It’s astounding that the average American drinks two cans of pop, or soda, per day. Soda is the biggest calorie source for Americans. When aspartame was introduced in the 1970’s, we thought we had found the perfect alternative. We were bombarded with saccharin and aspartame products, including diet soda.

Recently we have learned that saccharin and aspartame have been linked to many health problems. Some studies have linked the chemical to neurological degeneration, seizures, chronic fatigue, cancer, and even death. Aspartame has been linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Despite those facts the Food and Drug Administration continues to grant food makers approval to use the chemical as an artificial sweetener. I wish to share some of the health problems that artificial sweeteners may cause.

An eleven year study conducted by the Harvard Medical School found that women who drank soda were twice as likely to have kidney problems as those who did not drink it. It should be no surprise that kidney disease causes obesity. It is interesting that people who drink 2 or more diet sodas a day have larger waistlines than those who don’t. Odd since the reason people drink diet soda is the low or zero calories.

Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners have been shown to increase appetite. As well they have been found to add to a toxic buildup in the body, leading to fat storage. In 2011 a study done at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, found daily consumption of diet soda increased the risk of heart attack and stroke by over 60%.

Diet soda was found to rot teeth in a study from the Temple University School of Dentistry. The rotting was due to the acidity of the soda. In that same study a comparison to the decay caused by methamphetamine was performed. The intensity and extent of damage was the same. “Meth mouth” or “Coke mouth” there was no difference in the effect on the teeth.

The amino acid phenylalanine is found in the processed form of aspartame which is used in NutraSweet, Equal, and many other products. Conditions such as ADD, ADHD, and behavioral and emotional disorders have been linked to high levels of phenylalanine in the body and brain.

Diet soda contains the preservatives sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate. These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria. Sometime that totally inactivate or knock out the DNA. Both of these preservatives are classified by the Food Commission in the United Kingdom as mild irritants to the skin, and mucous membranes. and eyes.

The “yellow packet”, as Splenda is known (sucralose), has also been implicated in a number of serious health conditions. They are gastrointestinal problems, allergic reactions, blurred vision, seizures, weight gain, and an increase in blood sugar. Splenda confuses the body and changes the way it handles sugar. Despite this information the FDA continues to approve the production of Splenda.

It is possible to become addicted to diet soda. The brain is unable to tell the difference between real and artificial sugar. I have witnessed many folk freaking out because they needed there diet soda. The main problem is sweeteners are a staple of the American diet. I would encourage you to STOP drinking diet and artificially sweetened drinks.

I haven’t drank any soda in over 20 years, I drink water and teas. I add lemon, lime, oranges, cucumber, or berries to enhance the flavor. Other alternatives include seltzer water and fresh ( home squeezed) juices. It’s your choice, however as I always say, take care of your body and it will take care of you.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings