Could Diet Drinks be Making You Depressed?

WARNING: A new study of more than 260,000 people has found a link between diet drinks (including iced teas) and depression. Researchers say that the artificial sweetener Aspartame (951) may be to blame.
According to Jean Carper's Aspartame may also increase migraine frequency in more than 50% of the migraine patients who participated in the study. These migraines can be a precursor to potentially fatal grand mal seizures and convulsions.

Aspartame is made up of 50% phenylalanine. Excess phenylalanine can interfere with melatonin (sleep transmitter) and tryptophan (which makes serotonin).  The levels of serotonin in the brain may decrease, which then leads to mood swings, fatigue, irritability, insomnia and even depression.

If you regularly consume artificially sweetened gums, cordials, juices, fizzy drinks, confectionery, yogurts or add such a product to your tea or coffee, I would strongly recommend using a natural sweetener like Stevia or even honey.
Avoid all products labelled 'diet'.
Aspartame has many aliases: Nutra Sweet, Equal, Canderel, Benevia, Spoonful & Misura.