Could Diet Sodas Give You Alzheimer’s? Could Green Tea and Cocoa Make You Better?

Do you ever have a problem with your eyesight, blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, neuritis, intestinal discomfort or memory problems?  Do you drink diet sodas?

In our January and February Newsletters we talked about the brain danger involved in consuming too much sugar and high fructose corn syrup. But how about sugar substitutes like aspartame (NutraSweet)?

In 1983 just after aspartame came to market I wrote G.D. Searle & Company, the makers of aspartame and asked to see their research. It was impressive. I remember thinking – “This may turn out to be a healthy ‘nutritious’ substitute for sugar” – as it’s name implied. But boy was I wrong!

The Plot Thickens

It wasn’t long before reports from doctors and parents began to surface suggesting that NutraSweet® was causing headaches and hyperactivity in some individuals. Then in 1990 we had the Desert Storm incident, in which dozens of servicemen and women became ill after drinking diet sodas that had been left on pallets in the hot  Arabian Sun. It was then that we learned that, once heated, aspartame can be converted to formaldehyde – or wood alcohol.

When I first heard that I was skeptical. This statement must have come from a rogue chemist with an axe to grind. Surely that could not be true. But it turns out I was wrong, and this doesn’t just happen in the Arab sun. A generally supportive wikipedia articles on aspartame notes:

“Upon ingestion, aspartame breaks down into residual components… The methanol produced by the metabolism of aspartame is absorbed and quickly converted into formaldehyde and then completely oxidized to formic acid, which, due to its long half life, is considered the primary mechanism of toxicity in methanol poisoning.

But then the author reassures us by the statement that “The methanol from aspartame is unlikely to be a safety concern for several reasons. The amount of methanol in aspartame is less than that found in fruit juices and citrus fruits, and there are other dietary sources for methanol such as fermented beverages.”

An Ominous Finding 

However, in 2011 an ominous study was reported at the International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles. In this study which followed more than 2,500 New Yorkers for nine or more years, they found that people who drank diet soda every day had a 61 percent higher risk of vascular events, including stroke and heart attack, than those who did not drink diet drinks. Moreover, the increased likelihood of vascular events remained even after accounting for other risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels – pointing the finger more squarely at diet drinks – which generally contain aspartame or NutraSweet® as the sweetner of choice.[1]

Then in 2012 after I mentioned this study in class I was teaching in Ohio, a nurse in the class noted that after her friend’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the doctor informed her, that it was likely due to her years of diet soda consumption. Curious! But how could this have happened. The official studies suggested the amount of formaldehyde and formic acid formed from aspartame was miniscule – less than that found in some fruit – and readily excreted.

Enter Russell Blaylock, M.D. a retired neurosurgeon and medical journal editor who has dedicated his life to researching and writing about brain health, nutrition and related issues.  For the past 8 years he has authored the exclusive Blaylock Wellness Report.
In 2007 a reader asked Dr. Blaylock

Q: I was a very heavy drinker of diet drinks that contained aspartame. Does aspartame stay in the system? Is there a way to detoxify for this chemical?— Donna H., Sierra Madre, Calif.
A: Unfortunately, Donna, far too many people share your dilemma. There is compelling evidence that aspartame is an accumulative toxin, meaning that it accumulates in the body. This is why even one diet cola a day is harmful.
One of the major toxic breakdown products of aspartame is formaldehyde, and an excellent study done in Spain clearly demonstrates that this formaldehyde attaches itself to the cell’s DNA and is very difficult to remove. Even worse, it was shown to break the strands of DNA, greatly increasing the risk of cancer. [As well as other disorders]”

In 2013 the son of one of my best friends, a long time heavy consumer of coke products, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and later died. My friend, a retired MD, felt strongly that his years of high coke consumption was a significant contributor. But again anecdotal – who knows?

In later newsletter’s Dr. Blaylock linked this to various brain disorders through a process known as excitotoxicity. He notes, “The sweetener aspartame contains not only the excitotoxic amino acid aspartate but also toxic methanol. Studies have shown that combining aspartame and MSG greatly magnifies brain toxicity.”

Link to Depression 

A placebo-controlled crossover study led by Dr. Ralph Walton, former chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Northwestern Ohio University, examined the effect of aspartame on people with history of depression as compared to control subjects. The study found that depressed people exposed to aspartame developed more symptoms and more severe symptoms than those not exposed to the sweetener. Some even developed suicidal thoughts.

In fact, Dr. Walton’s study was halted by the Institutional Review Board when 13 of the subjects developed such severe symptoms that the board felt their lives were in danger. Meanwhile, none of the normal (not depressed) control subjects developed depressive symptoms when taking aspartame.

Another study found that aspartame altered brain neurotransmitters. Of even greater concern, it significantly reduced serotonin levels in several critical brain areas — a finding that could explain the depression found by Dr. Walton.

Link to Alzheimer’s 

Then a couple of months ago a colleague sent me a link to a video of an interview with Dr. Woodrow Monte emeritus professor of biochemistry and author of the book While Science Sleeps: A Sweetener Kills. In this interview Dr. Monte explains the links between aspartame and methanol toxicity and the formation of formaldehyde. And then notes that “a growing body of evidence links methanol and its metabolite formaldehyde to AD [Alzheimer’s disease] pathology.”

