Lucinda and Dr. Fisher suggest using diet foods and drinks containing Aspartame (NutraSweet) to replace foods containing sugar.
I'm not sure this is a wise thing to suggest. NutraSweet is a combination of amino acids. They are aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. If you search phenylalaine you will find that it is a stimulant much like caffeine. It is contraindicated for people who suffer from anxiety. It might be helpful for those suffering depression but not for anxious people, which probably includes most of us.
I have noticed that after ingesting NutraSweet that I have had some of my most intense panic attacks. It was interesting to find out this information and make that connection with my attacks. I also have heard other people complain of a racing heart and feeling tense and anxious after having a diet drink. I think this really needs to be addressed by the Midwest Center. I am going to contact them. I think this is very important information for all of us here. Please do your own research about the topic.
Concerned.

Gator

I agree with you and we don't use it in our family.

I also know that diet is a BIG problem for those of us with panic and and depression. Especially, high carbs and caffeine.

The diet section, though informative, wasn't totally inline with my thinking and experience. However, forget the artifical sweeteners and they're advice isn't so bad.

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Don't take anything personally.
Always be impecable with your word.
Don't assume anything.
Always do your best!

I agree also, thought that was a poor recomendation. Not only for us anxious people but for our overall health.

Thanks for bringing that up.
jt

Hi I was just reading an article in a New Jersey news paer about how the World Enviromental Conference suggested that aspartame caused spasms, anxiety and depression, blurred vision. Some of the doctors even believed that the methanol poisoning from aspartame mimics multiple sclerosis.
Some did a study and after taking patients off of aspartame the symptoms cleared up. I dont know I am not a doctor but why did the FDA other than being paid off decided to give approval for this product. I think if our forefathers new caffeine and sugar were so addictive and had adverse efftects they would of outlawed long ago. Thats my take on it anyway.

Here is a wacky fact for you.
Ferdinand Magellan never circumnavigated the globe. He got killed in the Philippines.



[This message has been edited by MidNiteRider (edited 03-18-2002).]