What's Hiding in Your Food? Unmasking Harmful Ingredients
Have you ever pondered the root cause behind recurring health issues, such as skin problems, digestive troubles, headaches, and more? It might just be the food you consume. We live in an era dominated by processed and chemically laden foods, understanding the toxins concealed in our diets becomes crucial. This article seeks to illuminate the harmful ingredients present in various food items, compelling you to reconsider and cleanse your diet, not only for your well-being but also for that of your family. Embarking on this journey to better health demands a discerning eye for the adversaries hidden in our daily diets. In a world where processed foods prevail, knowing and understanding the secrets of insidious food toxins empowers us to make informed dietary choices, paving the way for a healthier, toxin-free lifestyle.
Remember, just because a food is FDA or USDA approved doesn’t guarantee it’s healthy for you; in fact, many food additives per the list below are banned in Europe. The USA allows for over 10,000 food additives and toxins while Europe only allows for 300, that is something to ponder and think about.
If your curious for yourself on these additives check out these sources and take a look:
E number - Wikipedia - Lists the Code and if it is approved in US or EU.
PubChem (nih.gov) - Great resource to look up via the code and breaks down the names it falls under, safety and hazards, toxicity and associated disorders and diseases.
The List of Food Toxins:
Sodium nitrate (Found in processed meats):
Examples: Bacon, hot dogs, deli meats.
Negative Reactions: Linked to cancer, potential health risks for the digestive system (one of the worst offenders).
Sulfites (Used in prepared foods):
Examples: Dried fruits, wine, processed foods.
Negative Reactions: Breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, especially in asthmatic individuals.
Azodicarbonamide (Found in bagels and buns and Yoga Mats):
Examples: Bread products, bagels, buns.
Negative Reactions: Associated with asthma, respiratory issues.
Potassium bromate (Added to increase volume in breads):
Examples: Bread, rolls, pastries.
Negative Reactions: Linked to cancer, particularly thyroid cancer.
Propyl gallate (Added to fat-containing products):
Examples: Processed meats, baked goods, snack foods, popcorn, canned soup, frozen dinners.
Negative Reactions: Linked to cancer, potential health risks for the digestive system, shown to cause cancer in rats, banned in many countries.
BHA/BHT (Used as a fat preservative):
Examples: Snack foods, cereals, chewing gum.
Negative Reactions: Linked to cancerous tumor growth.
Propylene glycol (Thickens dairy products, better known as antifreeze):
Examples: Ice cream, salad dressings, flavored coffee.
Negative Reactions: Deemed ‘generally’ safe by FDA, but excessive intake may have negative health effects.
Butane (Found in chicken nuggets):
Examples: Processed chicken products, frozen nuggets.
Negative Reactions: Known carcinogen, potential health risks.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG):
Examples: Processed foods, canned soups, restaurant dishes.
Negative Reactions: Headaches, known as the "MSG symptom complex." Linked in animal studies to nerve damage, heart problems and seizures.
Disodium inosinate and Disodium guanylate (Contain MSG):
Examples: Snack foods, savory snacks.
Negative Reactions: Similar to MSG, may cause headaches and other symptoms.
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) (Present in genetically-engineered milk, boosts milk production in cows):
Examples: Non-organic dairy products, some milk.
Negative Reactions: Contains high levels of 1GF-1, which is linked to various types of cancers, potential health concerns related to hormone intake.
Refined vegetable oil (High in omega-6 fats):
Examples: “Seed Oils/PUFAs” Soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil. Found in fried foods in restaurants, baked goods, chips, snacks, processed foods.
Negative Reactions: Contributes to heart disease and cancer, takes your body 7 years to detox.
Sodium benzoate (Used as a preservative):
Examples: Soft drinks, salad dressings, fruit juices.
Negative Reactions: A known carcinogen in the presence of vitamin C, causes damage to our DNA.
Brominated vegetable oil (Linked to organ damage and birth defects):
Examples: Citrus-flavored sodas, sports drinks.
Negative Reactions: Associated with organ damage, potential birth defects, not required to be listed on food labels. Bromate is a poison.
Olestra (Used in some snack foods):
Examples: Fat-free snacks, potato chips.
Negative Reactions: Causes digestive problems, inhibits nutrient absorption, heart risks.
Carrageenan (Used as a stabilizer):
Examples: Almond milk, dairy alternatives, processed foods.
Negative Reactions: Linked to gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcers, and potential cancer risk.
Polysorbate 60 (Linked to cancer in laboratory animals):
Examples: Ice cream, salad dressings, baked goods.
Negative Reactions: Associated with cancer risks.
Camauba wax (Used in chewing gums and food glazing):
Examples: Chewing gum, candy coatings.
Negative Reactions: Linked to cancer, potential health concerns.
Magnesium sulphate (Used in tofu):
Examples: Some tofu products.
Negative Reactions: Linked to cancer, potential health risks.
Chlorine dioxide (Used in bleaching flour):
Examples: Some flour products.
Negative Reactions: Can cause tumors and hyperactivity in children.
