Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame show up in diet and low-calorie beverages, and packaged foods. Much sweeter than sugar and lower in calories, aspartame can be useful on a weight-loss program. However, Dr. Janet Starr Hull, founder of the Aspartame Detox Program, cites many physical and emotional problems associated with frequent or high use of aspartame. One of the more extreme side effects of consuming aspartame regularly is that discontinuing consumption can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Physical and Emotional Problems
The Harvard School of Public Health recommends cutting back or eliminating your consumption of products containing aspartame. Consuming too much aspartame and withdrawing from aspartame can send mixed messages to your brain, which connects sweet flavors with energy production. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame interrupt the signals between the brain, stomach, hormones and nerves. Withdrawing from aspartame means your body must slowly adjust back to recognizing sweets as calories it can burn for energy production. You might experiences fluctuations in energy level and mood during this process.
Aspartame Detox
The process of eliminating aspartame means you detoxify your system from aspartame's residual chemicals, including methanol, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Physical and emotional symptoms from aspartame withdrawal can last up to one month. Begin the process by removing all aspartame from your diet. Track any physical changes during this process. If you experience any extreme physical symptoms, speak with your doctor.
Recovery from Aspartame WIthdrawal
Follow a healthy, cleansing diet to restore balance to your body's blood sugar levels and energy stores. Consume a diet with plentiful and diverse sources of fresh, whole foods. Plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruit, unsweetened whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts and heart-healthy fats such as avocado and olive oil replenish necessary vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Drink plenty of plain water to aid digestion and cleanse your system. Do physical activity such as gardening, dancing, brisk walking, climbing stairs, calisthenics, power yoga or jogging every day.
Using Other Sweeteners
During and after aspartame withdrawal, you might crave sweets or want to use another sweetener. In general, naturally sweet fruits and vegetables are your best option. If you want to add natural sweeteners to beverages and foods, you should realize that most of these are refined and processed. Choices of natural sweeteners beyond white refined sugar include grape juice concentrate, maple syrup, honey, date sugar, molasses and agave nectar. Use sweeteners sparingly, or not at all.
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