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Show Volume IV, Issue IV THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 11 June 1, 2001 Are Diet Drinks Safe? By Lewis D. Harper, DC Are diet drinks like Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi or any other diet drink sweetened by Aspartame (NutraSweet) really safe to consume in an attempt to lose weight? Some say yes while a growing number are saying no. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is being marketed under several different names. Some of these include NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, DiabetiSweet, Canerel, etc. When looking at the history of what this sweetener had to go through to be approved by the FDA, it is astonishing that it is used in so many different products today. This all started in the 1960’s when a scientist, who was working on a drug for the treatment of peptic ulcers, inadvertently spilled some of the chemical on his fingers and licked it. He said it tasted sweet so decided to change its purpose from a drug to an artificial sweetener. In 1974 the drug gained approval from the FDA, but it was soon rescinded because of a brain tumor issue. Even though the product is sold today on the open market, the issue of causing brain tumors is still an active issue. The make up of aspartame is what is called a synthetic compound. It is made of two amino acids and Methanol (wood alcohol). The first amino acid is Phenylalanine, which makes up 50% of the compound. This amino acid has been shown to lower the seizure threshold in some individuals. This means that in these individuals their chances of having seizures are greatly increased. Aspartic Acid is the second amino acid, which makes up 40%. Dr. John Olney, the world expert on Aspartic Acid said, “It caused lesions in the brains of lab ani- mals. What’s more is that it changed the structure of the DNA, which means it will affect future generations.” It was found that it skipped a generation in lab animals and went on to the third generation, producing morbidly obese and sexually dysfunctional animals. Methanol is the third component, which makes up the last 10%. When the Aspartame reaches temperatures greater than 86 degrees Fahrenheit, the Methanol converts into Formic Acid (the venom in the sting of fire ants), Formaldehyde (embalming fluid) and Diketopiperazine “DKP” (a brain tumor agent). Mary Nash Stoddard, a lecturer for the Southwest Medical School Continuing Education Series, stated “The effects of aspartame disease is very similar and may mimic other syndromes. Some of these syndromes include Multiple Sclerosis (which is very difficult to diagnose); Fibromyalgia, which was never heard of before the advent of Aspartame and has become an epidemic; and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” When Ms. Stoddard contacted the Chronic Fatigue Hotline in 1987, she was informed that the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue could be changed by changing the diet. One of the things they suggested was to eliminate artificial sweeteners. She then said, “Oh, you mean saccharin and Aspartame?” They replied, “No, saccharin’s okay.” It has also been shown that there are more cases of brain tumors (10% more), Lupus, Manic Depression, and Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Aspartame can be found in many products that we may consume on a daily basis. They include flavored bottled water, children’s vitamins, sugar free Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, fruit flavored St. Florence Catholic Community MASSES: Saturday: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. WEEKDAY MASS: Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. followed by The Rosary Phone: 745-LORD Huntsville, Utah PASTORAL ADMINISTRATOR: Fr. Charles Cummins 399-9531 RECONCILIATION: 30 minutes before Mass Come celebrate with us God’s good news. Intersection of Highway 39 & Snowbasin Road drinks and some juice drinks. It has also been found in Alka Seltzer, a lot of Tylenol medications, Fiber One cereal, Metamucil, Rolaids and Tums. It is amazing what products have the drug Aspartame in it. Yes, Aspartame is a drug. It was being developed as a drug and is still a drug. Even though many think it is, it is not a diet aid. According to Congressional records on hearings concerning Aspartame, it states, “It makes you crave carbohydrates and will make you fat.” Dr. H.J. Roberts a leading authority on diabetic conditions reported that when he got his patients off of Aspartame, their average weight loss was 19 pounds per person. Studies have also shown, according to Dr. Roberts, that consuming Aspartame at the time of conception can cause birth defects. “The phenylalanine concentrates in the placenta, which in turn causes mental retardation,” stated Dr. Louis Elsas, Pediatrician Professor of Genetics at Emory University, in his testimony before Congress. There are many individuals that have been consuming Aspartame-laced products for years, and have developed medical problems that their doctors can’t seem to cure. Your underlying problem may be related to Aspartame. A simple test to determine if this may be the cause of your problem is to do a simple 60-day no-Aspartame self test. This test is performed by eliminating all products containing Aspartame from your diet for 60 days. Keep a daily record of your complaints and symptoms for the 60 days and see for yourself if this is what may be causing your problems. Once again I ask, are diet drinks containing Aspartame safe to consume? I will leave that up to you to decide. But as for me, I will never drink Diet Coke/Pepsi again. The information presented in this article is just the tip of the iceberg. Feel free to seek additional information on the internet sites listed below. Here you will find information such as: How is Aspartame consumption costing pilots their job? Why is it still on the market if it is so bad? Why doesn’t the government prevent its sale? www.mercola.com/article/aspartame/tesl a_conference.htm www.dorway.com www.greengroup.com/aspartam.htm Real Estate Done Right! Gary Bingham, , GRI It takes more than traditional methods to sell a home in today’s market. My Seller’s Edge Home Marketing System and “Talking House” can make the critical difference. Planning to buy a home in our wonderful Valley? I’m an “Accredited Buyer’s Representative.” Gary Bingham 388-0607 Office: 745-4663 E-mail: lottahomes@aol.com www.garybinghamproperties.com 2595 North Hwy. 162 Eden, UT 84310 |
