Some years ago I discovered that I have a highly toxic reaction to Aspartame.
I would often get headaches and dizziness after drinking a diet soda, and realized the connection. Not considering this, I tried a liquid diet drink to help me lose weight.
The reaction was almost immediate. My breathing became labored and the dizziness was overwhelming. I don’t remember anything after that except waking up on my kitchen floor with my 18 month old having been left on his own for the two hours I was unconscious. I was told that it was anaphylactic shock caused by the Aspartame, and for the remainder of my life I must carry an Epi-Pen at all times as a life-saving measure.
Just recently my niece made me a cup of tea the pack of Equal she was using passed over my cup. I woke up at three in the morning barely able to breathe.
The sensitivity to Aspartame is terrifying, as it is found in so many foods as a flavor enhancer. Now I read ALL of the ingredients, even if the list begins with “sugar.”