Topic: Aspartame

Host Greg Carlwood introduces Dr. Russell Blaylock, a retired neurosurgeon and author of "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills." The discussion opens with the World Health Organization's recent admission that aspartame may be carcinogenic. Dr. Blaylock reflects on his long career as a critic of the food industry and the corporate efforts to silence research on artificial sweeteners.

Dr. Blaylock details the toxic breakdown of aspartame into formaldehyde and excitotoxins, which damage DNA and brain cells. He references the Bressler study to argue that the FDA approval process for NutraSweet was fraudulent and ignored animal tumors. The conversation emphasizes that the damage from diet sodas is cumulative, affecting the liver and immune system over long periods.

Dr. Blaylock and Greg Carlwood recount the political maneuvering used by Donald Rumsfeld to get aspartame approved by the FDA in the early 1980s. Despite animal studies showing links to brain tumors and lymphoma, the sweetener was pushed through by Commissioner Arthur Hayes Jr. Dr. Blaylock cites the Ramazzini Institute studies in Italy as definitive proof of aspartame's long-term carcinogenicity.

Greg Carlwood provides a solo recap of the interview, emphasizing the corrupt history of aspartame and the deceptive renaming of MSG. He reflects on his own struggles with "habits of convenience" and how reminders from guests like Dr. Blaylock help him recalibrate his health choices. He encourages listeners to stick to organic whole foods to avoid the complexities of food labeling.

The hosts discuss the health risks of artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Splenda, advising listeners to read labels carefully. They also touch on the difficulty of finding fluoride-free hygiene products, noting that brands like Tom's of Maine were bought by larger corporations that added fluoride back into the formulas. The segment emphasizes personal responsibility in avoiding corporate toxins.

The hosts discuss the difficulty of quitting smoking and the negative health impacts of diet soda and aspartame. Bender admits to still smoking while trying to transition to drinking only water during the work week. They compare the effects of natural energy versus caffeine-driven energy from products like Five-Hour Energy and Monster.

The dangers of chemical additives in soda, such as aspartame and high fructose corn syrup, are highlighted, with aspartame linked to formaldehyde buildup in the brain. James Colquhoun invites listeners to free screenings of his films and to sign up for newsletters at foodmatters.tv. He emphasizes the need for the public to have control over their health information to avoid corporate manipulation.