In his commentary Dr. Mercola, who conducted the interview, notes, “Aspartame is the number one source of side effect complaints to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with over 10,000 complaints filed and over 91 documented symptoms related to its consumption.”

The Wikipedia article suggests aspartame is harmless because methanol is also found in fruits and vegetables. However, Dr. Monte notes that “in these whole foods the methanol is firmly bonded to pectin, which allows it to be safely passed through your digestive tract. This is not the case for the methanol created by aspartame. There, it’s not bonded to anything that can help eliminate it from your body.”

Dr. Monte goes on to explain that in humans, methanol ends up acting as a Trojan horse, allowing toxic formaldehyde to wreak havoc in some of your most sensitive areas, such as your brain. He goes on to explain the mechanism, but it’s a bit complex for our purposes. (If interested Click here.)

In sum he notes, “methanol can slip through your blood brain barrier, and your brain is one of the areas where you find alcohol dehydrogenase, which converts methyl alcohol to formaldehyde. This causes the destruction of myelin basic protein, which is one of the triggers for MS. Demyelination also plays a role in the development of Alzheimer’s and several other brain-related diseases.”

Dr. Monte believes “many diseases can be prevented if we start avoiding methanol from any sources. And on his website he offers a methanol free diet. The following are the primary items he suggests avoiding.”

Fruit and vegetable juices in bottles, cans, or pouches
Jellies, jams, and marmalades not made fresh and kept refrigerated
Black currant and tomato juice products, fresh or processed
Tomato sauces, unless first simmered at least 3 hours, no lid on pan
Smoked food of any kind, particularly fish and meat
Chewing gum or other products containing aspartame
Overly ripe or near rotting fruits or vegetables

All of these products apparently contain methanol released from their binding constituents like pectin.

Clearly some people are affected more adversely by aspartame and methanol than others. And unless you are quite sensitive, an occasional diet soda or stick of aspartame gum is not likely to do much damage. But the problem is, it’s effects are so subtle and cumulative that it’s hard to determine your degree of vulnerability until it’s almost too late.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning include: headaches, ear buzzing, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, weakness, vertigo, chills, memory lapses, numbness, and shooting pains in the extremities, behavioral disturbances, and neuritis.

The most well known problems from methanol poisoning are vision problems including misty vision, progressive contraction of visual fields, blurring of vision, retinal damage, and blindness.

In summary, regarding Aspartame, Dr Oz’s neurologist David Perlmutter, MD wrote:

“Aspartame contains chemicals called excitotoxins that can cross the blood/brain barrier and overstimulate brain cells, which disrupt the normal production of neurotransmitters and promote free radicals. [Just the opposite of what we want a drink to do.]  In susceptible people, excitotoxins may trigger head aches and mood swings and may even promote the growth of brain tumors.”[2]

My best friend’s son recently died of a brain tumor. And my friend, a retired MD, felt his heavy Cola consumption was a major contributing factor.  Humm? I guess he was not the first.

Additionally colas and other soft drinks contain:

Phosphoric Acid: known to interfere with the body’s ability to use and absorb calcium, this is one of the main reasons why cola consumption is so strongly linked to osteoporosis

The University of Sheffield in England discovered that the chemical called sodium benzoate which is found in almost all colas and soft drink actually disrupts and damages DNA! The researcher reported that “And there is a whole array of diseases that are now being tied to damage to this DNA – Parkinson’s and quite a lot of neurodegenerative diseases, but above all, the whole process of aging.”

They also tend to make the body more acidic, which has been linked to a greater susceptibility to multiple diseases and ailments.

It’s no wonder that one documented review of colas noted: “cola consumption is linked to an increased risk of: obesity, diabetes, liver damage, tooth decay, chronic kidney disease, heartburn/reflux, osteoporosis, heart disease, gastrointestinal diseases, cancers, gout and so much more.”

Currently I have 4 clients with Alzheimer’s who do not have the classic precursors to Alzheimer’s, i.e. diabetes, obesity, history of cigarette usage or sleep deprivation. But what they do have in common is years of consumptions of diet sodas. Is that a coincidence?? Likely Doctor’s Blaylock, Mercola, Perlmutter and Monte would say not.

The other problem is that like alcohol aspartame is very addicting. And it’s truly sad to see the resistance in people with cognitive decline when I point out the danger  – as they search their shrinking brain for a reason not to give it up.

                 Beating The Sugar Aspartame Cravings 

So what if you or someone you love is addicted to sugar, high fructose corn syrup or aspartame products. Here a few ideas to consider:

a)      You’ve got to decide which you want more, these sweet treats or drinks, or the ability to think, reason and remember.
b)      You can’t eat it or drink it if you haven’t first purchased it. Decide not to buy it.
c)      Buy and eat something healthier instead. Focus on what you need to eat and drink more of, rather than just stopping or avoiding something.
d)      Apply Dr. Johnson’s “if-then” principle. Make a deal with yourself, that IF or when you feel tempted to eat one of these unhealthy food THEN you will make a point to eat or drink something that would be healthier for you.

