DANGEROUS TOXIC SUBSTANCES COME FROM FOOD
1. Pesticides
• Used to raise products, these poisons often leave behind residues. They've been linked to everything from cancer to birth defects.
• Solution: Organic foods are required to be synthetic pesticide-free.
2. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) & BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
• These common processed food preservatives have been declared carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. They’re also accused of disrupting hormones and impacting male fertility.
• Solution: Check ingredient lists to avoid.
3. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH/rBST)
• Given to cows to increase milk production, rGBH produces elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in dairy products. IGF-1 is a significant factor in breast, prostate and colon cancers.
• Solution: Choose organic or rBGH-free dairy products.
4. Sodium Aluminum Sulphate and Potassium Aluminum Sulphate
• Used in processed cheese products, baked goods, and microwave popcorn, among other packaged goods, these ingredients are linked to adverse reproductive, neurological & behavioral effects.
• Solution: Read ingredient lists to avoid this toxin.
5. Bisphenol-A (BPA)
• Found in food and beverage can linings, this hormone-mimicker is suspected of promoting breast and prostate cancer, reproductive and behavioral problems, obesity, and diabetes.
• Solution: Avoid canned foods. Choose fresh, dried, or frozen instead.
6. Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate
• Used in deli foods like processed meats, these preservatives are linked to many types of cancer. Beware of “uncured” and “no added nitrites/nitrates” products. They often use celery juice instead, which is high in nitrates.
• Solution: Read ingredient lists to avoid this toxin.
7. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
• These carcinogens are created when fat is burned—by flames or very high heat.
• Solution: Pre-cook grillables and finish over low flame.
8. Heterocyclic Amines
• These carcinogens form when natural substances found in meats and fish react together in high temperatures like those found during grilling.
• Solution: Pre-cook grillables and finish over low flame.
9. Acrylamide
• Formed by cooking or frying starchy foods like potatoes and grains at high temperatures, acrylamide is a carcinogen.
• Solution: Avoid fried foods, snack chips, crackers, toasted cereals, cookies, and bread crusts.
10. Brominated Vegetable Oil
• Used in fruit-flavored drinks and sodas, animal studies found high doses of this toxin led to reproductive and behavioral problems.
• Solution: Check ingredients listings.
11. Artificial Food Coloring/Dyes
• These ubiquitous chemicals have been linked to neurological disorders like ADHD.
• Solution: Read ingredient lists to avoid.
12. Dioxins
• These highly toxic pollutants accumulate in fatty foods and are linked to cancer, liver damage, birth defects, and endocrine and immune disruption.
• Solution: Choose low- or no-fat foods.
