Finally, I have found others who feel like I do! I had numerous stomach problems about 8 years ago, and could not figure out the source of it. I finally self-diagnosed that it was the artificial sweeteners because nearly everything I consumed that was not fresh fruits/vegetables/meat was sweetened artificially because I was calorie-conscious.
I went to the doctor, and consulted my family and friends – and no one believed me! To this day, I’m not sure they entirely believe me. But indeed, on my own, I figured out that when the ingredients contain things like phenylalanine, Phenylketonurics, Aspartame, NutraSweet, even Splenda, it makes me so sick. I get so bloated that I feel and almost look like I’m pregnant. I feel lethargic and gross. I think it’s akin to what lactose intolerant people experience, but worse.
Artificial sweeteners are bad news! I’m confident that sometime in the future, this will come out. Unfortunately for now, the companies that produce it are hand in hand with the FDA and it continues to be in so many products you would never even suspect – like sushi rolls at Trader Joe’s! I always have to read all the ingredients, and only shop at stores like Whole Foods Market.
Thanks for making this information available. It is reassuring to know there are others just like me!