If the chemicals and additives in our foods had immediate reactions, we would all be dead. Not joking. The only reason we think the foods we eat are safe is because there is a delay between when you eat it and when you experience medical problems. We’re slowly poisoning ourselves, one bite at a time, with the long-term consequences being devastating, even fatal.
I talk to people a lot about food. We talk about what to eat and what NOT to eat. I often tell people to eat food that’s just food — no additives, preservatives, artificial coloring, chemicals, hormones, genetically modified organisms or any other non-food products. I follow my grandmother’s adage, “If you can’t read it, don’t eat it.”
And honestly, that advice is more relevant now than ever. The sheer volume of synthetic ingredients creeping into our daily diets (and lives!) is alarming. Just take a look at this eye-opening video on Instagram. It really makes you think about what we’re putting into our bodies.
There are so many hidden dangers to the food additives and environmental toxins that are common. While many additives are generally regarded as safe by governing agencies, the long term effects of consistent consumption, and the synergistic effects of multiple additives are not fully understood. It’s time to dig deeper and challenge what we think we know.
Here’s a breakdown of ten hidden dangers to watch out for:
- PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances):
- Hidden Danger: Beyond non-stick pans, PFAS are now found in food packaging, clothing, and even cosmetics. France recently banned their use in these products, highlighting the growing concern.
- Health Risks: Linked to kidney and liver damage, immune system disruption, and increased risk of certain cancers.
- Autoimmune: Disrupts hormone function and increases systemic inflammation.
- Artificial Red Dye #3 (Erythrosine):
- Hidden Danger: Despite decades of research linking it to cancer, the FDA only recently banned this dye in food products. This reveals a concerning lag in regulatory action.
- Health Risks: Increased risk of thyroid tumors and potential carcinogenic effects.
- Cancer: Directly linked to increased cancer risk.
- Triclosan (in Dish Soap and Personal Care Products):
- Hidden Danger: Often overlooked, triclosan, found in many dish soaps, reacts with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform, a known carcinogen.
- Health Risks: Liver cancer, endocrine disruption, and antibiotic resistance.
- Cancer: Direct link to increased cancer risk.
- Microplastics (Especially Black Plastics):
- Hidden Danger: Black plastics often contain higher levels of harmful additives and are more prone to leaching microplastics into food and beverages.
- Health Risks: Gut microbiome disruption, inflammation, and potential endocrine disruption.
- Gut/Autoimmune: causes gut inflammation and can trigger autoimmune responses.
- “Natural Flavors”:
- Hidden Danger: This vague term can mask a cocktail of hundreds of chemical ingredients, often derived from non-natural sources.
- Health Risks: Potential allergic reactions, gut issues, and long-term effects are largely unknown.
- Gut: Can cause digestive distress.
- Glyphosate (in Non-Organic Produce):
- Hidden Danger: This widely used herbicide has been linked to various health problems, and residues are often found in non-organic foods.
- Health Risks: Potential carcinogenic effects, gut microbiome disruption, and endocrine disruption.
- Cancer/Gut: potential for increased cancer risk, and severe gut problems.
- Heavy Metals (in Rice and Seafood):
- Hidden Danger: Arsenic, mercury, and lead can accumulate in certain foods, posing a serious health risk.
- Health Risks: Neurological damage, kidney problems, and increased risk of certain cancers.
- Brain: neurological damage.
- Phthalates (in Plastic Food Packaging):
- Hidden Danger: These chemicals leach into food from plastic packaging, especially when heated.
- Health Risks: Endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, and potential developmental issues.
- Autoimmune: Disrupts hormone function.
- Acrylamide (in Fried and Baked Foods):
- Hidden Danger: Formed during high-heat cooking, acrylamide is a potential carcinogen.
- Health Risks: Increased risk of certain cancers.
- Cancer: Direct link to increased cancer risk.
- Flame Retardants (PBDEs) in Household Dust:
- Hidden Danger: These chemicals, used in furniture and electronics, accumulate in household dust and can be ingested.
- Health Risks: Endocrine disruption, developmental problems, and potential neurological effects.
- Brain/Autoimmune: Affects brain development and hormone function.
It’s crucial to understand that these toxins are not always obvious. We’re exposed to them daily, often without realizing it.
What Can You Do?
- Challenge the “Safe” Label: Don’t blindly trust regulatory claims. Do your own research.
- Filter Your Water: Reduce exposure to heavy metals and other contaminants.
- Minimize Plastic Use: Especially avoid heating food in plastic containers.
- Prioritize Organic: Reduce exposure to pesticides and herbicides.
- Clean Mindfully: Use non-toxic cleaning products and reduce dust accumulation.
- Stay Informed: Follow reputable sources for the latest research.
Our health is our most valuable asset. By making informed choices, we can protect ourselves and our families from the hidden dangers lurking in our pantries and homes.
What are your thoughts on these hidden dangers? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!