longer than that.
I am sure Shari would accept well-researched factual corrections, positive constructive criticism, and even honest varying opinions. But the fact is this is her site. If you don’t like what she has to say, no one is going to make you keep reading it. Like everyone else, she has enough challenge in her life. If you are unwilling to change your lifestyle for your own benefit, that is your business. Don’t bring others down because of your own weakness, especially Shari.
Remember, sometimes written correspondence is misinterpreted without the voice intonation, body language, and facial expression that accompany face-to-face conversation. If your comments where not meant to be nasty, I apologize for the long-winded defense of my wife. If they were meant to be a jab, next time keep them the f&@% to yourself!
Michael Goodman
My husband did this on his own and I had no idea what he was in here typing. I have to say he is one sweet husband and so protective. I love him for it. I don't get offended anymore by comments but I do like what he said. I am Shari Goodman and I approve of this message.
Thanks for the post. Because of it I did some research and discovered that you can find just as much research to support both sides of the claim.
As a mother of two children with severe auto immune problems, one of which who passed away, I can say from my experience this had absolutely nothing to do with aspartame.
My son suffers from depression because as a result of his medical history and death of his sister, so there seems to be alot more contributing to this than just a chemical.
Thanks for letting me state my opinion. Again, I appreciate the chance to do some research and come to my own conclusions...hopefully your husband won't hunt me down ;)
Mary Beth,
Thanks for your polite comment. I just want to add that I don't blame everything on aspartame. It is only a part of the problem. But, if you look at what is in food in general you would be amazed at what things like "yeast extract" is and "Whey Protein". They are horrible for your body but no one is paying attention. Some people are also born with tendencies for MS and other auto immune diseases, I know that as my son was born with a tendency.However, in almost every single case, if not all, diet can help immensly. That is what I am trying to get across. We need to stop poisoning ourselves. Autism is an auto immune disease and we are winning that with diet. But of course you won't find a whole lot of Dr.s telling you that. In any case, there is not one person in the world who will tell you that aspartame or MSG is good for you so I would never touch it if I had even the slightest tendency for a disease. I wouldn't touch it if I didn't. You can't argue for aspartame. It isn't to blame for all disease but it definitely will make the disease worse. I am sincerely sorry for your loss and all that you must go through on a day to day basis. I wish you and your family the best of luck. Once again, thanks for posting your critique in a nice way.
Sorry for striking a nerve. The comment wasn't meant to be cynical. As a sufferer of OCD, I was serious. Is there a link found in your research between aspartame and OCD? Thanks!
Thanks for your reply, anonymous. And, no, I have not found any link between OCD and aspartame. Although I don't believe aspartame causes OCD, it surely won't help. OCD can be overcome. It takes lots of hard mental work and lots of complex B vitamins and folate to help regulate your levels. I feel for you and any who suffer. I was very mild but know the pain of living in that world. Sorry for what you go through.
Johnson six, I don't know much about stevia but I use xylo sweet. Xylitol is safe for use by diabetics and hypoglycemics. For more information you can visit: www.xlearinc.com. Be sure to check with your doctor but it should be okay.
Shari-
My friend asked me today if I knew which sugar is the best sugar to cook with. I know you can't bake cookies with xylotol and she mentioned that she uses stevia to sweeten things. I told her I use xylitol but thought I should ask the expert. She is the one who started me on the no sugar diet! HELP! Also, I know this is totally off the subject but does anyone know what type of wheat or grain they grew or ate in biblical times?
I know they used Millet, Barley and Wheat in Biblical times. As far as what to cook with, I have tried many things, stevia, brown rice syrup but nothing tastes great. There are types of raw cane sugar or evaporated cane sugar but it probably isn't much better than white sugar. Unfortunately, nothing tastes the same. I like to use honey the best, raw honey. It breakes down in the body well and doesnt react like cane sugar. It needs to be raw however.
Cool! I will pass it along! When you substitute using raw honey in place of sugar what measurements do you use?
7/8 cup honey per cup of sugar.
How did you first start researching asperteme and MSG and other preservatives and additives? Are there books that you read? Did you just start searching online? Are there certain sources that you go to first, that you feel are reliable?
Do you know anything about Xagave? It is new so there may not be much info out there.
No, I don't know about xagave. Same with xilitol. I tried to read about them but because they are so new, you only get a little info because there isn't any long term effect studies out yet. I stay away from the new things that aren't from the earth for that very reason. They may be great but they may be another aspartame type thing that just hasn't been studied fully yet. I know we are safe with honey and other natural sugars even though they aren't great for us.
As far as where I find the best research. I look everywhere but anything that is a government study I general don't believe unless backed by other non affiliated Dr.'s. I love Dr. Blalock, Dr. Weil and Dr. Mercola. They are amazing and really truly understand food. They all have extensive research without being backed by pharmacies and the FDA. I always try to look at those in favor of things as well so I can see both sides. You can subscribe to Dr. Mercola and Dr. Weil's newsletter that email you great info , then take their info and start reading the medical journal studies on line and any other article. It gets addicting.
Ok, I delved a bit more into xagave from my favorite Dr.s I mentioned before. Not a whole lot of info. They all advocate the Agava plant, but questions arise about how the sugar is processed from it. Some articles even say that how it is processed makes it much like the dreaded High Fructose Corn syrup. After all, Corn isn't bad but that byproduct is horrible! I still can't really make a good educated opinion about it, but like I said, I don't go for any new substitute and generally just stick with what we know about. Processed foods are not good.Raw sugar and honey are so much better. We all know the less the better but if you need sugar, stick with the usual. My opinon, of course!
I use fructose to bake and cook with instead of sugar - it looks and feels just like sugar but is much better for you. It is in the same natural state as honey so your body recognizes it as a food, unlike sugar which has been so processed. I believe your body doesn't recognize sugar as a food and therefore it acts like a drug in your system. The fructose I use is derived from corn and I am actually buying 50 lbs of it in my Azure order this month, need to stock up. Anyway, that's my two cents! Love your blog Shari! You're an awesome resource.
Shari I absolutely LOVE your blog, you do a wonderful job at informing those of use who can handle the cold, hard truths about real life. People really need to understand that anything that is made in a factory type of setting and not harvested from mother earth is very dangerous to our bodies. Anything that has been modified or altered from its orginal state is not a good thing. You are AMAZING and keep up the good work. I Thank our Heavenly Father for your daily service.
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When my husband went to Korea in the early 90's for 2 years he was advised to stay away from MSG as it could cause a person not to be able to reproduce.It's amazing to me that its in all of our foods these days. chips granola bars to name a few things. Another reason to stay away from MSG
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