Fwd: [Stop the Poisons] THE DIRTY DOZEN OF FOOD ADDITIVES, AND WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID THEM!/ EXCELLENT INFORMATION!!!!

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12 foods & food additives to avoid and why

 

Posted by: " Fernwoods "

Fernwoods

fernwoods7

 

 

Wed May 7, 2008 8:00 pm (PDT)

_The dirty dozen - 12 foods/food additives to avoid and why_ (http://fooddemocracy.wordpress.com/2008/01/18/the-dirty-dozen-12-foodsfood-additives-to-avoid -and-why/) January 18, 2008

-Kelly Scotti, HHC _http://fooddemocracy.wordpress.com/2008/01/18/the-dirty-dozen-12-foodsfood-ad ditives-to-avoid-and-why/_ (http://fooddemocracy.wordpress.com/2008/01/18/the-dirty-dozen-12-foodsfood-additives-to-avoid-and-why/) Packaged and processed foods get many a family through the day.

They’re convenient, portable, and they stay fresh for a long time (thanks to

all those preservatives). Many kids can’t get enough of these foods;

they’re almost addicted to them. The additives put into processed foods to make them

look and taste better include unhealthy amounts of extra salt, fat, and

sugar—and those are the ones you can pronounce. These additives, however, have a

price that may include side effects, food allergies, increased waist lines,

decreased absorption of minerals and vitamins, cancer and more. Today, when one

in three American children are overweight or obese (and even more than one in

three adults) and food allergies are rampant, we have no choice but to

finally pay attention to what we are eating. Below is a list of the 12 most pervasive and detrimental food additives/substances you can eat, in no particular order. 1. Artificial Sweeteners are a combination of chemicals that exist to

make our foods sweeter without the calories of sugar. The funny thing is

that our nation has been getting fatter since the widespread introduction of

these sweeteners into the food supply. Why would that be? And what are the

dangers of artificial sweeteners? It turns out that when you eat something sweet, but do not take in

any calories, your body will crave more calories than if you had eaten

real sugar. So it is with artificial sweeteners­and it is an endless cycle. For

people, the more they eat of the artificial stuff, the more weight they

gain, and the more they crave sweet foods. Also, most of the foods that contain artificial sweeteners are of poor nutritional quality, and in a

sense, cause your body to starve itself no matter how much you eat. You are hungry all

the time because your body is not getting the nutrients it needs. Most of the artificial sweeteners have side effects, and their

chemical breakdown in the body can be toxic. In addition, in combination with

other food additives, like artificial colors, artificial sweeteners can have a

much more potent effect on nerve cells. A study completed at the University of Liverpool in 2005 found, for example, that the application of certain

additives alone stopped mouse nerve cells from growing and interfered with

proper signaling systems. When the artificial color quinoline yellow and

aspartame were combined, however, the effect on nerve cells was seven times greater

than when each additive was applied on its own. Just think of what this

combination could do to your child. Saccharin (Sweet’N Low) is one sweetener on the market that has a controversial safety record in its past, based on findings of bladder

cancer in male rats fed sodium saccharin in the late 1970s. It’s still used in

SweetN’Low, and was delisted as a carcinogen in 1997. But does that mean its

safe? NutraSweet (Equal/Aspartame/Spoonful) is made up of methanol,

phenylalanine, and aspartic acid. These chemicals on their own can be considered

toxic and may alter brain neurochemistry. When the temperature of aspartame

exceeds 86 degrees F, for example, the methanol converts to formaldehyde and

then to formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis, which can mimic

symptoms of MS; this formic acid is then stored in your fat tissues,

particularly in the hips and thighs, and can cause lasting damage. Nutrasweet has

also been linked to epilepsy, brain tumors, and 90 other side effects including dizziness, hallucinations, headaches, depression, and weight gain.

