What additives should you avoid in your food?

There are a few “biggies” when it comes to additives to avoid in your food.

1. Artificial Sweeteners

Aspartame is also known as Nutrasweet or Equal. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. It can affect your intellect and your memory. It has been linked to brain tumors, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety attacks, migraines and seizures. Acesulfame-K, a newer artificial sweetener is found in baking goods. It hasn’t been thoroughly tested, but has already been linked to kidney tumors.

Found in: diet or sugar free sodas, diet coke, coke zero, jello (and other gelatins), desserts, sugar free gum, drink mixes, baking goods, table top sweeteners, cereal, breathmints, pudding, kool-aid, ice tea, chewable vitamins, toothpaste

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup is a highly-refined artificial sweetener. It is known to cause weight gain, increase your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contribute to the development of diabetes and tissue damage.

Found in: most processed foods, breads, candy, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals

3. Monosodium Glutamate

MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. MSG is a substance that overexcites cells to the point of damage or death. Regular consumption of MSG can cause depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. MSG affects the pathway in your brain that tells you you’re full, so you keep eating…and gaining weight. Be careful of anything with the word “glutamate” in the ingredients.

Found in: Chinese food, many snacks, chips, cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners, lunch meats

4. Trans Fat

Trans fat is used to enhance and extend the shelf life of your food. Trans fat increases LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes, diabetes and more. Denmark has actually banned foods that contain minute amounts of trans fats.

Found in: margarine, anything with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, chips and crackers, baked goods, fast foods

5. Common Food Dyes

These can contribute to behavioral problems in children and even reduce their IQs. Some of the worst are Blue#1, Blue #2. These are even banned in Norway, Finland and France. And, did you know that even though Red #3 was banned in 1990, it will still be in your food until the supply runs out? Yellow #6 and Tartrazine have been linked to kidney and adrenal tumors. They are also banned in Norway and Sweden.

Found in: candy, cereal, soft drinks, sports drinks, pet foods, fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries, cherry pie mix, ice cream, candy, bakery products, american cheese, macaroni and cheese, candy and carbonated beverages, lemonade and more!

6. Sodium Sulfite

This is a preservative most know in wine-making. There is a possible link between asthma and sulfites. Individuals who are sulfite sensitive may experience headaches, breathing problems, and rashes. In severe cases, sulfites can actually cause death by closing down the airway altogether, leading to cardiac arrest.

Found in: Wine and dried fruit

7. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrate/nitrite is used as a preservative in processed meats. When this compound gets into your digestive tract it forms a bunch of nitrosamine compounds that now have easy access to your blood stream. Once in your blood they target your organs, but mainly your liver and pancreas. It is used because it makes meat look red, so old meat can look like its fresh…ewwww!

Found in: hotdogs, bacon, ham, luncheon meat, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat

8. BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydrozyttoluene)

BHA and BHT are preservatives used to keep foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. They can also form cancer-causing compounds in your body, alter your neurological system and alter your behavior.

Found in: Potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello

9. Sulfur Dioxide

This is another preservative used to make food look fresh. It can cause things like bronchial problems especially if you are prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock.

Found in: beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, and potato products.

10. Potassium Bromate

This is an additive used to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls. Potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals and the bromine can significantly damage your thyroid.

Found in: breads

Please read labels when you are shopping. Try to eat whole, natural foods as much as possible!
Stay Healthy!!