Which Food Ingredients To Avoid

Which Food Ingredients To Avoid At All Costs

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience and efficiency often take priority over nutrition and health. This approach has serious drawbacks. Let’s explore some of the most common food ingredients to avoid for optimal health. By understanding the potential dangers of these ingredients and making informed choices when it comes to what we consume, we take control of our health and well-being. 

Which Food Ingredients To Avoid – Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners have been widely used as a substitute for sugar due to their low calorie count. However, these sweeteners may not be as harmless as they seem. In fact, many studies have raised concerns about the potential negative effects of consuming artificial sweeteners.¹

One of the main reasons why people choose artificial sweeteners is because they are marketed as safe and healthy alternatives to sugar. However, this is not necessarily true. The most common types of artificial sweeteners include saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame.

Saccharin has been linked to an increased risk of bladder issues in animal studies. Sucralose, on the other hand, has been shown to affect gut bacteria and disrupt metabolic processes in the body. Aspartame has also been associated with several health concerns such as headaches, dizziness, and digestive issues.^{2 3 4}

Aside from the health risks, consuming artificial sweeteners often have a negative impact on our food choices. Many people believe that by using these sweeteners in their food and drinks, they are making healthier choices. However, this generally leads to overconsumption of unhealthy foods that contain high levels of calories.⁵

Furthermore, artificial sweeteners have been found to increase cravings for sugary foods, leading to a cycle of consuming more and more sweetened products. This can lead to weight gain and other health issues related to excessive sugar intake.⁶

To avoid the potential negative effects of artificial sweeteners, it is important to be aware of their presence in food and drinks. Reading nutrition labels carefully can help identify foods that contain these sweeteners. Some common products that contain artificial sweeteners include diet soda, sugar-free candy, and flavored yogurt.

Read more about the link between artificial sweeteners and health.

Which Food Ingredients To Avoid – Colorants

Colorants are substances that are added to food products in order to enhance their appearance. While they may make our food look more attractive, some colorants have negative effects on our health.

There are two types of colorants commonly used in food products: artificial and natural. Artificial colorants are chemically synthesized while natural colorants come from plant, animal, or mineral sources.

Tartrazine (E102)

Tartrazine (E102) is an artificial yellow colorant commonly found in processed foods such as candies, snacks, and soft drinks. It has been known to cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children.⁷

Carmine (E120)

Carmine (E120) is a natural red colorant that is derived from crushed beetles and is often used in foods such as juices, candies, and bakery products. It has been shown to cause allergic reactions in some people.⁸

Sunset Yellow (E110)

Sunset Yellow (E110) is similar to tartrazine, as this artificial yellow colorant has been associated with hyperactivity in children and may also cause digestive issues.⁹

Titanium Dioxide (E171)

Titanium Dioxide (E171) is a white colorant commonly used in toothpaste, gum, and other food products for its brightening effect. However, it has been linked to negative effects on the digestive and immune systems.¹⁰

Allura Red (E129)

Allura Red (E129) is an artificial red colorant that is often used in candies, desserts, and beverages. It has been shown to cause allergic reactions and has also been linked to hyperactivity in children.¹¹

It’s important to read food labels carefully and avoid products that contain these harmful colorants.

Which Food Ingredients To Avoid – Processed Meats

Processed meats, also known as preserved meats, are those that undergo processing or preservation techniques to extend their shelf life. These methods include smoking, curing, salting, and adding chemical preservatives. While these techniques make the meat last longer and enhance its flavor, they have been linked to several health concerns.

Processed meats often contain high levels of preservatives such as nitrates and nitrites. These chemicals are used to prevent bacterial growth and give the meat a longer shelf life. However, consuming excessive amounts of these preservatives has been linked to health issues.¹²

Processed meats are often high in sodium, which is added during the curing process. Excessive intake of sodium can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.¹³

Compared to fresh meats, processed meats have a lower nutritional value. The processing methods used strip away many essential nutrients and vitamins found in fresh meat. Various studies have shown that regular consumption of processed meats increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.¹³

In addition to preservatives, processed meats may also contain other additives such as emulsifiers, flavorings, and colorants. These additives have negative effects on our health when consumed regularly.¹⁴

Which Food Ingredients To Avoid – High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a type of sweetener that is commonly used in processed foods and beverages. It is made by converting corn starch into glucose, and then further converting some of the glucose into fructose. While it may seem like a natural ingredient since it comes from corn, HFCS has been linked to various health issues and should be avoided as much as possible.¹⁵

Soft drinks are one of the main sources of HFCS in the average diet. A 12 oz can of soda can have up to 40 grams of sugar, most of which comes from HFCS.¹⁶

Many packaged snacks such as cookies, crackers, and chips also contain high fructose corn syrup. Canned fruit cups and cocktails often have added sugars, including HFCS. These foods may not seem like they have a lot of added sugar, but even small amounts add up quickly.