It’s found in over 5000 different types of foods products, both sugar free and non-sugar

free, including chewing gum, diet soda, breath mints, yogurt, powdered

drink mixes, pudding, children’s vitamins and so much more. It’s also found in

600 different medicines, including many children’s medicines. For more information about the dangers of this sweetener, go to _www.sweetpoison.com_

(http://www.sweetpoison.com/)

, _www.dorway.com_ (http://www.dorway.com/)

, and

_www.greenfacts.org/aspartame/l-3/aspartame-1.htm#3_ (http://www.greenfacts.org/aspartame/l-3/aspartame-1.htm#3)

.. Newer sweeteners on the scene include Sucralose (Splenda), Tagatose (Naturlose), and Neotame. Sucralose is a synthetic chemical that is

made by chemically reacting sugar (sucrose) with chlorine. Tagatose is

chemically similar to glucose, but is poorly absorbed by the body. Neotame is composed of

aspartic acid and phenylalanine; it’s made the Nutrasweet company, and is

chemically similar to aspartame. There have been no large human studies done to investigate the potential hazards of these sweeteners yet, but

grassroots organizations and individuals have voiced their concerns about these

new additives. Go to _www.sweetpoison.com_

(http://www.sweetpoison.com/)

for details. 2. Refined Sugar The average person in the US consumes 150-175 pounds of sugar per

year. In other words, people are consuming half a cup of sugar a day, and most

aren’t even aware of it. Due to its insidious nature, and the fact that it

can found in virtually all processed foods (unless they say sugar-free, that

is), we subsist off of sugar. No wonder the incidence of diabetes in the US

has increased to 20.8 million in 2005, up from 18.2 million in 2000, and

6.8 million in 1987. High consumption of sugar, and the corresponding elevated

insulin levels, can cause weight gain, bloating, fatigue, arthritis,

migraines, lowered immune function, gallstones, obesity, breast cancer, gum disease and

cavities, and cardiovascular disease. It can also disrupt absorption of many

required nutrients in the body, such as the B-vitamins, calcium, magnesium,

chromium and copper. This can lead to osteoporosis, depression, PMS symptoms in

women, and increased stress. Children that eat lots of sugar actually eat significantly lower amounts of protein, and have decreased amounts of

the B vitamins, iron, zinc, and vitamin E. Sugar has many names: dextrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, corn

syrup, high fructose corn syrup, maple sugar, honey, invert sugar, maltose,

diastase, sorbitol, caramel, date sugar, dextran, fruit juice, fruit juice

concentrate, ethyl maltol, maltodextrin, sorghum syrup, and more. For a list of products containing one of worst refined sugars, high

fructose corn syrup, please go to _Accidental Hedonist_ (http://www.accidentalhedonist.com/index.php/2005/06/09/foods_and_products_containing_high_fruct)

and _www.foodfacts.info/high-fructose-corn-syrup.shtml_ (http://www.foodfacts.info/high-fructose-corn-syrup.shtml)

.. 3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG ) is used to bring out the flavor in

foods. Companies use it as an additive to reduce costs, as it allows them to

reduce the amount of real ingredients in their foods. Since 1960, the use of MSG

has caused some concern, when it was discovered that large amounts of MSG

fed to infant mice destroyed nerve cells in the brain. This research caused

a public outcry that forced baby food companies to stop adding MSG to their

products. Nowadays, MSG may be hidden in infant formula, low fat milk, candy,

chewing gum, drinks, over-the-counter medications (especially children’s),

as a binder and filler for nutritional supplements, in prescription drugs, IV

fluids given in hospitals, and in the chicken pox vaccine. Many people are sensitive to the effects of MSG, and children are 4

times more sensitive to MSG than adults. Neonatal exposure to MSG can cause

a permanent reduction in the secretion of growth hormone, leading to

stunted growth and irreversible obesity. Other reactions include headaches, nausea,

weakness, a burning sensation in the back of neck and forearms, wheezing,

changes in heart rate, and difficulty breathing. In order to cut out MSG from

your diet, you will need to remove foods with the following ingredients in their

label: Monosodium glutamate, free glutamate, hydrolyzed proteins (any type), autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, caseinate, and “natural or

artificial flavorsâ€.4. Artificial Colors are synthetic chemicals that do not occur in

nature. Most are derived from coal tar and can contain up to ten parts per million

of lead and arsenic and still be generally recognized as safe by the FDA.

