Harmful Food Additives

Food additives are in almost everything, and a lot of them can cause adverse effects that we do not want, especially in our children. When we are young and growing, it is even more important to eat a well-balanced and nutritive diet. We should be aware of any harmful things that get added into our food. 

The first additive I will discuss is artificial sweeteners. The first side effect I found when looking into this was the effect saccharin, an artificial sweetener, has on the human bladder. Cases of particularly males have come up with more risk for bladder cancer. The Mayo Clinic reported that the use of some artificial sweeteners is linked to a higher risk of stroke, heart disease, and death. They also reported that some cause gut issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Many of these risks are minimal but should give us something to think about before adding them into our daily diet. 

The second additive I will touch on is HFCS, or high fructose corn syrup. This substance is banned in other countries but is still served in America today. Many companies have recipes that don't contain HFCS, which is used in other countries, but they still serve Americans with the HFCS-containing version. This additive has been linked to the obesity epidemic in America. It is in so many foods that our children eat and does more harm than good. 

The last additive I will discuss is food dyes. This is an artificial food additive that is in so many things, especially things that children eat. It has now been linked to the development of ADHD in children. They found that since pharmaceuticals can’t do much more about this issue, the diet needed to be used to support and heal it. This is even important when a mother is pregnant and lactating. The two things recommended to avoid are artificial food dyes and preservatives. I think that if a child and a pregnant mother are advised not to eat these additives, then everyone shouldn’t. Even after ADHD has been diagnosed, cutting these foods out may help reverse the symptoms. 

Overall, we should educate ourselves further about what put in our bodies. Food additives should be closely watched and researched to see if they are in fact safe for consumption. Artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives should be avoided in ones diet. I will also recommend looking into what Europe bans and what we don't. They are much more strict about what they allow their people to eat, and it is something to admire. Things like high fructose corn syrup, that are not helping our bodies in any way and actually damaging it, should be banned and taken out of our foods. We can help make these changes by refusing to allow and support companies using these harmful ingredients. 

 -       I am Gabby Stout, founder of Soul of the Lotus LLC. I have a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences with an Herbalism Specialization. Please feel free to email me with any questions or shop on my website to start enjoying holistic wellness products today!

References

Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes. (2023, January 10). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936

Karr, T. J. (2018). Our Journey with Food, 2nd edition.

Bray GA, Nielsen SJ, Popkin BM. Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Apr;79(4):537-43. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/79.4.537. Erratum in: Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Oct;80(4):1090. PMID: 15051594.

Konikowska K, Regulska-Ilow B, Rózańska D. The influence of components of diet on the symptoms of ADHD in children. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2012;63(2):127-34. PMID: 22928358.

Howe GR, Burch JD, Miller AB, Morrison B, Gordon P, Weldon L, Chambers LW, Fodor G, Winsor GM. Artificial sweeteners and human bladder cancer. Lancet. 1977 Sep 17;2(8038):578-81. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(77)91428-3. PMID: 71398.