Question regarding Aspartame

[Stg-Flame]

Well, in reference to my other topic, I really have nothing else to do than ask some things that have been bugging me.

I was talking to a buddy of mine who was asking me what I usually drink and eat - as this is part of a student project for his high school class (record what your friend's eat and drink and compare... blah blah blah). Anyways, when I told him that I have been drinking nothing but water, unsweetened iced tea, and Diet Dr Pepper for the past four years or so, he alerted me to this website.

Now, over the passed two years or so, I have had some trouble with my short-term memory, my eye-sight, ringing in my ears, bad migraines, I am abnormally hot all the time, and I have always had sleep problems (usually >5 hours a night). I never had any trouble with my memory or eye-sight before and they are still both really good. Just a few moments of "unclarity" every now and then.

As for some of the other ones like slurring of speech, I have been having trouble with something to that effect. It's like my mind is reading two words ahead of what my mouth is saying, and in trying to catch my mouth up with my mind, I start trying to say two or three words together. Same goes with reading, and especially, writing. While writing, I will be fine until I get a good thought in my head and my mind starts going ahead of my hand. I will then start writing two words as one.

For all of these problems, I discussed them with my college Psychology Professor along with some of my background Psychological history. He said that all of them can be attributed to my state of mind and a lot of unresolved issues. He suggested I seek a therapist or Psychologist before everything builds to a breaking-point.

Some details:

Male, 20, 5"10' 245Lbs.

What I wish to know:

What are the possible side-effects to my continuous drinking of Diet Dr Pepper and what could possibly happen in the future if I continue? Could any of the symptoms listed on that website be attributed to the Diet Dr Pepper? If so, how do I go about repairing the damage?

As for the Psychology problems. I am broke and I cannot afford to go see a therapist or anyone that isn't associated with the college, for that matter. I have spoken to a councilor at the college a few times, but she really pissed me off and only added to my problems. What do you suggest I do about this? And could the second-set of problems be linked to my psychological state as per my professor's suggestion, or could they be caused by an entirely new set of problems?

Bare in mind, I have never had trouble with my eye-sight, hearing (a few concerts + loud music in my car), reading (I placed into college level reading and comprehension in the sixth-grade), and writing. With the writing, I have always had trouble putting my thoughts onto paper, but my teachers always attributed that to ADHD (which I was "diagnosed" with in the fourth-grade).

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Chaoticpenguin666
Well, in reference to my other topic, I really have nothing else to do than ask some things that have been bugging me.

I was talking to a buddy of mine who was asking me what I usually drink and eat - as this is part of a student project for his high school class (record what your friend's eat and drink and compare... blah blah blah). Anyways, when I told him that I have been drinking nothing but water, unsweetened iced tea, and Diet Dr Pepper for the past four years or so, he alerted me to this website.

Now, over the passed two years or so, I have had some trouble with my short-term memory, my eye-sight, ringing in my ears, bad migraines, I am abnormally hot all the time, and I have always had sleep problems (usually >5 hours a night). I never had any trouble with my memory or eye-sight before and they are still both really good. Just a few moments of "unclarity" every now and then.

As for some of the other ones like slurring of speech, I have been having trouble with something to that effect. It's like my mind is reading two words ahead of what my mouth is saying, and in trying to catch my mouth up with my mind, I start trying to say two or three words together. Same goes with reading, and especially, writing. While writing, I will be fine until I get a good thought in my head and my mind starts going ahead of my hand. I will then start writing two words as one.

For all of these problems, I discussed them with my college Psychology Professor along with some of my background Psychological history. He said that all of them can be attributed to my state of mind and a lot of unresolved issues. He suggested I seek a therapist or Psychologist before everything builds to a breaking-point.

Some details:

Male, 20, 5"10' 245Lbs.

What I wish to know:

What are the possible side-effects to my continuous drinking of Diet Dr Pepper and what could possibly happen in the future if I continue? Could any of the symptoms listed on that website be attributed to the Diet Dr Pepper? If so, how do I go about repairing the damage?