Artificial colors can cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity and ADD in

children, may contribute to visual and learning disorders or cause nerve damage.

The use of coloring in products normally indicates that other natural

ingredients that may contain the color, like oranges, have not been used. Here are specific details regarding each color: Blue #1, found in baked goods, candy, and soft drinks, has been shown

to damage the chromosomes in a cell’s nucleus, contributing to

uncontrolled cell mutation and division that is a precursor to cancer. In seriously ill patients, blue #1 use was associated with serious complications such

as refractory hypotension, metabolic acidosis and death. Blue #2, which is found in pet food beverages, and candy, may cause

brain tumors. Citrus Red #1 is sprayed on green oranges to make them look ripe.

Like Blue #1, this dye fractures the chromosomes in a cell’s nucleus and can

lead to cancer. The FDA has proposed a ban on Citrus Red #1. Citrus Red #2, used to color the skins of some Florida oranges, can

cause cancer if the peel is eaten. Green #3, found rarely in candy and beverages, has been implicated as

a cause of bladder tumors. Red #3 is often added to canned cherry pie filling, maraschino

cherries, baked goods and ice cream. Studies have linked this dye to nerve

damage and to thyroid cancer. Red #40 is found in soda, candy, gelatin desserts, pastry, pet food,

and sausage, and is a suspected carcinogen. Yellow #5 is the second most widely used colorant, and it contributes

to behavioral disturbances in children, and can cause allergic

reactions, primarily in aspirin sensitive individuals. It’s found in gelatin desserts,

candy, pet food, and baked goods. Yellow #6 can cause tumors in the adrenal glands and kidneys. It is

found in beverages, sausage, baked goods, candy, and gelatin. 5. BHA and BHT block the process of oil rancidity, which occurs when

oils age, are exposed to light, or have repeated exposure to air. These

additives seem to affect sleep and appetite, and have been associated with

liver and kidney damage, baldness, behavioral problems, cancer, fetal

abnormalities, and growth retardation. 6.Sodium Nitrate and Nitrite are preservatives that are added to

processed meat products such as bacon, corned beef, ham, hot dogs, lunch meats,

and sausage. They prevent the growth of bacteria and give the meat a

deceptively healthful-looking pink hue. These compounds transform into

cancer-causing agents called nitrosamines in the stomach, however. Nitrates are considered dangerous by the FDA but they have not been banned due to their

ability to prevent botulism. Noticeable side effects include headaches, nausea,

vomiting, and dizziness. 7. Caffeine is an addictive stimulant that is added to soft drinks,

gum, diet pills, and pain relievers; it naturally occurs in coffee, cocoa, and

tea. Though there are beneficial effects of caffeine use in moderation, it

causes calcium to be excreted from the bones, which can lead to

osteoporosis, and can increase infertility. At higher doses, caffeine can cause birth

defects, miscarriage, heart disease, depression, behavioral changes, and

insomnia. Withdrawal symptoms include headaches, irritability, sleepiness and

lethargy. 8. Olestra (Olean) is a calorie-free fat substitute used as an

ingredient in snacks and chips made by Frito-Lay. This food additive passes through

the body undigested because its molecules are so large. In the process,

the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K and others attach to the substance,

thinking it is fat, and are inadvertently flushed out of the body. Currently,

olestra products bear a boxed label stating that, “Olestra may cause

abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins

and other nutrients. Vitamins A, D, E, and K have been added.†It can also

cause diarrhea and anal leakage. 9. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is used to keep flavor oils in soft

drinks in suspension. Bromate, the main ingredient of BVO, is a poison. Just

two ounces of a 2% solution of BVO can severely poison a child. In

adults, this additive reduces immune defenses and depletes histamine, which can

lead to allergic reactions. It has been linked to major organ system damage,

birth defects, and growth problems, and is considered unsafe by the FDA.