Paraben (Disrupts hormones, used to stop mold and yeast from forming in foods):
Examples: Processed foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals.
Negative Reactions: Hormonal disruption, linked to breast cancer.
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (A thickener):
Examples: Ice cream, sauces, processed foods, salad dressings.
Negative Reactions: Considered safe in low quantities but may cause cancer in high amounts.
Aluminum (Used as a preservative in some packaged foods):
Examples: Baked goods, processed cheese.
Negative Reactions: Linked to cancer, potential health risks.
Saccharin (A carcinogen):
Examples: Diet sodas, sugar substitutes.
Negative Reactions: Linked to cancer and bladder cancer (worst offender).
Aspartame (An excitotoxin and potential carcinogen):
Examples: Diet sodas, sugar-free products.
Negative Reactions: Controversial, associated with various health concerns.
High fructose corn syrup (Linked to obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and more, made from genetically modified corn):
Examples: Soda, candy, processed foods.
Negative Reactions: Associated with metabolic issues, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, insulin resistance and heart problems.
Acesulfame potassium (Linked to tumors in rats):
Examples: Diet sodas, sugar-free products, desserts.
Negative Reactions: Controversial, linked to lung and breast tumors in animal studies.
Sucralose (Linked to organ swelling):
Examples: Artificial sweeteners, diet sodas, Splenda.
Negative Reactions: Some studies suggest links to swelling of liver and kidneys and shrinking of thymus gland.
Agave nectar (Contains high fructose levels):
Examples: Some sweetened beverages, processed foods.
Negative Reactions: Linked to insulin resistance and liver disease.
Bleached starch (Linked to asthma and skin irritations):
Examples: Processed foods, baked goods.
Negative Reactions: Associated with respiratory and skin issues.
Tert butylhydroquinone (Linked to stomach tumors):
Examples: Some processed foods, fish products.
Negative Reactions: Used as a preservative, associated with stomach tumors.
The Dangers of Food Dyes (Many of these are banned in European Countries, all modern food dyes derive from petroleum and are carcinogens):
Red #40 (Petroleum-derived carcinogen linked to hyperactivity):
Examples: Candy, processed snacks, beverages.
Negative Reactions: Linked to hyperactivity, potential carcinogenic effects, (worst offender).
Blue #1 and Blue #2 (Linked to chromosome damage and brain tumors):
Examples: Some colorful candies, beverages, baked goods.
Negative Reactions: Associated with chromosome damage and brain tumors.
Citrus red #1 and Citrus red #2 (Linked to chromosome damage and cancer):
Examples: Citrus-flavored drinks, processed foods.
Negative Reactions: Linked to chromosome damage and potential cancer risk.
Green #3 (May cause bladder tumors):
Examples: Processed foods, candies.
Negative Reactions: Associated with bladder tumors.
Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 (Linked to kidney tumors):
Examples: Snack foods, desserts, cereals.
Negative Reactions: Linked to kidney tumors and hyperactivity. Can cause hives and itching.
Red #2 and Red #3 (Linked to asthma, nerve damage, and thyroid cancer):
Examples: Processed meats, candies, baked goods.
Negative Reactions: Associated with asthma, nerve damage, and thyroid cancer.
Caramel coloring (May cause cancer when made with ammonia):
Examples: Cola beverages, processed foods.
Negative Reactions: Some types may pose a cancer risk when made with ammonia. Food companies are not required to disclose if this was made with ammonia.
Brown HT (Linked to hyperactivity, asthma, and cancer):
Examples: Some desserts, snacks, baked goods.
Negative Reactions: Linked to hyperactivity, asthma, and potential cancer risks.
Orange B, Bixin, Norbixin, and Annatto (Linked to hyperactivity and asthma):
Examples: Some processed foods, cheeses.
Negative Reactions: Associated with hyperactivity and asthma.
"Natural flavor" (Unspecified and potentially toxic):
Examples: Various processed foods.
Negative Reactions: Not required to be defined, potential for unspecified toxins.
Understanding and avoiding these harmful ingredients can significantly contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Opting for whole, non-GMO, and organic foods is a positive step towards ensuring the well-being of yourself and your family. Make informed choices and embrace a healthier journey starting with what you put on your plate.
In a society where mainstream messages often downplay the importance of diet, it's crucial to recognize the profound impact of what you eat on your body's functionality. Contrary to the notion that "diet doesn’t matter," the reality is that your food choices power your body. Many commonly accepted foods, such as sugar, soda, processed vegetable oils, preservatives, artificial colors, and more, are often deemed "just fine" when they are, in fact, not. Even in the "natural" world, the idea of "all in moderation" may not hold true, as some substances can be low-level toxic to the body and not meant to be consumed. There is no truly "okay" level for their consumption, especially for those struggling with health problems.
Helpful Solutions:
For those seeking practical solutions, two apps that I find helpful for scanning labels while shopping are Yuka, which assesses your diet and cosmetics, and EWG's Healthy Living App. These tools empower you to make informed choices and navigate the complex landscape of food products more effectively: