Guest guest Posted April 2, 2004 Report Share Posted April 2, 2004 Aspartame & Pilots betty martini US- ASPARTAME AND PILOTS - Position paper by Russell Blaylock, M.D., neurosurgeon (permission to publish and add to web) Cc: jane.g- In light of the deaths of three American Airline pilots who were heavy users of aspartame (and one had a stroke), Dr. Blaylock has provided the position paper below which is being added to the Aviation Page on www.dorway.com Mission Possible continually gets complaints from pilots about seizures, cardiac problems, vision loss, vertigo, confusion, disorientation, etc. triggered by the use of aspartame (NutraSweet/Equal/Spoonful, etc.) ASPARTAME AND PILOTS I have reviewed some of the reports from airline and private pilots concerning adverse effects of aspartame on various physiological systems. It is interesting to note that several of these complaints are related to the nervous system which puts this in a category of great concern to the pilot as well as the general public. Some of the more common complaints include, disorientation, difficulty thinking and concentrating, visual blurring or even monocular blindness, seizures and heart failure. It is well known that the ingredients in aspartame, as well as its breakdown products, have deleterious effects on the nervous system and retina. For example, phenylalanine is a precursor of the catecholamine neurotransmitters in the brain and elevated levels inthe brain have been associated with seizures. It should also be pointed out that these catecholamines are metabolized to form other excitotoxinsand peroxide products that can lead to elevated free radical formation and lipid peroxidation within the neurons. Likewise, aspartic acid (an excitotoxin) acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter and can lower the seizure threshold making a seizure more likely. The additive effect of aspartic acid and phenylalanine would significantly increase the likelihood of a seizure, especially under hypoglycemic conditions. This would occur if a diet drink is substituted for meal, or if one is on a stringent diet. It is well known that hypoglycemia greatly magnifies the excitotoxic effects of these ingredients. The combination of hypoglycemia and aspartame would also increase the likelihood of mental confusion and disorientation. In the pilot's situation, this could be disastrous. It must be recognized that pilots would also be frequently exposed to other excitotoxins, such as MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, etc, that have a synergistic effect that greatly increases the likelihood of an adverse reaction. One of the intriguing associations with excitotoxins of all types is the occurrence of sudden death. For example, we know that one of the primary sites of action of these excitatory substances is the hypothalamus and that sudden cardiac death can be induced by stimulatingthe hypothalamus. It is entirely possible that excitotoxic stimulation of these hypothalamic centers could also lead to cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death. Hypothalamic stimulation has also been shown to produce an ECG pattern exactly like that of a myocardial infarction. Combinations of excitotoxins, such as aspartic acid and glutamate, greatly increased the risk. Finally, a recent scientific study demonstrated that aspartame exposure significantly increases the level of formaldehyde in all tissue, including brain and retina and that this breakdown product of aspartame,is very toxic to proteins and DNA, leading to permanent injury to these vital cellular components. Even more important, was the finding that this highly toxic substance accumulates in these tissues with chronic exposure to aspartame. This could lead to significant injury to the brain, retina and other organs long after the exposure. Also, the effects appear to be dose related. That is, the more aspartame you consume, the greater the danger. It should be appreciated that formaldehyde is a powerful carcinogenic agent. In my book on excitotoxins, (Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills), I explain in detail how excitotoxins damage the nervous system, leading to severe disorders, and what can be done to reduce your risk. It is my opinion that aspartame is a dangerous neurotoxin, as well as a significant carcinogen for many organs, and that it should be avoided at all cost. Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. Mission Possible Aviation http://www.dorway.com/possible.html Betty Martini 9270 9270 River Club Parkway Duluth, Ga. 30097 770 242-2599 Voice _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO " Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER We have made every effort to ensure that the information included in these pages is accurate. However, we make no guarantees nor can we assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process discussed. Small Business $15K Web Design Giveaway - Enter today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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