COMMON FOOD ADDITIVES TO AVOID

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and/or research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian nor the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.

Neurotoxins are said to be natural or man-made, chemically derived substances that can impair, damage, or destroy tissues of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Neurotoxins include toxic metals, like mercury, lead, and arsenic, as well as many chemical compounds, such as those used in pesticides, herbicides, and food additives. There are literally thousands of neurotoxic substances in our food and water supply. In this article, we are going to explore some chemical food additives that could potentially be neurotoxic.

Neurotoxins can negatively affect the electrical signaling that happens throughout the brain and body. Neurotoxins can lead to inflammation of the brain and nervous system, which in turn can lead to a variety of disorders. Source.

Another term is closely linked to neurotoxins. That term is excitotoxin. Excitotoxins are substances that overexcite or stimulate brain cells. The cells can become so excited that they die. A retired neurosurgeon, Dr. Russell Blaylock, has written a book that you may want to check out. It’s called Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills. This video of Dr. Blaylock is a great place to start to learn more about excitotoxins.

Problems Linked to Various Neurotoxins (Source.)

·        Changes in electrolyte balance

·        Alterations of metabolism of glucose

·        Neurobehavioral disorders

·        Disruption of body homeostasis

·        Muscle weakness

·        Gastrointestinal dysfunction

·        Cardiovascular changes

·        Damage to nerve tissue

·        Damage to neurons or brain tissue that can lead to language disorders, mood disorders, hyperactivity, inability to focus, and other cognitive disorders

·        Headaches or nerve pain

·        Motor or movement disorders

·        Encephalopathies

·        Inflammation of brain tissue

·        Impaired development of babies in utero

·        Seizures

·        Peripheral neuropathy

·        Multiple neurological disorders

·        Liver dysregulation

·        Breathing difficulties

·        Tardive dyskinetic conditions

·        Decreased sensory or motor function

·        Potential tumor growth

·        Weight issues

Let’s take a look at some neurotoxins or excitotoxins.

MSG, or Monosodium glutamate, is added to many foods as a flavor enhancer. MSG may be linked to headaches, skin issues, numbness, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, and weakness. Source. This is a difficult additive to avoid even for label readers because manufacturers are not required to list it unless they use 99% pure MSG.

Foods that likely contain higher amounts of MSG are “canned foods, soups, soups, fast foods, and processed foods.” Source. Processed foods may include ice cream, gelatin products, pudding, gum, breath mints, yogurt, protein bars, protein drinks, syrups, diet products, and children’s vitamins. If you are eating commercially made food products that are salty or savory, you are likely consuming MSG.

Interestingly, if you do an internet search, you may find many agencies claiming that MSG and other man-made chemical additives are safe. They may say that there is no evidence that they are linked to cancer and other ill effects. It is becoming harder to find accurate information about artificial food additives. Some of the older sources may actually be more accurate than the newly revised information being put forth.

Next, we will look at a few key artificial or chemical sweeteners that can be neurotoxic.

Chemical sweeteners are estimated to be in about 6,000 different products, including many processed foods and beverages. If you consume soups, yogurt, commercially made baked goods, candy, diet food products, alcoholic beverages, commercial coffee creamers and syrups, or sports drinks, you are likely ingesting chemical sweeteners that may be neurotoxic. Chemical sweeteners may also be found in ice cream, preserves, toothpastes, mouthwashes, breath mints, and chewing gum.

Aspartame is better known as NutraSweet, Equal, and Canderel. Aspartame has been shown to cause weight gain, vision problems, memory loss, headaches, brain tumors, seizures, neurological disorders, heart palpitations, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel issues. Aspartame is seen as possibly carcinogenic by the WHO. Source. Products that may contain aspartame are juice, iced tea, chewing gum, breath mints, powdered drink mixes, sparkling beverages, yogurt, and low-sugar products, like low-sugar gelatin desserts. Source.

Sucralose or Splenda is made by chlorinating sugar; therefore, it is a synthetic form of sugar. Sucralose may be linked to blood sugar issues such as diabetes, irritable bowel issues, and damage to the digestive tract. Source. Some of the potential effects of sucralose include stomach cramps, head and muscle cramps, inflammation, and dizziness.

Sacchharin, saccharine, or benzosulfimide may be linked to cancer. Saccharin was originally classified as a “Group 2B (“possibly carcinogenic to humans”).” Later, researchers “downgraded it to a “Group 3 (“not classifiable as to the carcinogenicity to humans”).” Source. Saccharin was banned in the 1970’s, but the FDA has since lifted the ban. Saccharine may be linked to diarrhea, nausea, and allergic symptoms. It is also linked to weight gain. Saccharine is often blended with other artificial sweeteners, like aspartame. Saccharin may be blended with aspartame in diet soft drinks. Saccharin may also be used in these medications.

Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), is also known under the marketed names Sweet One or Sunett. In the European Union it is known as E950. Ace-K is often blended with other forms of synthetic sweeteners. It is “used as a sweetener in protein shakes and pharmaceutical products, especially chewable and liquid medications.” Source. Potential side effects may include disruption of gut microbiome, inflammation, and blood sugar issues that may contribute to weight gain. Source. To see of a list of products that may contain Ace-K, use this link.

Things that make you go, “Hmmmm...”

When researching these additives, it states that chemical sweeteners, like aspartame, are completely broken down or metabolized by the body. Aspartame breaks down into methanol, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine. Source. Aspartate and other chemical additives are synthetic laboratory creations that are not naturally existing, yet they are found in our water supply. A review from July 2012 regards artificial sweeteners as “a recently recognized class of emerging environmental contaminants.” Source.

Another point to ponder – I wonder if any testing has been done on the impact of combining the various sweeteners. It seems that only studies of individual chemical sweeteners have been done. Considering that most products contain a “blend” of the various artificial chemical sweeteners, it seems like a good idea to be certain that when they are combined, no additional harm to people occurs.

If you have ever wondered why some foods are so hard to resist overeating, it may be that the product successfully hits your “bliss point.” The term bliss point was developed by Howard Moskowitz, a psychophysicist. The bliss point is “where the levels of saltiness, sweetness, and richness [are] perceived by the consumer as just right.” This research has led to the development of all kinds of food products that lead to cravings and can cause people to overeat the food products that likely contain neurotoxic ingredients. Source.

What to Do

Although many times, chemical additives (like MSG and artificial sweeteners) may not be listed on the labels, you can likely assume that nearly all of the processed food products you crave contain them. The term “natural and artificial flavors” is a catch-all that often includes neurotoxic ingredients, like chemical sweeteners and MSG. Now that you are armed with this information, you can work toward eating less of these food products.

After learning of the presence of chemicals, like aspartame, in our water supply, I remain a fan of distilled water. In addition, these chemical additives are primarily found in processed foods, so the best way to avoid these neurotoxic offenders is to consume whole foods that are organically grown or homegrown. Making your own salad dressings and condiments is also helpful.

Knowing that the use of chemical additives is pervasive in our food supply, we can see how hard it is to completely avoid them. Thankfully, there are products that support the detoxification of chemical neurotoxins. If you feel that unaddressed toxins may be hindering your body’s function, reach out.

Your health is too important. You don’t want to delay getting the help you need. I encourage you to find the right practitioner to help support your natural detoxification system, so you can get these troublesome toxins out of your body. A more vibrant life awaits you.

Blessings!

Anita

*Note: All articles cited in this article were accessed at the time of publication. March 8, 2024.