The FDA has not taken action regarding BVO, however, thus it is still lawfully

used, and worst of all, manufacturers are not required to list BVO on food

labels. 10. Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is made by reacting

vegetable oil with hydrogen. When this occurs, the level of polyunsaturated oils

(good fat) is reduced and trans fats are created. Trans fats can be found in

foods such as vegetable shortening, some margarines, crackers, candies, baked

goods, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, salad dressings, and many

processed foods. They are associated with heart disease, breast and colon cancer,

atherosclerosis and elevated cholesterol. 11. Pesticides Every year more than two billion pounds of pesticides is applied to

our food supply. That’s about ten pounds per person per year. And many,

perhaps most, of the pesticides used throughout the world are carcinogenic.

Yet only 10% of the pesticides approved for use on food have been adequately

tested for use in humans. Pesticides are not only found in our food supply, however.. They

pollute our water, and the cells in our body. They are sprayed on lawns, in

gardens, in parks, and on playing fields. After it rains, these chemicals are

carried through storm drains and sewers into creeks, rivers, and our oceans,

where they account for more than 90 percent of water pollution. Pesticides accumulate in our bodies as well. 99% of mothers’ milk

in the United States, for example, contains dangerous levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). All of us also have measurable

levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxin, heptachlor, chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin,

and other pesticides in our bloodstream. And since our bodies cannot remove

these chemicals, over time, they weaken our endocrine, reproductive,

circulatory, immune, and central nervous systems. As a result, our likelihood of having

heart disease, cancer, and allergies is greatly increased. Pesticide

accumulation also undermines our ability to resist infectious organisms, may impair

fertility, and contributes to miscarriages and birth defects. 12. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals that

have had their DNA modified. In the US, the majority of the corn, soybean,

cotton, and canola crops are now genetically modified, and one or more of

these can be found in nearly every processed food. The problem with this is that

there is no mandatory safety testing done by the FDA on GMOs, and thus there

is no clear proof that these foods are safe. Testing that has been done in

the past has shown GMOs can increase food toxicity, allergy susceptibility,

immune suppression, resistance to antibiotics, and the incidence of cancer. Here are some simple tips to avoid the Dirty Dozen in your family’s

daily meals: 1. Drink lots of pure water; water helps flush your system of toxins

and keep you hydrated. 2. Be mindful when eating. The more you pay attention to what you are eating, the better you will eat. 3. Chew your food. Processed foods don’t taste good when they are

fully chewed, and you wont be as tempted to eat them 4. Eat more whole ORGANIC foods. If it grows in the ground or in a

tree, it’ s a whole food. 5. Get a good night’s sleep-when you are well rested, your body and

mind function better, and you are more likely to make good choices. 6. Turn off the TV! The less TV you watch, the less you will be

exposed to food advertising, and the less processed food you will eat. It is

good rule of thumb is the more a food is advertised, the worse it probably is

for you. 7. Don’t take food packaging claims at face value…be sure t labels

and educate yourself about what each additive is. 8. Keep a food diary to determine what foods affect you and your

family negatively. 9. No matter what, feel good about what you eat. Negative thoughts

lead to a negative reality. A word of caution: if the list of ingredients on a package is long,

there’s probably a lot of chemical additives in the product. It’s best to

avoid these foods, not only because of the individual effects of the additives,

but also because of the unknown health effects of combinations of food

additives. Also, US Federal Regulations don’t require full disclosure on

product labels. The only way to avoid dangerous food additives is to eat whole,

natural, organic food. -Kelly Scotti, HHC, is the Founder and Director of Flying Dragon

Wellness, _www.flyingdragonwellness.com_

(http://www.flyingdragonwellness.com/)

a nutrition and wellness counseling practice in Bucks County, Pa.

She’s Board Certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, and

obtained her training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC.