As for the Psychology problems. I am broke and I cannot afford to go see a therapist or anyone that isn't associated with the college, for that matter. I have spoken to a councilor at the college a few times, but she really pissed me off and only added to my problems. What do you suggest I do about this? And could the second-set of problems be linked to my psychological state as per my professor's suggestion, or could they be caused by an entirely new set of problems?

Bare in mind, I have never had trouble with my eye-sight, hearing (a few concerts + loud music in my car), reading (I placed into college level reading and comprehension in the sixth-grade), and writing. With the writing, I have always had trouble putting my thoughts onto paper, but my teachers always attributed that to ADHD (which I was "diagnosed" with in the fourth-grade).

Ok, let me try to hit you with a couple different things. In testing side effects for products like aspartame, they apply an immense amount directly to the test subject (rat or mouse). This amount is usually proportional to something ridiculous like x amount of pounds for humans. I do not advise aspartame personally, BUT I hardly doubt you're drinking enough to cause these serious problems. I would however try to cut out the soda in general. It degrades your teeth, isn't good for you, yadda yadda. Moving on.

You know, a TON of things can be caused due to the mind/body connection. Due to stress, people have had heart attacks, hemorrhages, aneurysms, insomnia, and countless other conditions. This shows that your mind can have HUGE effects on your body. In my worst times of stress, I had palpitations, headaches, random surges of pain, insomnia, and I continue to have a slight problem stuttering, which is because I'm always under some sort of stress. Also, now that I've hopefully calmed you a bit, I think you need to figure out what bothers you (also, quick addition: effects of obesity can create symptoms similar to a LOT of your problems. Perhaps try losing some weight? No offense, I'm just trying to help you find solutions). Perhaps sit down, think about your problems and write out solutions for each one. If you can't find a solution, talk to a friend or family member that might be able to give you an outside view. Honestly, I think you'll be alright. You just gotta get on top of your stuff and figure it all out. Set aside a day or something for it. Maybe set some goals to help you. I hope I could help.

 

[MixMasterTang]

I would look at this as more of a sign to change your diet and exercise before looking at weird side effects of Diet Dr Pepper or psychological issues. You're only 20 so now would be the time to get into a healthy eating/exercise routine.

 

[IGBT]

..get off the pharm chem sweetners for a year and see if things get better. It's a high price to pay for the sensation of sweet. Many foods and drinks have a natural sweetness that many miss out on because we're fooled into thinking everything has to have a overwhelming level of sweetness. Over the years I've known many who've complained of similar problems using pharm chem sweetners.

 

[Stg-Flame]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: Chaoticpenguin666
SNIP

Ok, let me try to hit you with a couple different things. In testing side effects for products like aspartame, they apply an immense amount directly to the test subject (rat or mouse). This amount is usually proportional to something ridiculous like x amount of pounds for humans. I do not advise aspartame personally, BUT I hardly doubt you're drinking enough to cause these serious problems. I would however try to cut out the soda in general. It degrades your teeth, isn't good for you, yadda yadda. Moving on.

You know, a TON of things can be caused due to the mind/body connection. Due to stress, people have had heart attacks, hemorrhages, aneurysms, insomnia, and countless other conditions. This shows that your mind can have HUGE effects on your body. In my worst times of stress, I had palpitations, headaches, random surges of pain, insomnia, and I continue to have a slight problem stuttering, which is because I'm always under some sort of stress. Also, now that I've hopefully calmed you a bit, I think you need to figure out what bothers you (also, quick addition: effects of obesity can create symptoms similar to a LOT of your problems. Perhaps try losing some weight? No offense, I'm just trying to help you find solutions). Perhaps sit down, think about your problems and write out solutions for each one. If you can't find a solution, talk to a friend or family member that might be able to give you an outside view. Honestly, I think you'll be alright. You just gotta get on top of your stuff and figure it all out. Set aside a day or something for it. Maybe set some goals to help you. I hope I could help.

