Food Ingredients to Ditch - part 2

While the list of foods to avoid seems to grow by the day, the outcome is worth it. Eliminating highly inflammatory and toxic food products from our diet is key to supporting our immune system and reducing autoimmune flare ups.

I received such a response regarding my recent Food Label Ingredients to Ditch post that I've decided to share a few more items that are also on the list, and why. Don’t worry, I’ll follow up with an article about my favorite healthy swaps so you can still make your favorite treats and recipes. But for now, let’s kick these ingredients to the curb, for good!

Here are five more ingredients on food labels to be wary of:

 1.      Enriched Wheat:

Avoid anything that is labeled “enriched,” but especially enriched wheat.  Enriched wheat has added niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid and iron after they had already been removed during processing.  While these have been added back, the wheat now holds little to none of the nutritional value it started with because it’s not in its natural form. While I generally recommend avoiding gluten entirely, if you are eating wheat, consider whole grains that are not genetically modified (GMO).

2.      Sugar:

Did you know that sugar is more addictive than heroin? No wonder we can't get enough, and that it’s found in all our food products! Such a massive intake of sugar can influence an irregular metabolism, high blood pressure and eventually have a negative impact on the liver. It also contributes to hormonal imbalances, severe PMS symptoms, headaches, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and chronic inflammation. We learn all about sugar cycles and the impact on the body in my Sugar Detox Workshop, as well as the many names for sugar touted on your food labels. Consider detoxing from sugar to see how many of symptoms are related to what you’re eating, and not your disease. Healthy sweeteners include pure maple syrup, raw local honey, and coconut sugar.

3.      Sucralose:

Normally found in little yellow packets, sodas and protein shakes, sucralose is extremely dangerous.  Also called chlorinated sugar, sucralose contains chlorine, which is prevalent in bleach and disinfectants.  Chlorine does not at all work with your metabolic process and can even damage it if you consume enough.

4.      Aspartame:

While aspartame is 200 times sweeter than conventional sugar and only has four calories per gram, it is considered a “multi-level carcinogen.” Its found in brand names like NutraSweet or Equal and common in diet sodas, chewing gum and ‘sugar free’ foods. Sensitivity symptoms include hyperactivity in children, headaches, fatigue, and irritability.

5.      Polysorbate 80:

Normally found in ice cream and vaccines, polysorbate 80 can have severe negative effects on your health.  Toxicology reports have found that polysorbate 80 weakens the immune system, and has been linked to the cancer causing agent dioxane. While it’s common in baked goods, doughnuts, frozen desserts, and candies, It is also found in the personal care products. Polysorbate 80 can be found in medications Nexium® and Prevacid®, personal wipes, cosmetics, and many personal care items. Check your labels. 

Eliminating foods can be challenging, but once you eliminate these, especially the artificial sweeteners, you’re opened up to a whole new set of taste buds. I never appreciated the sweetness of a carrot or green apple before removing sugars. I also never ventured outside my food comfort zone, only eating the same things all the time. Now I enjoy almost all vegetables, and crave the nutrient density of my meals. I’m more in tune to what my body needs, and no longer dependent on the chronic sugar roller coaster I had been on for years.