**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on

family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) At 05:37 PM 5/8/08, you wrote:

12 foods & food additives to

avoid and why

Posted by: " Fernwoods " Fernwoods

fernwoods7

Wed May 7, 2008 8:00 pm (PDT)

_The dirty dozen - 12 foods/food additives to avoid and why_

(http://fooddemocracy.wordpress.com/2008/01/18/the-dirty-dozen-12-foodsfood-additives-to-avoid

-and-why/)

January 18, 2008

-Kelly Scotti, HHC

_http://fooddemocracy.wordpress.com/2008/01/18/the-dirty-dozen-12-foodsfood-ad

ditives-to-avoid-and-why/_

(http://fooddemocracy.wordpress.com/2008/01/18/the-dirty-dozen-12-foodsfood-additives-to-avoid-and-why/)

 

Packaged and processed foods get many a family through the day. They’re

 

convenient, portable, and they stay fresh for a long time (thanks to all

those

preservatives). Many kids can’t get enough of these foods; they’re

almost

addicted to them. The additives put into processed foods to make them

look and

taste better include unhealthy amounts of extra salt, fat, and

sugar—and those

are the ones you can pronounce. These additives, however, have a price

that

may include side effects, food allergies, increased waist lines,

decreased

absorption of minerals and vitamins, cancer and more. Today, when one in

three

American children are overweight or obese (and even more than one in

three

adults) and food allergies are rampant, we have no choice but to finally

pay

attention to what we are eating.

Below is a list of the 12 most pervasive and detrimental food

additives/substances you can eat, in no particular order.

1. Artificial Sweeteners are a combination of chemicals that exist to

make

our foods sweeter without the calories of sugar. The funny thing is that

our

nation has been getting fatter since the widespread introduction of these

 

sweeteners into the food supply. Why would that be? And what are the

dangers of

artificial sweeteners?

It turns out that when you eat something sweet, but do not take in any

 

calories, your body will crave more calories than if you had eaten real

sugar. So

it is with artificial sweeteners—and it is an endless cycle. For people,

the more they eat of the artificial stuff, the more weight they gain, and

 

the more they crave sweet foods. Also, most of the foods that contain

 

artificial sweeteners are of poor nutritional quality, and in a sense,

cause your

body to starve itself no matter how much you eat. You are hungry all the

time

because your body is not getting the nutrients it needs.

Most of the artificial sweeteners have side effects, and their chemical

 

breakdown in the body can be toxic. In addition, in combination with

other food

additives, like artificial colors, artificial sweeteners can have a much

more

potent effect on nerve cells. A study completed at the University of

 

Liverpool in 2005 found, for example, that the application of certain

additives

alone stopped mouse nerve cells from growing and interfered with proper

 

signaling systems. When the artificial color quinoline yellow and

aspartame were

combined, however, the effect on nerve cells was seven times greater than

when

each additive was applied on its own. Just think of what this combination

 

could do to your child.

Saccharin (Sweet’N Low) is one sweetener on the market that has a

controversial safety record in its past, based on findings of bladder

cancer in male

rats fed sodium saccharin in the late 1970s. It’s still used in

SweetN’Low,

and was delisted as a carcinogen in 1997. But does that mean its safe?

 

NutraSweet (Equal/Aspartame/Spoonful) is made up of methanol,

phenylalanine,

and aspartic acid. These chemicals on their own can be considered toxic

and

may alter brain neurochemistry. When the temperature of aspartame exceeds

 

86 degrees F, for example, the methanol converts to formaldehyde and then

to

formic acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis, which can mimic

symptoms

of MS; this formic acid is then stored in your fat tissues, particularly

in

the hips and thighs, and can cause lasting damage. Nutrasweet has also

been

linked to epilepsy, brain tumors, and 90 other side effects including

 

dizziness, hallucinations, headaches, depression, and weight gain. It’s

found in over

5000 different types of foods products, both sugar free and non-sugar

free,

including chewing gum, diet soda, breath mints, yogurt, powdered drink

mixes,

pudding, children’s vitamins and so much more. It’s also found in 600

 

different medicines, including many children’s medicines.

For more information about the dangers of this sweetener, go to

_www.sweetpoison.com_

(http://www.sweetpoison.com/)

, _www.dorway.com_

 

(http://www.dorway.com/)

, and

_www.greenfacts.org/aspartame/l-3/aspartame-1.htm#3_

 

(http://www.greenfacts.org/aspartame/l-3/aspartame-1.htm#3)

..