Ketchup, barbecue sauce, salad dressings, and other condiments often use HFCS as a sweetener. Many popular breakfast cereals are high in sugar and may contain HFCS as an ingredient. Cookies, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods often use high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener. It’s important to read nutrition labels and choose food with less added sugars.¹⁷

Which Food Ingredients To Avoid – Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils are extracted from various plants, such as corn, soybean, sunflower, canola, and safflower. These oils are used in a variety of processed foods and are also commonly found in many households for cooking purposes.

While some vegetable oils may be marketed as “heart-healthy” or “natural,” it’s important to understand that they may not be as healthy as advertised. In fact, vegetable oils have negative effects on our health due to the way they are processed and the high levels of rancid omega-6 fatty acids they contain.¹⁸

One of the main reasons to avoid vegetable oils is their high content of omega-6 fatty acids. While our bodies do need some amount of this essential fatty acid, consuming too much leads to inflammation in the body.¹⁹

Additionally, changing vegetable oils into a solid like margarine requires a process called hydrogenation. This process creates trans fats, which are known to be extremely harmful to our health. Trans fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions.²⁰

The easiest way to avoid vegetable oils is by reading food labels carefully. Most processed foods contain some form of vegetable oil, so it’s important to check the ingredients list before purchasing a product. Instead of using vegetable oils for cooking and baking, opt for healthier alternatives such as olive oil or coconut oil.

Another way to reduce your intake of vegetable oils is by cooking meals at home from scratch. This way, you have control over the ingredients and can choose healthier options for your cooking oils.

Read more about the link between vegetable oil and heart disease.

5Rs To Restoring Health

The ingredients discussed above are toxic and cause a wide range of health complications that include cellular membrane inflammation. Cellular membrane inflammation causes changes in the permeability of cells making it harder to bring in raw materials needed for ATP production and remove the byproducts of cellular respiration.²¹ 

This leads to cells that fill up with toxins and trigger undesirable epigenetic changes that code for various diseases. Additionally, cellular membrane inflammation changes the shape of hormone receptors located on the membrane resulting in hormone resistance that is linked to hormone complications throughout the body.²² To deal with these toxins and the negative health consequences they cause, I have developed a system that I call my 5Rs.

R1 Removing The Source

The first step in removing the source of toxins that are contained in processed foods is to stop eating these foods. Ideally, follow a diet like my Cellular Healing Diet. 

R2 Regenerating The Cellular Membrane

The key to getting well involves fixing the cell. To accomplish this, we must regenerate the cellular membrane. Using a combination of nutraceuticals and a diet rich in healthy fats, we can restore cellular membrane permeability, allowing toxins to finally exit the cell.

R3 Restoring Cellular Energy Production

After removing toxic waste products from the cell by way of restoring cellular membrane function, new by-products are able to enter that enable optimal ATP production. When ATP is being produced readily, the cell can also produce glutathione, enhancing detoxification properties.^{23 24}

R4 Downregulating Cellular Membrane Inflammation

After cellular membranes are inflamed, it continues until specific nutraceuticals are used to put an end to this inflammation for good. It is only then that our cells can function normally and promote overall health.²⁵

R5 Reestablishing Methylation

Toxins sap methyl groups that are required to turn on and off genes. By providing methyl donors as part of the Pompa Program, we allow the cell to optimize epigenetic expression.²⁶

Which Food Ingredients To Avoid

It is important to be mindful of which food ingredients to avoid. Artificial sweeteners, colorants, processed meats, high fructose corn syrup, and vegetable oils are just some of the ingredients that should be avoided as much as possible. Opt for natural alternatives and whole foods to ensure a healthier diet.

To learn even more about a healthy diet and my 5Rs, join me in my free webinar or read more about artificial sweeteners.

References

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