You know how good it feels to wake up in the morning and streeeeeeetch really big? These days I do that like always, but I sound like a one-man Rice Krispie Symphony....Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Multiple ankle bones, right knee, neck, left elbow, and more finger-knuckle pops than I have knuckles. (How is that even possible?)
I've been trying to figure out why my right knee is hurting so much. It's so bad I've actually had a little limp when I walk lately. Then I read somewhere that one of the possible side effects of aspartame (the artificial sweetener) besides constipation, diarrhea, varicose veins, an abnormally long left arm, web feet and premature ejaculation, is sore joints.
Hmmmmmm. I wonder?
I drink a lot of Coke Zero's. I drink it like most people drink coffee....3 or even 4 a day. With all the talk about high fructose corn syrup in soft drinks I thought I'd give a diet drink a try. I remembered how nasty the first group of diet drinks years ago tasted, and frankly I wasn't optimistic I'd find one I'd like.
But surprise, surprise....Coke Zero tasted GOOD! That's been my caffeine of choice for a couple of years now. I guess that also means I like aspartame, as that's what makes Coke Zero taste sweet. Could it be that all that aspartame is backing up on me?
For a few days now I haven't been drinking anything containing aspartame. I'm drinking a few Pepsi's, some sweet tea (sweetened with cane sugar), a morning bottled frappuccino, and any water that happens to trickle down my throat when I brush my teeth. Oh, and an occasional adult beverage.
So far, I think my knee feels a little better. I say "think" so it might just be all in my head. (Lord knows, there's plenty of room in there for other stuff.) Another few weeks might give me a definitive answer. I'll let you know.
Happy Saturday everyone. Limp on! ;)
S