Generally for sugar cravings the antidote is a healthy fat or protein snack. These will help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels., thus avoiding the blood sugar dips and crashes that lead to cravings. Nuts, peanut or almond butter snacks, cheese, tofu, beans, peas, low or no sugar yogurt or kefir, with added berries, apple, banana, cocoa or coconut chunks, may be helpful.

One supplement that may help as well is Satiereal^®.  This a clinically studied, proprietary extract of saffron, a spice that’s been prized since ancient Persia as a way to enhance mood and relieve stress. Previously available only in Europe, this standardized saffron extract help reduce cravings for sweets by modulating serotonin receptors in the brain associated with improved mood, reduced anxiety and desire for simple carbohydrates. Just two 88.25 mg capsules of Optimized saffron with Satiereal^® does the trick.[3]

In clinical studies,[4] women taking Satiereal^® experienced:

* 100% reduction in the desire to snack
* Less hunger for carbohydrates
* Moderate weight loss
* More energy, and better mood

They experienced a greater sense of control over food cravings, reflected in a change in eating behavior, without that “jittery feeling” or other undesirable effects.[5]

Sucralose/Splenda – Unfortunately is not much better. In a new study researchers, concluded that: “exposure to sucralose may induce neurological and oxidative mechanisms with potentially important [toxic] consequences for animal behavior and physiology.”

                               So What’s Left To Drink?

The next natural question is, “So what can I drink instead?”  What should you buy to drink next time you are at the grocery store? What are some healthier alternatives?

1. Pure water with natural minerals, might not be as exciting as Coke, but it’s a whole lot healthier, and cheaper. Most municipal water, if not fluoridated, is decent, but if in doubt buy bottled water and look for natural minerals – Fiji artesian water is a good brand, also glacier water. If that is too bland, or you like the fizzy taste, you can buy seltzer water and just add some juice or a small squirt of flavoring.

2. Green tea is another great less expensive alternative. Green tea has been shown in many studies to enhance cognitive performance and in one study appeared to reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s by as much as 53%. It actually does at least 7 things that should reduce your risk for AD. You can add a touch of raw stevia for taste.

3. Brewed Cocoa is high in antioxidants like polyphenols, and catechins.[6] In fact it has a higher concentration of these by weight than red wine, acai, blueberries, goji and even pomegranates combined! It also contains a bit of zinc and theobromine – a relative of caffeine. However, unlike caffeine, theobromine can increase energy without making you feel nervous or jittery. Theobromine is gentle, mild, has a slow onset, is long lasting and non-addictive whereas caffeine is intense, strong, fast acting, short lived and addictive. It is a good source of magnesium, manganese, and chromium, important in blood sugar control. It also contain tryptophan which helps the body produce the feel good transmitter serotonin. Plus it provides an endorphin or “bliss chemical” called anadamide, that helps you feel good and phenylethylamine associated with love.[7] Cocoa has been shown in clinical studies to reduce insulin resistance, and dilate blood vessels naturally to reduce blood pressure, vasoconstriction and hypertension.[8]^,[9]

4. Mangosteine – XanGo® Juice contains xanthones and proanthocyanidins both of which are powerful antioxidants, which help to control inflammation and may help to protect the brain. This is also a pricey drink, and does not contain caffeine, but has been shown to be helpful in promoting intestinal health and cognitive performance in seniors.

5. Freshly juiced or blended vegetables,[10] are likely the healthiest drink. There you not only get the liquid, but also essential vitamins, minerals and other healing phyto-nutrients.  Methanol is released slowly over time or by heating. So while canned juice may not be so good – fresh juice appears to be OK, so long as it’s not too sweet.

6. Coffee in moderation may not be as good as the above noted drinks, but if your body is used to it, it’s a whole lot healthier than sodas, or even most fruit juices.

7.  Almond, rice, cow, goat or coconut milk. These are all more available now than ever before, and provide a healthy alternative to sodas.

There are numerous other healthy drinks out there, using pomegranate, acai, maqui, or wolf berries, Noni juice and many other great combinations. Most are sold by local health food stores, and even most grocery stores will have a section with healthy juices. But make sure they are 100% juices and not just juice drinks high in sugar or HFCS. And again, if you don’t need the caffeine, just plain old water has great medicinal value.

The good news is – after you stay off these sweetened drinks for a while it’s possible for ones sense of taste for healthy unsweetened food and drinks to return.

As for detoxification, Dr. Blaylock notes that one needs to first protect and repair the damaged DNA, which can be done by eating green vegetables or taking folate 800 micrograms a day, methylcobalamin (B-12) 5,000 micrograms a day, vitamin B-6 25 milligrams a day and niacinamide 500 milligrams a day. Vitamin C, magnesium, curcumin, and DHA (from fish oil and algae) also help repair the damage… [SAMe has also been shown to work with glutathione to help protect DNA, and the article on Green tea suggests it may be of considerable help as well.]

Colas and other soft drinks have had a long and profitable history, but I think the time has come for the world to wise up, ignore the hype, and make healthier choices for hydration. The quality of our later years may depend on it.

Dave Larsen, MFHD