This 20 minute video is very eye-opening on the politics and science behind artificial sweeteners. Like anything, “tis the dose that is the poison.” Many of you are aware that I do work with neurotransmitters in my practice; therefore, the topic of consumption of artificial amino acids which affect your brain chemicals, grabs my attention. My concern is how these “excitotoxins” are affecting health, not just physically, but emotionally, where disease can be perpetuated (see my past articles on stress and disease).
The two amino acids that make up nutrasweet/equal aka aspartame, cause an increase in excititary signals to the brain. This can downregulate other calming neurotransmitters and even deplete hormones. (For example, phenalyanine, one component, is a precursor to catecholamines and thyroid hormone.)
Not only can artificial sweeteners affect biochemistry, they can also cause harmful side effects. Here is a link to my website which lists some published research documentation on the side effect of these exicto-toxins.
Therefore, my advice is to use stevia or xylitol. Both are beneficial to health, blood sugar, and bones and are very safe. For that sugar craving, sip on 2 oz of braggs apple ciear vinegar in 8 oz water, 2 T of xylitol, and 3 drops of lemon essential oil, as bitters decrease sweet cravings. If you don’t like it that bitter, you can always adjust the vinegar portion. Either way, protect your brain and your health, by avoiding these products whenever possible.
Here’s to a sweet, natural, life! 🙂
