So first, let me explain why aspartame causes some of the problems. We have a saying, "If you want to get fat NutraSweet is where it's at."

It is a drug that makes you crave carbohydrates so you gain weight. You will find that in the congressional record where they added the protest of the National Soft Drink Assn, http://www.wnho.net/congressional_record1.doc You can also read the protest of the National Soft Drink Assn on http://www.dorway.com/nsda.html

Dr. Sandra Cabot, Mission Possible Australia also wrote an article that explains it well called "Aspartame Makes You Fatter". It's been added to the Report to Schools which is about 40 pages of new articles from the experts to save the children: http://www.wnho.net/report_on_aspartame_and_children.htm
The Trocho Study in Barcelona has shown that the formaldehyde converted from the free methyl alcohol accumulates in the cells and damages DNA with most toxicity in the liver but substantial amounts in the kidneys, brain, retina and adipose tissue or fat cells. And when the liver is toxic it's even harder to lose weight.

About hypoglycemia, H. J. Roberts, M.D., goes into a great of detail in Aspartame Disease: An Ignored Epidemic, www.sunsentpress.com He says that attacks of hypoglycemia are commonly manifest by these features: (1) prolonged cyclic weakness ("draining of my strength"; "sapping of my energy", "late morning slump"; "afternoon letdown"" that occurs several hours after eating; (2) associated tremors, nervousness, headache, sweats and intense hunger with a craving for sugar; and (3) the prompt subsidence of these features after ingesting food or caloric sweets. A young woman made this analogy concerning her desire for sweets under these circumstances: "It's like sugar is dope."

Dr. Roberts continues that hypoglycemic attacks tend to intensify prior to lunch and during the latter part of the afternoon and evening. This is attributable to the effects of activity, and the accelerated release of insulin as the day progresses. The latter phenomenon may be demonstrable only by the method of afternoon glucose tolerance test.

You should know that hypoglycemia often presents with an array of neurologic and psychiatric features. They include tremors, dizziness, true vertigo, double vision, "pins and needles" (paresthesias), muscular weakness, inability to think or speak properly, convulsions, (e.g. paranoia, mania, depression), delirium and unconsciousness. The nervous system manifestations tend to follow certain patterns for a given individual, being polysymptomatic in most but occasionally monosymptomatic. Haier (1988) reported a correlation between cerebral glucose metabolism and psychological function.

Dr. Roberts explains the adverse effects of glucose deprivation on the brain and nerves (neuroglucopenia) and says the ravages on the brain of recurring severe hypoglycemia, especially when unchanged (as during the night) are readily understood in the light of these facts: (a) the brain is almost totally dependent upon an adequate supply of circulating glucose for normal function: and (b) neither the nervous system nor the body can store glucose and readily - available carbohydrate for more than one day.

He goes into some observations that amplify these issues. They tend to be compounded in aspartame disease.

The developing central nervous system is highly susceptible to the ravages of energy deprivation. This is believed to account for the frequency of narcolepsy, reading disability, migraine and related headaches and abnormal behavior in young persons with severe hypoglycemia. He says that certain neurologic manifestations are importantly influenced by biochemical and enzymic differences within specific areas. In turn they are rendered more vulnerable to hypoglycemia. The adverse effects of glucose deprivation on the central nervous system are enhanced by water retention within nerve cells and myelin. It may result from excessive ingestion of fluids in the wake of aspartame-indued thirst, hormonal influences and hyperinsulized state itself. Water and sodium are known to migrate into nerve cells following hypoglycemia or the experimental removal of glucose from a perfusing environment. The consequences of combined glucose deprivation and water retention ultimately may disrupt the functional and anatomic integrity of myelin (the sheath that"insulates" nerve fibers). A vicious myelin-destroying cycle might ensue. The frequency with which an initial diagnosis of "multiple sclerosis" was made in many aspartame reactors, especially weight conscious young, is germane.

Dr. Roberts goes into great detail on aspartame-induced hypoglycemia. He says that many influences can aggravate hypoglycemia or precipitate hypoglycemic attacks in nondiabetics. They commonly include severe caloric restriction and the missing of meals by weight conscious persons, fever, the use of oral contraceptives, various drug including aspirin and unaccustomed exercise, especially in hot weather. He says aspartame should be added to this list. You will be interested in his comments that several patients with severe hypoglycemia had concluded that aspartame made them ill, and resumed sugar containing products or took saccharin. When sugar was taken in small amounts, along with adequate protein and fat, most fared well. He says the desire for sweetness, whether an inborn or acquired trait, poses a challenge for most persons with reactive hypoglycemia. Paradoxically, they should avoid sugar (sucrose) because it stimulates insulin secretion and can precipitate an attack.

There is lots more on hypoglycemia but this gives you some interesting facts.

Joint paint is so common because aspartame hardens the synovial fluids. The mechanisms include direct effects of its three ingredients, aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. Headaches are #1 on the FDA report of 92 symptoms which is on www.dorway.com As to addiction, aspartame liberates free methyl alcohol classified as a narcotic. It causes chronic methanol poisoning which affects the dopamine system of the brain.

Remember that aspartame destroys the central nervous system and you would expect many of the symptoms you describe. But I notice you say"just hours ago I suffered a severe attack to drinking two Diet Coke fountain sodas".. I know you are addicted but you need to get off of this toxin right away. When you cease you likely will suffer withdrawal symptoms with many of your problems getting worse before getting better. But usually within a couple of weeks you feel much better. You may wish to subscribe to the Aspartame Information List, first banner on www.wnho.net . This way we can help you as you have questions. Incidentally, usually in those diet Coke's in the machine they have a small amount of aspartame but mostly saccharin, and the reason is aspartame can destroy the equipment.

Most doctors are clueless and we continue asking physicians to set up aspartame detox centers so victims will see someone who knows how to get a victim well. Some like Dr. Carolyn Dean give telephone consultations - holeopharm@pol.net

Dr. Roberts says victims go from physician to physician spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for useless diagnostic studies and surgery when nothing is going to help until they get off aspartame. You ask" is there a supplement to help ease some of my current symptoms?"..Here is Dr. Roberts detox program www.wnho.net/wtdaspartame.htm Notice he says to use magnesium, which is extremely important because it helps protect the heart and brain from excitotoxins. The aspartic acid is the excitotoxin in aspartame. Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills by neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock, M.D., www.sunsentpress.com On the bottom of his
detox paper are all his books and the one "Health & Nutrition Secrets To Save Your Life" tells you how to get well. Many times the magnesium will help the headaches.

The doctors mentioned can be in the aspartame documentary, Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World, www.sunsentpress.com Dr. Blaylock has a new lecture that will really educate you on aspartame. www.Atavistik.com

Aspartame triggers irritable bowel syndrome and Dr. Dean even wrote a book about it, IBS For Dummies. Aspartame does cause an irregular heart rhythm and interacts with all cardiac medication. It damages the cardiac conduction system.

Keep in touch, Jen, and let me know when you have more questions. Also, aspartame effects the eyes because the free methyl alcohol converts to formaldehyde and formic acid and destroys the optic nerve. It also causes dry eye and many other eye problems. Go to www.dorway.com, scroll down to Dr. Roberts under experts and read "What's Blinding The World?" I can understand the heartburn because of the phosphoric acid in pop. Also aspartame binds to calcium. I hope I've answered all your questions and look forward to hearing of your improvement.

All my best,
Betty

Dr. Betty Martini, D.Hum, Founder
Mission Possible International