I’m finished with artificial sweeteners.
I stopped drinking diet soda a while back, but I never knew how much the artificial sweeteners affected my joints until this weekend.
As you know, I went to a family picnic and rather than take a bottle of wine (my usual) or drink beer (bloat city), I decided to take some Mike’s Light Hard Lemonade. Ninety-eight calories each? Sweet!
I discovered the problem yesterday: artificial sweeteners. That’s what makes it so low calorie.
It’s also the reason that nearly every joint in my body hurts today. I had some on Friday, a diet soda on Saturday with a few more Mike’s yesterday.
My body feels like I’m 90 years old. I HURT. Working out was a damn struggle today and after a 3 mile run, I’m not only wiped out, but nauseous. I’ve taken 6 ibuprofen already today, and it’s barely taken the edge off.
There’s no scientific proof that’s what the problem is, but I’m pretty sure I have some sort of allergy to it. My mom doesn’t consume artificial sweeteners for the same reason: her joints don’t hurt anymore since she stopped ingesting the stuff, and it seems I’m the same way.
So, no more! If I’m going to enjoy an adult type beverage, I’m going to stick with wine, or vodka limeades (made w/real sugar). I’m not saying they don’t work for you….but they most certainly don’t work for me.
T-Minus 6 days to the 10k! Eek!
July 18, 2010 at 10:21 pm
That’s interesting… I drink Diet Soda like it’s going out of style and I’ve got pretty bad problems with all my joints (though I do have confirmed arthritis and scoliosis..) but I have heard other people say sodas contribute to joint pain. Maybe it’s time I do an experiment…
July 19, 2010 at 9:03 am
It’s worth a shot! I still have some lingering stiffness today, but it’s markedly better than yesterday.
I’ll be curious to see if you get any relief!
July 19, 2010 at 5:17 am
I avoid artificial sweetners as much as possible. I will occasionally (like once a month if that) use Splenda if that’s all that’s around, but if I need to sweeten something I will use xylitol or a bit of honey. Aspartame does horrible things to a body, and I avoid it like the plague.
July 19, 2010 at 9:05 am
I was thinking of you yesterday (when I had all the joint pain) and wondered if you had to avoid them as well with your fibro. I’m feeling better today (except for my hands – they’re still stiff and sore), thankfully. Those sweeteners are horrible.
July 19, 2010 at 10:41 am
Holy crap. That explains the day I had about two weeks ago when it felt like someone had been bludgeoning my joints with a hammer.
I hate to say it, but I think I may even repeat the experiment.