Question: I am a diabetic. Is it safe for me to use the artificial sweetener aspartame?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

The most common artificial sweetener used is aspartame, sold under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal. It is added to more than 6,000 foods and many pharmaceuticals, including many children’s liquid medications.

Our experiences show that consuming large amounts of aspartame may actually cause many health problems, including obesity. We have found that it is very difficult for people to lose weight if they are consuming large amounts of aspartame. In addition, there are many neurological and immune system disorders exacerbated by aspartame. Aspartame should not be used in any amount and should be avoided.

Astoundingly, Big Pharma claims that because aspartame has no calories, it is therefore an appropriate dietary supplement for diabetics. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Aspartame is particularly toxic for diabetics because it disrupts the body’s normal response to glucose, which is to cause the pancreas to release insulin. The main symptom of diabetes is high blood sugar due to the body's inadequate production or utilization of insulin. Therefore, aspartame is doing exactly the opposite of what diabetics need.

Unfortunately, even the American Diabetic Association has fallen for this propaganda, and has accepted the idea that aspartame is a suitable sugar substitute for diabetics.

The bottom line: Aspartame is not safe for diabetics or anyone else. All sources of aspartame sweetener need to be avoided.