Artificial Sweetener Side Effects
Overview
Equal and NutraSweet (aspartame) and Splenda (sucralose) are being used as artificial sweeteners in thousands of products, often without our knowledge. If the label says "Sugar-free" or something similar, buy something else. Government and drug company studies report that the artificial sweeteners are safe. On the other hand, there are adverse reports of the side effects of artificial sweeteners from across the globe. It is possible that many people are 'allergic' to artificial sweeteners since some people suffer very serious side effects and others do not. If someone absolutely does not want to sweeten with sugar or honey, stevia is a good, safe substitute. Avoiding artificial sweeteners is another reason to avoid processed foods since many contain aspartame or sucralose. Most chewing gum contains aspartame; children, especially, should not be allowed to chew this gum.
Some Reported Side Effects
- Herpes outbreaks, genital and oral, have been reported to occur within 20 minutes.
- Birth defects
- Blurred vision
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Escalation of Alzheimer's Disease
- Seizures, dizziness and migraines
- Problems with blood sugar increases
- Weight gain
Conclusion
Each person is unique. The Mayo Clinic reports that, "Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance..." 1. Artificial sweeteners certainly qualify as a 'foreign substance'. Allergic reactions range from mild (sneezing and sniffles) to severe (anaphylactic shock, inability to breathe and death). Some allergic reactions occur very quickly; others get stronger over time with each additional exposure.
Continue reading below to see our extensive feedback from readers who have experienced side effects from artificial sweeteners like Aspartame.
Sources
1. Mayo Clinic Staff. Allergies. 1/29/13.
Overview
Equal and NutraSweet (aspartame) and Splenda (sucralose) are being used as artificial sweeteners in thousands of products, often without our knowledge. If the label says "Sugar-free" or something similar, buy something else. Government and drug company studies report that the artificial sweeteners are safe. On the other hand, there are adverse reports of the side effects of artificial sweeteners from across the globe. It is possible that many people are 'allergic' to artificial sweeteners since some people suffer very serious side effects and others do not. If someone absolutely does not want to sweeten with sugar or honey, stevia is a good, safe substitute. Avoiding artificial sweeteners is another reason to avoid processed foods since many contain aspartame or sucralose. Most chewing gum contains aspartame; children, especially, should not be allowed to chew this gum.
Some Reported Side Effects
- Herpes outbreaks, genital and oral, have been reported to occur within 20 minutes.
- Birth defects
- Blurred vision
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Escalation of Alzheimer's Disease
- Seizures, dizziness and migraines
- Problems with blood sugar increases
- Weight gain
Conclusion
Each person is unique. The Mayo Clinic reports that, "Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance..." 1. Artificial sweeteners certainly qualify as a 'foreign substance'. Allergic reactions range from mild (sneezing and sniffles) to severe (anaphylactic shock, inability to breathe and death). Some allergic reactions occur very quickly; others get stronger over time with each additional exposure.
Continue reading below to see our extensive feedback from readers who have experienced side effects from artificial sweeteners like Aspartame.
Sources
1. Mayo Clinic Staff. Allergies. 1/29/13.
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