Aspartame/Splenda -- did you know?

[fabshelly]

http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2005/06/01/4132.html

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/aspartame.asp

 

[Becky2005]

I read about that a LONG time ago. I know Nutrasweet gave my mom really bad headaches & then my brother got them too after eating something with that in it. Took them a bit to figure out what triggered it.

I would *much* rather have real sugar than any artificial sweetener. I may end up with more cavities and/or more pounds but I'd rather deal with that than some of the other things. It's sometimes hard to avoid though. Most of the things I see that say anything "reduced" -- I assume it's because they have taken out the real sugar and put an artificial sweetener in it, so I try to avoid those.

I know a lot of the flavored waters seem to have Splenda/Aspartame in them. I know we have slipped and gotten those on occassion but since I don't want nor do I want my kids to end up with the severe headaches TWO of my blood relatives had, I try to avoid just on the safe side.

 

[TruBlu]

I can't have my microwave popcorn....
Now I can't have my diet Coke....

What am I going to do???? Drink WATER and eat FRUITS and VEGETABLES???

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I read about that a LONG time ago. I know Nutrasweet gave my mom really bad headaches & then my brother got them too after eating something with that in it. Took them a bit to figure out what triggered it.

I would *much* rather have real sugar than any artificial sweetener. I may end up with more cavities and/or more pounds but I'd rather deal with that than some of the other things. It's sometimes hard to avoid though. Most of the things I see that say anything "reduced" -- I assume it's because they have taken out the real sugar and put an artificial sweetener in it, so I try to avoid those.

I know a lot of the flavored waters seem to have Splenda/Aspartame in them. I know we have slipped and gotten those on occassion but since I don't want nor do I want my kids to end up with the severe headaches TWO of my blood relatives had, I try to avoid just on the safe side.

we try to avoid artificial sweeeteners too. I would rather deal with real sugar and just limit that as we can.

also trying to become more aware of high fructose corn syrup - and limit that....

as far as the drink mixes, Clestial Seasonings has powdered teas that you add to water - they are sweetened with Stevia....my DD10 really likes them.

I am going to try to find more products with Stevia.....

 

[briar_rose_59]

Equal gives me headaches, but I love me some Splenda lol! I just like the taste of it better than real sugar. If it's a choice between real sugar and equal though, I'll take the sugar. Diabetes runs in my family though, so I've been having artificial sweeteners for a while now.

 

[palmtreegirl]

we rather die then get fatter

I gave up aspartame back in May and switched back to regular soda and I lost 2 pounds. I've read that aspartame actually slows down your metabolism.

 

[pearlieq]

You know, something's going to kill you eventually. I'm all for taking reasonable precautions, but you can drive yourself crazy with all of this.

Just use common sense and strive for moderation. Not quite as exciting, but usually more effective.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

You know, something's going to kill you eventually. I'm all for taking reasonable precautions, but you can drive yourself crazy with all of this.

Just use common sense and strive for moderation. Not quite as exciting, but usually more effective.

Very well put!!

I drink a TON of Diet Coke. I mean a TON. It's all I drink. I told DH I am saving him money because if the formaldehyde thing is true, I will be well preserved.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

They get an INSTANT headache as soon as any aspartame touches their lips.

I get insta-headaches from aspartame. But they didn't start occurring until I stopped consuming it (cut out soda for awhile and poof). I just avoid fake sugars, but not because I am afraid of getting cancer. I prefer to not get headaches.

Now excuse me while I go make some microwave popcorn.

 

[Cass]

When I was diagnosed with diabetes I stopped sugar altogether, but occasionally I have sugar free gum (sorbitol?) or a diet pop -

Now you all are freaking me out

 

[mtblujeans]

More than 18 years ago, when DH and I were taking lamaze classes at our local hospital, the nurse that was teaching the class told all of us (expectant parents) to stay away from the artificial sweeteners. She said the general public was not aware but that there were things in artificial sweeteners that could injure a fetus so, therefore, it was not good for the mother, either. Taken with a grain of salt, I have always assumed that was her personal opinion and I found no harm in heeding her advice over the years.

 

[DisneyJules]

I have known that for years and have avoided all foods with aspartame. It's nasty stuff. Found in yogurts, diet drinks and I'm sure many other foods as well.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I won't consume any artificial sweeteners. And on the very rare occasion that I've accidentally consumed one, boy do I know it! Usually I can taste it, because it's just an awful, awful taste. If I've swallowed any I get VERY sick until it's all out of my system. My mom puts Sweet'N'Low in EVERYTHING (including plain water--disgusting!) and I ate a few bites of her oatmeal once by mistake. I was puking for hours!
That stuff is NOT good for you and IMO is not fit for human consumption.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

The butter thing is true Margarine can have less calories but more "bad" fats than real butter. Just depends on what aspect you're avoiding.

It depends on the margarine. I use Earth Balance which has no trans-fats. Hydrogenated oils are the thing to watch for in margarines. Cutting out trans-fats is probably (IMO) the single best thing anyone can do for better health through diet. I don't eat a LOT of things most people eat daily, for health reasons. People think I'm nuts, but I am very healthy so I'm pleased with the outcome!

 

[TinkInPink]

about the margarine thing, Ick! i never eat it. Ill go with the "dangers" of real butter. In chem we did a lab on the composition and i will never see it the same way again.

 

[shortbun]

We rarely use what we call 'fake sugar.' Wheh pushed, I prefer saccarin. I'm a diabetic but I have learned to include real sugar in my diet. Naturally occuring fats such as butter are much healthier for you in small quantities than chemically engineered substitutes. I read every label now for partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated fats. We try to go with olive oil, butter, avacado, nuts for our dietary fats and just limit them.

 

[MAKmom]

It depends on the margarine. I use Earth Balance which has no trans-fats. Hydrogenated oils are the thing to watch for in margarines. Cutting out trans-fats is probably (IMO) the single best thing anyone can do for better health through diet. I don't eat a LOT of things most people eat daily, for health reasons. People think I'm nuts, but I am very healthy so I'm pleased with the outcome!

We love Earth Balance My DH was a butter purist & could not believe how good Earth Balance was. He said it has to be bad for you it is better than butter. It is a Vegan product( meaning no animal products at all in it) it is NON_GMO 100% expeller-Pressed oils, non-hydrogenated.
If you need to watch your cholesterol this is for you. Giant & Trader Joes carry it. It is about $1.00 cheaper at Trader Joes.

 

[debbiedoo]

I have known that for years and have avoided all foods with aspartame. It's nasty stuff. Found in yogurts, diet drinks and I'm sure many other foods as well.

found in many foods, especially if it says "sugar-free"

and I will be another to say, I have not had a tension headache/migraine since I have not touch the crud. I have not touch anything with it for almost 5 weeks now. I also drink regualr soda now, 2 a day no more, and yes I have dropped weight.(have lost 10lbs)

 

[grlpwrd]

I am a health nut so we definitely stay away from artificial anything.

We eat as naturally as possible.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

I have been warning people about Splenda/Sucralose since it came out. There are so many websites etc...about it. sweetpoison.com is just one.

If I have so much as a sip of something containing it, I get a blinding migraine!!! No one can convince me that stuff is safe for human consumption. What really irritates me is that they are putting it in so many "kids" foods.