How Do Artificial Sweeteners Impact Your Nervous System (Brain & Nerves)?

We all learned way back in High School biology class that our brain and spinal cord are the "chief operating system" of our bodies. The brain controls the body's endocrine system, this includes the nerve-endocrine coordination of the pancreas and secretions of the adrenals, thyroid, and gonads. 

We also know that our brain is very fragile - you know this because it's encased in hard bone of your skull (head) and vertebral column (back bone) and it's very particular of nutrients that can enter or exit the brain (blood brain barrier) or CSF (cerebral spinal fluid).

Now, we all know what happens to our brains when we drink caffeine or when we eat too much sugar or the affects of alcohol on our nervous system - can be dramatic.

Artificial sweeteners, in particular Aspartame can have a negative affect on your nervous system (brain) so much so that Aspartame is categorized as a Neurotoxin (brain poison).

What is Aspartame? 
It's made of three chemicals, Phenylalanine, Aspartic Acid, and Methanol also called: NutraSweet, Equal, "Sugar Free", and Neotame

This chemical is found in thousands of food products we use everyday, including diet sodas and anything labeled "sugar free". 

What's the big deal?

Your brain has receptors for chemicals, these chemical and receptors are necessary for good communication - to keep you balanced mentally, emotionally and to be able to carry out all the functions of your brain.

Aspartame blocks these receptor cites - causes a reduction in Serotonin and Dopamine - chemicals very critical in operating a healthy brain. Also aspartame causes oxidation of brain cells by over exciting the brain cells function - hence the name EXCITOTOXIN. Basically aspartame excites the brain cell to an early death. Plus, when cell death occurs, damage is done and for the most part does not repair.

What's that all mean for you and your family?

Diet soda is garbage and should be avoided because aspartame damages brain cells, which leads to damaged function.

Why am I bring this up?

I am a chiropractor who focuses on structural abnormalities of the spine that affects the nervous system (brain & nerves).  Part of our care is to warn patients about activities or foods that will impede recovery and items that will enhance the chance for a positive outcome.

Anything that harms brain and nerve cells is awful and impedes healing and can exacerbate existing conditions.  Not good. 

So, I go over this concept with my patients the do's and don't list of foods that harms or helps your nervous system.

This is especially important with autoimmune diseases as MS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and social behavioral problems of ADD/ADHD. Not to mention, migraines, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, balance problems.