Food Additives and Toxins You Need to Detox Out of Your System

Food Additives and Toxins You Need to Detox Out of Your System

The Western diet has benefited from a number of innovations over the years which has resulted in a prevalence of ultra-processed elements in our food supply. Most of our foods are not only high in added and artificial sugars, sodium, saturated fat, hydrogenated oils and food dyes, they also contain GMOs, synthetic chemicals and herbicides which become toxins in the body and cause metabolic and endocrine disruptions.

As we get more and more exposed to toxins on a regular basis, they build up and can cause bloating, inflammation, stalled metabolism and weight gain. Some are meant to keep us addicted and constantly overeating sweets and sodium filled foods, some cause sleep disruptions, and some even age us prematurely. Toxins are so prevalent that unless one goes on a completely organic diet or can exactly trace all foods to 100% organic sources, they are likely already present and causing damage, and need to be regularly detoxed out.


 
Some of the most harmful toxins and additives are:

Monosodium Glutamate or MSG (E621)
Used as flavor enhancer, can be found in processed meats, various processed foods, canned vegetables and soups. Studies have shown that MSG intake causes disruptions to the leptin – our satiety - hormone, potentially leading to obesity. 
 
Aluminum (E173)
Used in confectionery products and cake decoration as metallic colorant, is very toxic to the body. Growing evidence from studies show that accumulation of this aluminum in cells causes damage to the nervous system, memory and concentration disorders, as well as various gastrointestinal problems.
 
Guar Gum (E412)
Typically used as a thickening and binding agent in prepared salads, soups and smoothies, yogurt and ice cream, has been shown to cause bloating, constipation and intestinal obstruction.
 
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Used to sweeten foods, is one of the most addictive and harmful to health food additives. It raises LDL cholesterol levels, causes weight gain, and contributes to type 2 diabetes. Foods that it is typically found in are maple syrup, baked goods, sodas, juices, condiments like Ketchup, spaghetti sauce, barbecue sauce, many salad dressings, cereal and cereal bars.
 
Sodium Benzoate (E211)
Used as a preservative in cakes, soft drinks, salad dressings, fruit juices, toothpaste and mouthwash, has been found to suppress the leptin hormone - the body's natural satiety hormone.
 
Sucralose (E955)
Used as an artificial sweetener in many low calorie products such as diet sodas, baked goods, chewing gum, gelatins, and frozen dairy desserts. It has been shown to overstimulate appetite and fuel weight gain. In studies with mice, it has been shown to affect the intestinal flora by destroying good gut bacteria.
 
Aspartame (E951)
Used as an artificial sweetener in many foods such as carbonated beverages, “diet” foods and drinks, gelatins, fillings and dairy products, is 200 times sweeter than table sugar. It contains Methanol, which is toxic in large quantities, and can break down chemically inside the body into formaldehyde which is a carcinogen. It is also a proven neurotoxin and can cause premature aging.
 
Acesulfame Potassium K (E950)
Used in soft drinks as an artificial sweetener, protein shakes, drink mixes, frozen desserts, baked goods, candy and gum, has been shown to overstimulate the sweet-taste receptors on the tongue. It has also been found to cause weight gain and shifts in the gut microbiome via altering neuro-metabolic functions, which could potentially lead to obesity and chronic inflammation.
 
Artificial Colors (FD&C Blue No. 1 and No. 2, Red No. 3 and No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and No. 6, Green No. 3)
Used to enhance characteristic colors in many foods to make them look brighter and more appealing. They are typically used on soda, salmon, hot dogs, sausage, breakfast cereal, candy and confectionary goods, however they are commonly derived from petroleum products and can cause sleep disturbances, emotional, mood and behavioral problems.

 

Selected sources:

Ultraprocessed Food: Addictive, Toxic, and Ready for Regulation.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694501/

 Food additives and microbiota

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7117642/

Additional Information about High-Intensity Sweeteners Permitted for Use in Food in the United States.

https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/additional-information-about-high-intensity-sweeteners-permitted-use-food-united-states

Splenda alters gut microflora and increases intestinal p-glycoprotein and cytochrome p-450 in male rats.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18800291/