Americans and the Food Additives Diet

The amount of additives in our food is astronomical largely due to amount of processed food we eat and the brainwashing that has been done that tells us the brighter the colored food, the more appealing it is to eat. How sad is it that companies must lure us into eating their overly processed food by injecting all sorts of additives in it to make it pretty and "tastier."

Many additives in the United States are banned in other countries throughout the world due to safety concerns.  Many are known to cause cancer, hyperactivity and a host of all sorts of health problems yet the U.S. Government allows it anyway into our food system. Let's take a look at some of the most common dyes found in our everyday foods.

Red Dye 3

Red dye was banned in the United States in 1990 for use in cosmetics and topical drugs and skincare. Why? Because it's known to cause cancer in laboratory rats.  Yet, for some reason (ahem, company influence), it is still allowed in our food supply. Red Dye is banned in other countries, including Europe due to high safety concerns. Red Dye 3 is made from petroleum. Yes, petroleum.  I mean, the idea of drinking oil is disgusting but drinking soda that contains red dye 3 is perfectly fine? Currently, the FDA is considering banning red dye 3 from our food supply but for now, it is still allowed and has been in our food system for decades. You can find red dye 3 in many food items including Fruit by the Loop Starburst, Entenmann's, Dole fruit cups, and many sodas, candies, even boxed rice and sausages. The best way to avoid red dye 3?  Avoid heavily processed foods (eat a whole pear instead of a dole fruit cup...it's cheaper, too).

Red (Lake) 40

Also derived from petroleum and is generally considered safe among the FDA and paid nutritional experts.  However, it is linked to allergic reactions and migraines. It also has a strong link to hyperactivity in children which also encompasses ADHD in children. It is allowed in the European Union and it won't be going away anytime soon in the United States.  It is found in many processed items such as candy of course but also dairy products, sodas, cereals, and all sorts of commonly found processed foods.  If you suffer from migraines or have a child with ADHD, I would suggest limiting your exposure to this dye.

Blue 2

This dye again is also derived from petroleum and is also known to cause hyperactivity in children (ADHD diagnosis) along with GI issues and allergic reactions to some individuals. This coloring is also found in cereals, candies, snacks and other processed foods. It is considered safe by the FDA and will not be banned anytime soon.

Titanium Dioxide

This is an additive that may not pop on your radar if you are new to eating healthy. It is banned in Europe (but can still be found on European shelves from imported goods). It is used in non food items such as paint, sunscreen, and rubber.  It is used as a food additive to make food more white for consumers to be more drawn to the product. It is used in many overly processed foods such as breads, candies, frostings, and salad dressings. It is widely suggested that it causes many GI problems by weaking the gut lining and it's also been linked to colon cancer (see uptick in colon cancer among young Americans). It's also been linked to damaging not only the immune system but also damaging DNA!

Azodicarbonamide

This additive is generally considered safe by the FDA yet it is banned in Australia, Europe and the UK. It is strongly linked to cancer, some organ damage and failure, behavioral changes (ADHD), and even neurological issues. It is used as a dough conditioner therefore, you will find this in breads and other processed baked goods. It was first used as a "blowing agent" in plastic and rubbers such as yoga mats. It causes respiratory issues such as asthma with long term exposure when inhaled. Most fast food places use this in their breads, and Subway famously took it out of their breads due to backlash from the public.

These are only a several additives found in our processed foods, there are many, many others but these are the most common and the most offensive partly because they are in multiple food items we eat everyday. If you are trying to clean up your diet, I would highly suggest eliminating these ingredients first.  This will eliminate many processed foods with other bad ingredients and you will begin feeling better once your system begins to detox.  Maybe fewer headaches, fewer upset stomachs, possible weight loss, clearer thinking.  Who knows how your body will thank you!