Aspartame and MS

[michelleric]

Ok, ok ok...This question is really for my Mother in-law, or actually my Mother Out-law.

In the past few months, she has sent me articles about Aspartame "causing" symptoms of MS. She calls me and "warns" me of this, fairly often.

She and I are very different in our choices of the way we live. Neither is right or wrong in my opinion, but not in hers. Subjects go anywhere from child rearing to the car I drive. I will not go into details at the moment, but we are just different.

She watches me put splenda in my coffee, and has decided I don't have MS, but an allergy to Aspartame. I need to cut out any food that is not organic, stop drinking caffeine, and D/C any artificial anything. If I did all that I would be "fine" and all this MS nonsense would stop. ( I don't disagree that I would probably feel better, but enough to make MS disappear?)

I need to see Chiropractors, and go to a functional doctor. "The Western medicine is making me sick". It is not good for me to be on meds of any kind, except for naturalistic supplements  and increase herbs and vitamins.

Ahhh, never mind...I am droning on and getting irritated.

Here is the question...Any one here of this Aspartame connection??? I did speak to someone earlier and she said it is when the Aspartame gets hot, that there is a problem. That makes sense.

Just thought I would ask here,
Thanks,
Michelle

[ack65]

Hi Michelle

I'm new here but couldn't help myself and needed to add my two cents as you and I share a very similar MiL plight.  When I told my MiL that my doctor was referring me to a neuro for testing as she suspects ms, she stated "well that's curable now" and went on to misquote the tv program that featured the Dr in Italy.  It is so irritating how can she minimize the suffering I, you and many others on this forum face on a daily basis.  If ms was curable this easily I am sure we would all be in that line.  I can't even get a diagnosis let alone a "cure" and yet I struggle through day by day doing my best to manage my symptoms.  If I had only known I just have to give up aspartame to be back to my old self!  Oh wait, I don't use it and I am sure many other msers don't as well.  Who knew it could create lesions in your brain and spine? lol  As for the natural part let me add that tobacco is natural - it's a nightshade plant - and we all know how great that is for us.  I have to say I really admire your gracious attitude about your differences with your MiL, I wish I could be that graceful sometimes.  Enjoy your coffee tomorrow knowing you did not "cause" your problems;) A

[michelleric]

Thanks for all your comments. Yes, cyanide is a natural substance, isn't it! LOL

Basically now I can just come back with, that is not scientifically proven.

I am not really patient, too much of the time, but I have learned a bit of avoidance "therapy" with her, I guess.

We moved 700 miles away from her about 10 years ago. Had to in order for my marriage to survive. Next month will be 18 years of wedded bliss,(cough cough), so far it was an excellent solution!


Love to all,
Michelle

[doublevision1]

Michelle, you sound like a very patient woman.  I can't imagine my MIL behaving that way!   I'm afraid I could not handle that kind of interference so graciously.  It sounds like you have many differences, and with her approach she is lucky that you choose to have a relationship with her, as toxic and intrusive and presumptuous as she is.  I have some family members like that (fortunately, my MIL is not one of them), and my solution is that I just don't talk to them or deal with them.  At all.  Living thousands of kilometers from family has its upside...

Anyway, re: aspartame, I am in complete agreement with the others here.  I have seen no study that supports the claim that it is associated in any way with MS, let alone the cause of it.

And yes, just because something is 'natural' doesn't mean it is safe.  

[Celery47]

Hi Michelle!  Oh boy... that must be stressful!  Sounds like you're handling the situation with grace, though - although I wouldn't blame you for busting at the seams.  I mean, saying your MS is actually an aspartame allergy??

I just wanted to chip in: while I'm pretty sure aspartame does NOT cause MS (oh man - EVERYone would have it then!), I do know that aspartame is a very common trigger for migraines.  The first time I had Crystal Lite, oh, it tasted so good, I had like eight cups - and I don't think my head's ever hurt so bad :P  For a good three days, I was flat on my back moaning.  I imagine this is what your MIL is referring to?  Maybe?  But I mean, aspartame won't GIVE you migraines... I mean, not if you don't get them already, you know?  

By the way, as far as migraines go, Splenda is FINE - so drink up :)  Splenda is just a left-handed sugar or something, not aspartame at all.  

I'm sorry about the stress that your mother-in-law's views are causing :(  It's your body, I say!  

[Quixotic1]

Cyanide is natural....

[essdipity]

Michelle, that woman is toxic, not what you put in your mouth. Arrrggh! I don't know how you stand all that ridiculous stuff. So self-righteous, as if 'natural' means wonderful. Tell her snake venom is natural, and so is the law of the jungle---kill or be killed. Well, I know you'd never deliberately antagonize her, no matter how much she deserves it.

That aspartame crapola has been around for years, and makes the internet circuit periodically. It is absolutely, categorically false, and has been shown to be false over and over.

If she wants proof of this, I can give you the snopes.com citation, but somehow I think she is too invested in her crazoid beliefs to care who says what.

No one is saying that aspartame is wonderful, and too much of anything is not good, but that's as far as it goes. It does not cause your MS.

Wow, guess I'm feeling hostile for some reason. I don't even know your MIL!

ess

[Quixotic1]

Yes, we are aware of it and it has been thoroughly debunked as "junk science."  There is no link of aspartame to MS and no real evidence that it causes neurological disease.

However, it is not a good addition to any diet as it causes secretion of insulin - just like sugar.  This has been scientifically proven.  So it is a horrible saboteur of a diet to lose weight or to combat diabetes.

Sorry you have a relative who insists on forces her views on you.

Quix