Ingredients in Crystal Light (Kraft Foods) Sugar-Free Lemonade per www.kraftfoods.com:

 CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM AND SODIUM CITRATE, ASPARTAME*, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF NATURAL FLAVOR, LEMON JUICE SOLIDS, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, SOY LECITHIN, ARTIFICIAL COLOR, YELLOW 5, BHA (PRESERVES FRESHNESS). CONTAINS: SOY. *PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE.

Ingredients in Crystal Light (Kraft Foods) On the Go Immunity Cherry Pomegranate per www.kraftfoods.com:

 CITRIC ACID, MALTODEXTRIN, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, NATURAL FLAVOR, ASPARTAME, RED 40, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), VITAMIN E ACETATE, BETA CAROTENE, CALCIUM CARBONATE, SODIUM AND POTASSIUM BICARBONATE, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, BLUE 1.

Aspartame – a non-nutritive sweetener that has been linked to headaches, panic attacks, visual hallucinations, manic episodes, mood changes, and dizziness. Aspartame is composed of phenylalanine. Toxic levels of phenylalanine may cause intellectual disabilities, delayed mental and social skills, hyperactivity, seizures, jerking movement of arms and legs, and skin rashes. L-phenylalnine should not be used by pregnant women or those who suffer anxiety attacks or high blood pressure or pre-existing pigmented melanoma (form of cancer).  (Reference from The Natural Standards database: www.naturalstandards.com)

Maltodextrin – a non-nutritive derived from rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.  It has a HIGHER glycemix index value than sugar, and thus will cause a more rapid rise in blood sugar. (Reference from Student Nutrition Action Committee at UCLA: www.snac.ucla.edu)

Acesulfame potassium – a non-nutritive sweetener that has been shown to increase risk of cancer of the lung, thyroid, and breast. (Reference from The Natural Standards database: www.naturalstandards.com)

Yellow 5 – a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye that can cause immunological responses (anxiety, migraines, clinical depression, blurred vision, itching, general weakness, heatwaves, purple skin patches, and sleep disturbance) in those who are sensitive to tartrazine and azo dyes.

Blue 1 – a synthetic dye made from coal tar. It can induce an allergic reaction in people with pre-existing moderate asthma (Reference: www.wikipedia.org)

Red 40 – a synethetic dye made from petroleum. It is not recommended in Europe for children, and is banned completely in Denmark, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Sweden. It has been shown to increase hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, and lower IQs in children.

We all know that water is the only natural and truly hydrating drink out there. If you don’t like plain water, try adding lemon or an orange, or make a nice batch of herb tea. And remember, over 75% of people mistake thirst for hunger, so next time you feel hungry, drink a tall glass of water first.