Newer sweeteners on the scene include Sucralose (Splenda), Tagatose

(Naturlose), and Neotame. Sucralose is a synthetic chemical that is made

by

chemically reacting sugar (sucrose) with chlorine. Tagatose is chemically

similar to

glucose, but is poorly absorbed by the body. Neotame is composed of

aspartic

acid and phenylalanine; it’s made the Nutrasweet company, and is

chemically

similar to aspartame. There have been no large human studies done to

 

investigate the potential hazards of these sweeteners yet, but grassroots

 

organizations and individuals have voiced their concerns about these new

additives. Go to

_www.sweetpoison.com_

(http://www.sweetpoison.com/)

for details.

2. Refined Sugar

The average person in the US consumes 150-175 pounds of sugar per year.

In

other words, people are consuming half a cup of sugar a day, and most

aren’t

even aware of it. Due to its insidious nature, and the fact that it can

found

in virtually all processed foods (unless they say sugar-free, that is),

we

subsist off of sugar. No wonder the incidence of diabetes in the US has

 

increased to 20.8 million in 2005, up from 18.2 million in 2000, and 6.8

million in

1987. High consumption of sugar, and the corresponding elevated insulin

 

levels, can cause weight gain, bloating, fatigue, arthritis, migraines,

lowered

immune function, gallstones, obesity, breast cancer, gum disease and

cavities,

and cardiovascular disease. It can also disrupt absorption of many

required

nutrients in the body, such as the B-vitamins, calcium, magnesium,

chromium and

copper. This can lead to osteoporosis, depression, PMS symptoms in women,

 

and increased stress. Children that eat lots of sugar actually eat

significantly lower amounts of protein, and have decreased amounts of the

B vitamins,

iron, zinc, and vitamin E.

Sugar has many names: dextrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, corn syrup,

high

fructose corn syrup, maple sugar, honey, invert sugar, maltose, diastase,

 

sorbitol, caramel, date sugar, dextran, fruit juice, fruit juice

concentrate,

ethyl maltol, maltodextrin, sorghum syrup, and more.

For a list of products containing one of worst refined sugars, high

fructose

corn syrup, please go to _Accidental Hedonist_

(http://www.accidentalhedonist.com/index.php/2005/06/09/foods_and_products_containing_high_fruct)

and

_www.foodfacts.info/high-fructose-corn-syrup.shtml_

 

(http://www.foodfacts.info/high-fructose-corn-syrup.shtml)

..

3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG ) is used to bring out the flavor in foods.

 

Companies use it as an additive to reduce costs, as it allows them to

reduce the

amount of real ingredients in their foods. Since 1960, the use of MSG has

 

caused some concern, when it was discovered that large amounts of MSG fed

to

infant mice destroyed nerve cells in the brain. This research caused a

public

outcry that forced baby food companies to stop adding MSG to their

products.

Nowadays, MSG may be hidden in infant formula, low fat milk, candy,

chewing

gum, drinks, over-the-counter medications (especially children’s), as a

binder

and filler for nutritional supplements, in prescription drugs, IV fluids

given

in hospitals, and in the chicken pox vaccine.

Many people are sensitive to the effects of MSG, and children are 4 times

 

more sensitive to MSG than adults. Neonatal exposure to MSG can cause a

 

permanent reduction in the secretion of growth hormone, leading to

stunted growth

and irreversible obesity. Other reactions include headaches, nausea,

weakness,

a burning sensation in the back of neck and forearms, wheezing, changes

in

heart rate, and difficulty breathing. In order to cut out MSG from your

diet,

you will need to remove foods with the following ingredients in their

label:

Monosodium glutamate, free glutamate, hydrolyzed proteins (any type),

 

autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, caseinate, and “natural or artificial

flavorsâ€.4.

Artificial Colors are synthetic chemicals that do not occur in nature.

Most

are derived from coal tar and can contain up to ten parts per million of

lead

and arsenic and still be generally recognized as safe by the FDA.

