Every day we expose our body to a variety of different ingredients and chemicals. Foods that are highly-processed can contain chemicals that are very dangerous when mixed with other ingredients and chemical compounds. Our bodies need to be fueled by REAL, NATURAL foods in order to perform at their peak level. Here are 7 ingredients to avoid in your diet and around your household to ensure that you are reaching optimal health for you and your family!
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are terrible for your health! Two of the biggest artificial sweeteners are sucralose and aspartame which are both toxic for the body and the brain. Sucralose contains large doses of chlorine, and recent clinical studies have found that it kills off beneficial microbes and probiotics in the gut, contributing to leaky gut. Aspartame has been found to be highly addictive and damaging to brain cells.
To replace artificial sweeteners, use: green-leaf stevia, raw local honey, or real organic fruit.
Artificial Colors
Artificial food dyes are petroleum-derived substances that give color to food. They are banned in most countries; however, they are not banned in the U.S.
The following list of food dyes are extremely toxic to your body:
Red No. 3 (Erythrosine)
Red No. 40 (Allura Red)
Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)
Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow)
Blue No.1 (Brillant Blue)
Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine)
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is a chemical found in major pesticides and is used on soy fields in the U.S. It is also the main ingredient in RoundUp. In order to avoid this dangerous chemical, consume organically-grown foods. Avoid foods such as soy, corn, various papaya, zucchini, canola, and beet sugar.
Conventional Dairy
Conventional dairy is not organic and is often laden with dangerous antibiotics, pesticide residue, and growth hormones. If you consume homogeneously processed dairy, this action could lead to arterial damage and cardiovascular issues.
HVP (Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein)
HVP is a brown powder produced in a lab setting. Soy, corn, and wheat are boiled in hydrochloric acid and then neutralized with sodium hydroxide, resulting in a powder form of MSG which is added to foods to enhance the taste. While this powder may enhance taste, the long-term effects on the body can be harmful.
Propylene Glycol
This common ingredient is found in toothpaste, shampoo, and body lotions. The liver and kidneys are negatively affected by this ingredient. Use essential oils instead of products that contain this ingredient.
Chlorine & Chloramine
Chlorine can be in liquid and gas form and is found in most city drinking water systems. Ask your local municipality about whether or not they treat water with chlorine. If you swim in pools, avoid pools that are treated with chlorine, instead swim in salt-water or naturally treated pools.
