Monday, August 21, 2006

Aspartame

Okay, I'm on a tangent this evening so hang in there. As some of you may be aware I'm a little particular about the diet of the HubbaDoo household. I'm big on organics and nutrition. I'm also particular about my family coming into contact with toxic substances. For some time now, since about 1998, I quit consuming products containing aspartame - especially during my pregnancy with HubbaDood (child #1). Since then, I have become more aware of information about this particular substance that strengthens my issues.

The reason for my tangent is my recent awareness of this substance being found in products not labeled as "sugar free". For example, the HubbaDoodles really, really, like gum. I told them they could have this Hubba Bubble bubble tape a few weeks ago while we were out and about (even though I can't stand letting them have yucky sugar). I just happened to read the label which I'm in such a habit to do because of HubbaDood's peanut allergy and noticed it had ASPARTAME in it. I then turned it over and didn't see anywhere on the label mentioning that it was "sugar free". I had to turn the HubbaDoodles down on that one - sorry kids.

So, this afternoon as I'm heading out the door for a bridal shower The Hubbs hinted that I might want to pop a piece of gum in my mouth before leaving - I'm guessing it was the onions on the hamburger from lunch. Well, he happens to have a couple of pieces of Juicy Fruit on hand and you can't get gum out without everyone wanting a piece. I'm thinking "Juicy Fruit - no harm." Well, me and HubbaDette split a piece and head to the van. While I'm chewing I could tell that it tasted like sugar free gum and I thought "no way - it's Juicy Fruit".

Okay, I'm trying to get to the end of this. This evening I happened to see the package of gum on the dresser and decided to read the label just out of curiosity and what did I find? YES! ASPARTAME in my Juicy Fruit gum! What is the world coming to?! The package does NOT say "sugar free" anywhere on it. Well, I headed straight down the steps and searched from Wrigley's gum on Google and e-mailed them asking why this was in the ingredients. One thing I did find out is that Wrigley's makes both Hubba Bubba and Juicy Fruit.

You guys probably think I'm a little weird about this and I guess you'll just have to think that. But, do a little research and read for yourself. Here's a list I found of side effects of aspartame toxicity.

I prefer the HubbaDoodles chew Glee gum which I usually find at Whole Foods Market. It's kind of pricey but any treat should be treated as a luxury and therefore not used up in a matter of minutes. In my opinion, that is.

HubbaMom Out!

13 comments:

Anne said...

CowChick - So, are you saying I'M weird too? :) I kind of see my fillings as something I can't really do anything about although I recently had all mine redone because the mercury was losing its integrity and fracturing my teeth. That was NOT fun at all - 8 teeth.

FruitfulSpirit said...

I think you are a good mom, won't say not weird, to worry about what you and your little doodles ingest! Today we do have to be very careful and read the whole label. I have learned that fatfree does not mean fatfree and you have to really understand what kind of fats are out there! I need to see the dentist but really hate to go. Only because I don't care how much stuff they shoot me up with it HURTS!

FruitfulSpirit said...

Oh on a side note you did find me and know who I am! LOL

Alice said...

It is NOT weird to make sure you and your family do not ingest anything harmful.

That is what is known as being a careful and well informed human being.

:-)

I've never heard of this 'aspartame', but will read up on it.

*hugs* to you for being a careful, caring mum.

xxx

Anne said...

fruity - Glad to have you here in disguise. I try my best to make sure that at least my kids learn to make better food choices.

Alice - I'm not sure if aspartame is allowed as an ingredient in your part of the world. I was reading somewhere last night that some countries don't allow it and those that do only allow it under a different name. Just stay away from "sugar free".

Bar L. said...

I don't think you are weird either, I know aspartame is not good. Ironically I only have Diet Coke once in a while (every few months) and I just had one and have a headache - that must be why :(

Good for you for being such a consciencious mom!

Anne said...

Barbara - Try keeping iced tea around and use Stevia to sweeten it.

CowChick - Gas?! I didn't get that luxury either.

Foo said...

It's kind of creepy when you stop to think about all the dietary poisons that are foisted upon the unsuspecting public (that'd be me). I haven't noticed the sugar free-ing of gum, though. I just haven't chewn (chewed? chown?) much of the stuff since it got to where I could no longer find Teaberry, Adams' sour orange, and Clove.

Grape bubblegum makes my stomach flop. The inside bit, not my fat rolls.

Jenn said...

It is bad..I was buying some vitamin c tablets at Whole Foods and they had SPLENDA in them. Don't even get me going on SPLENDA(real sugar molecules cooked in chlorine!!)

Anne said...

I have been trying to post replies for what seems to be an eternity. What is up with Blogger?

Emmers - You're right - don't get me going on SPLENDA!

Fred said...

I'm going on a water diet. I think it's the only thing left that's safe to consume.

If it's not, don't tell me. It'll ruin everything.

Carly said...

come to my blog.

Anne said...

Fred - Sorry to tell you - it's not.

Carly - You are such a funny girl. I was there and saw my assignment. You're wearing me out!