Artificial

colors can cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity and ADD in children,

may

contribute to visual and learning disorders or cause nerve damage. The

use of

coloring in products normally indicates that other natural ingredients

that

may contain the color, like oranges, have not been used.

Here are specific details regarding each color:

Blue #1, found in baked goods, candy, and soft drinks, has been shown to

 

damage the chromosomes in a cell’s nucleus, contributing to

uncontrolled cell

mutation and division that is a precursor to cancer. In seriously ill

 

patients, blue #1 use was associated with serious complications such as

refractory

hypotension, metabolic acidosis and death.

Blue #2, which is found in pet food beverages, and candy, may cause brain

 

tumors.

Citrus Red #1 is sprayed on green oranges to make them look ripe. Like

Blue

#1, this dye fractures the chromosomes in a cell’s nucleus and can lead

to

cancer. The FDA has proposed a ban on Citrus Red #1.

Citrus Red #2, used to color the skins of some Florida oranges, can cause

 

cancer if the peel is eaten.

Green #3, found rarely in candy and beverages, has been implicated as a

cause

of bladder tumors.

Red #3 is often added to canned cherry pie filling, maraschino cherries,

 

baked goods and ice cream. Studies have linked this dye to nerve damage

and to

thyroid cancer.

Red #40 is found in soda, candy, gelatin desserts, pastry, pet food, and

 

sausage, and is a suspected carcinogen.

Yellow #5 is the second most widely used colorant, and it contributes to

 

behavioral disturbances in children, and can cause allergic reactions,

primarily

in aspirin sensitive individuals. It’s found in gelatin desserts,

candy, pet

food, and baked goods.

Yellow #6 can cause tumors in the adrenal glands and kidneys. It is found

in

beverages, sausage, baked goods, candy, and gelatin.

5. BHA and BHT block the process of oil rancidity, which occurs when oils

 

age, are exposed to light, or have repeated exposure to air. These

additives

seem to affect sleep and appetite, and have been associated with liver

and

kidney damage, baldness, behavioral problems, cancer, fetal

abnormalities, and

growth retardation.

6.Sodium Nitrate and Nitrite are preservatives that are added to

processed

meat products such as bacon, corned beef, ham, hot dogs, lunch meats, and

 

sausage. They prevent the growth of bacteria and give the meat a

deceptively

healthful-looking pink hue. These compounds transform into cancer-causing

agents

called nitrosamines in the stomach, however. Nitrates are considered

 

dangerous by the FDA but they have not been banned due to their ability

to prevent

botulism. Noticeable side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting,

and

dizziness.

7. Caffeine is an addictive stimulant that is added to soft drinks, gum,

diet

pills, and pain relievers; it naturally occurs in coffee, cocoa, and tea.

 

Though there are beneficial effects of caffeine use in moderation, it

causes

calcium to be excreted from the bones, which can lead to osteoporosis,

and can

increase infertility. At higher doses, caffeine can cause birth defects,

 

miscarriage, heart disease, depression, behavioral changes, and insomnia.

 

Withdrawal symptoms include headaches, irritability, sleepiness and

lethargy.

8. Olestra (Olean) is a calorie-free fat substitute used as an ingredient

in

snacks and chips made by Frito-Lay. This food additive passes through the

 

body undigested because its molecules are so large. In the process, the

fat

soluble vitamins A, D, E, K and others attach to the substance, thinking

it is

fat, and are inadvertently flushed out of the body. Currently, olestra

 

products bear a boxed label stating that, “Olestra may cause abdominal

cramping

and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and

other

nutrients. Vitamins A, D, E, and K have been added.†It can also cause

diarrhea

and anal leakage.

9. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is used to keep flavor oils in soft

drinks

in suspension. Bromate, the main ingredient of BVO, is a poison. Just two

 

ounces of a 2% solution of BVO can severely poison a child. In adults,

this

additive reduces immune defenses and depletes histamine, which can lead

to

allergic reactions. It has been linked to major organ system damage,

birth

defects, and growth problems, and is considered unsafe by the FDA. The

FDA has

not taken action regarding BVO, however, thus it is still lawfully used,

and

worst of all, manufacturers are not required to list BVO on food labels.