Well, my house burned town recently and my schedule is nothing short of hectic. I have been trying to set aside some time to work out, and I have been eating less junk food and more amounts of fruit (I have always eaten fruit like nectarines, apples, red plums, peaches, etc). With my toe being the way it is, I am unable to exercise like I had planned on doing during my days off, so I will have to wait until it heals.

Originally posted by: IGBT
..get off the pharm chem sweetners for a year and see if things get better. It's a high price to pay for the sensation of sweet. Many foods and drinks have a natural sweetness that many miss out on because we're fooled into thinking everything has to have a overwhelming level of sweetness. Over the years I've known many who've complained of similar problems using pharm chem sweetners.

To be honest, I cannot stand anything with a large amount of sugar. I actually prefer food and drinks to be more bland than chocked full of artificial ingredients. Unbuttered cornbread and Pinto Beans (I'm from New Mexico, this is a staple here), unbuttered pasta with VERY little sauce, if any, and if I eat any cereal, I never add any sugar to it. I also eat a very large amount of peppers with my food since I grow them every year.

And thanks for the suggestions and I shall try to get myself on a diet that works around a hectic class schedule. I know that as I get older, it will only become harder for me to lose weight and get into shape, so I shall try to start now and lose the weight before I hit more serious problems like Diabetes (which does run rampant in both sides of my family).

 

[MixMasterTang]

I travel for work and definately have a hectic schedule, but the most important thing is to just watch what you eat and try to eat more frequently. Since you eat a lot of fruits carry some with you, carry some good healthy granola bars or other types of healthy snacks and eat every few hours. The hardest part for me was controling portions, but eating more frequently and teaching yourself to not eat until you feel stuffed helps out a lot. Keep a log of what you eat on something like fitday.com and try to figure out what things you eat that are good for you and what things you could do without.

 

[MrToilet]

A lot of your symptoms sounds like stress affecting your body. When you are constanly under stress (from any reason), your body reacts by increased sympathetic (fight or flight) stimulation. Blood sugar goes up, muscles tense, nerves fire, cortisol levels elevate - your symptoms sound suspiciously related to stress. Imagine your muscles constantly tensed up, ready for action- now take that analogy and apply to your heart rate, blood pressure, etc, etc.... it's not good to always be on edge. Muscles atrophy, vessels spasm (hence the headache, vision problems).

Have you ever been checked for obstructive sleep apnea, or any other sleep disorder? Anyone tell you that you snore all the time? Do you feel tired all day? Some of those symptoms (poor quality of sleep, headaches, ringing in ears) could be from less than optimal sleep.

The problem with Diet Dr. Pepper in the amounts you're drinking isn't the aspartame, it's the caffeine. How much Dr. Pepper do you drink daily? Do you feel like you need it to wake up? Do you need it to relax at night? Caffeine can be almost as addictive as nicotine/alcohol if you're not careful. Caffeine has numerous effects on your body, not the least of which is the nervous system (stimulant), blood vessels (constricts --> raised blood pressure), and kidneys (increased urine output). You should take a note of how much caffeine you're intaking every day, maybe think about cutting back.

I understand you feel that you are under a lot of pressure, and I think you need to find something - taking a walk, exercising, playing an instrument - SOMETHING to relieve your stress. I'm in medical school right now, and stress is pretty much a daily thing - but you find ways to cope. Talk to a friend, find some outlet for your stress to let your body recover. How's your sleep health? Same bedtime every night? Same time awake in the morning? Figure out how much sleep your body *NEEDS*, not what you "think" you need. Most everyone I know needs about 1-2 hours more than they actually sleep... this coming from a guy who's still awake at 3 am, lol.

Sorry about the lengthy port, here's a short version: Check your sleep (GET what you NEED, not what you THINK you need). Find outlet for stress. Cut down caffeine as much as possible. Check your diet - are you intaking enough "fuel" (carbohydrates, proteins, etc) for your body functions?

PM me if you have any problems, questions...

 

[skace]

Aspartame has never been good for you. But I highly doubt it is the cause for all your problems.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

lose 70 pounds, stop drinking caffeine and see if the symptoms stop