Watch Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World

Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World is a 2004 documentary film directed by Cori Brackett, a former Coca-Cola employee who became ill after consuming large amounts of diet soda containing the artificial sweetener aspartame. The film presents a critical look at the use of aspartame, a popular ingredient used in many diet products, and its impact on human health.

The movie begins with Cori Brackett's personal experience with aspartame. After drinking large amounts of diet sodas to lose weight, she developed severe symptoms that her doctors could not diagnose. She began to research her symptoms and discovered that many people had similar experiences after consuming aspartame. She started to film her journey and the journey of others who had been poisoned by the sweetener.

The film presents interviews with scientists, doctors, and other experts who have studied aspartame and its effects on the human body. They explain that aspartame is an artificial sweetener that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1981, despite a lack of conclusive evidence that it was safe for human consumption. The experts argue that the tests conducted on aspartame were flawed and that the sweetener has been linked to various health problems, including headaches, seizures, depression, and even cancer.

The film also presents the story of Diane Fleming, a woman who developed brain cancer after consuming drinks containing aspartame for several years. Her husband, a chemical engineer, conducted an investigation and concluded that aspartame was the cause of her illness. The film shows the difficulties they faced in trying to get their story out to the public.

The movie goes on to explore the history of aspartame and its manufacturers. It reveals that the sweetener was discovered by accident when a scientist at G.D. Searle and Co. spilled a chemical on his hand and licked it off, realizing that it was sweet. The company later conducted tests on animals and discovered that the sweetener caused brain tumors, but the results were suppressed. The film suggests that Searle, which was later acquired by Monsanto, withheld information from the FDA and other regulatory agencies to get aspartame approved for human consumption.

Overall, Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World raises serious questions about the safety of aspartame and the integrity of the regulatory system that allowed it to be approved. The film argues that the public has not been adequately informed about the risks of consuming aspartame and that more research needs to be done to determine its long-term effects on human health.

The film is well-made and informative, with a clear message that will leave viewers thinking about the potential dangers of the food and drinks they consume. The personal stories of the individuals affected by aspartame provide an emotional and compelling edge to the documentary. The input of experts makes the issues concerning the use of artificial sweeteners more clear and understandable to non-scientific viewers.

In summary, Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World is a thought-provoking documentary that reveals the hidden dangers of aspartame consumption. It presents a strong case against the sweetener and raises awareness of the need for more transparency and responsibility from food manufacturers and regulatory agencies. It is a must-watch for anyone who is concerned about their health and the effects of artificial sweeteners on their lives.