 

10. Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is made by reacting vegetable

oil

with hydrogen. When this occurs, the level of polyunsaturated oils (good

fat)

is reduced and trans fats are created. Trans fats can be found in foods

such

as vegetable shortening, some margarines, crackers, candies, baked goods,

 

cookies, snack foods, fried foods, salad dressings, and many processed

foods.

They are associated with heart disease, breast and colon cancer,

atherosclerosis

and elevated cholesterol.

11. Pesticides

Every year more than two billion pounds of pesticides is applied to our

food

supply. That’s about ten pounds per person per year. And many, perhaps

 

most, of the pesticides used throughout the world are carcinogenic. Yet

only 10%

of the pesticides approved for use on food have been adequately tested

for

use in humans.

Pesticides are not only found in our food supply, however.. They pollute

our

water, and the cells in our body. They are sprayed on lawns, in gardens,

in

parks, and on playing fields. After it rains, these chemicals are carried

 

through storm drains and sewers into creeks, rivers, and our oceans,

where they

account for more than 90 percent of water pollution.

Pesticides accumulate in our bodies as well. 99% of mothers’ milk in

the

United States, for example, contains dangerous levels of

dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). All of us also have measurable

levels of polychlorinated

biphenyls (PCBs), dioxin, heptachlor, chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin, and

other

pesticides in our bloodstream. And since our bodies cannot remove these

 

chemicals, over time, they weaken our endocrine, reproductive,

circulatory, immune,

and central nervous systems. As a result, our likelihood of having heart

 

disease, cancer, and allergies is greatly increased. Pesticide

accumulation also

undermines our ability to resist infectious organisms, may impair

fertility,

and contributes to miscarriages and birth defects.

12. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals that have

had

their DNA modified. In the US, the majority of the corn, soybean, cotton,

 

and canola crops are now genetically modified, and one or more of these

can be

found in nearly every processed food. The problem with this is that there

is

no mandatory safety testing done by the FDA on GMOs, and thus there is no

 

clear proof that these foods are safe. Testing that has been done in the

past

has shown GMOs can increase food toxicity, allergy susceptibility, immune

 

suppression, resistance to antibiotics, and the incidence of cancer.

 

Here are some simple tips to avoid the Dirty Dozen in your family’s

daily

meals:

1. Drink lots of pure water; water helps flush your system of toxins and

 

keep you hydrated.

2. Be mindful when eating. The more you pay attention to what you are

 

eating, the better you will eat.

3. Chew your food. Processed foods don’t taste good when they are fully

 

chewed, and you wont be as tempted to eat them

4. Eat more whole ORGANIC foods. If it grows in the ground or in a tree,

it’

s a whole food.

5. Get a good night’s sleep-when you are well rested, your body and

mind

function better, and you are more likely to make good choices.

6. Turn off the TV! The less TV you watch, the less you will be exposed

to

food advertising, and the less processed food you will eat. It is good

rule

of thumb is the more a food is advertised, the worse it probably is for

you.

7. Don’t take food packaging claims at face value…be sure t labels and

educate yourself about what each additive is.

8. Keep a food diary to determine what foods affect you and your family

 

negatively.

9. No matter what, feel good about what you eat. Negative thoughts lead

to a

negative reality.

A word of caution: if the list of ingredients on a package is long,

there’s

probably a lot of chemical additives in the product. It’s best to avoid

these

foods, not only because of the individual effects of the additives, but

also

because of the unknown health effects of combinations of food additives.

 

Also, US Federal Regulations don’t require full disclosure on product

labels.

The only way to avoid dangerous food additives is to eat whole, natural,

 

organic food.

-Kelly Scotti, HHC, is the Founder and Director of Flying Dragon

Wellness,

_www.flyingdragonwellness.com_

(http://www.flyingdragonwellness.com/)

a

nutrition and wellness counseling practice in Bucks County, Pa. She’s

Board

Certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, and

obtained her

training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC.

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