When there is cancer diagnosis, the immune system is compromised, it's sick. When the immune system is compromised, everything that goes in and on the body should be toxin free. Start reading labels and researching ingredients.
Be aware that the FDA and EPA do not have your back. For one, the personal care and cosmetic product industry is not regulated at all. Zero regulations for ingredient safety. Second, it's worth noting that the FDA allows over 10,000 chemical additives in our food supply. The EPA is loyal to chemical companies -- big business. These chemical additives that go into our food are not independently tested for safety. The FDA accepts the biased studies from the chemical or food manufacturer and then labels it as "GRAS" which means "generally recognized as safe". Why would anyone want something with questionable safety going into their body?
It's not just food additives we need to be concerned with -- don't forget personal care products. Our skin is our largest organ. Everything we put on it will end up in our bloodstream.
Remember: every drug or chemical that was recalled due to death or injury was once deemed safe by the FDA.
* The below lists do not include all toxins, just the most critical ones. Please visit the Environmental Working Group for more information.
Artificial Flavoring & Coloring
Your exposure to artificial flavorings is almost unavoidable. Their prevalence is widespread in a variety of food products and are used to enhance the taste or mimic natural flavors. Extremely limited research has been conducted on the toxic effects of artificial flavorings, posing the question… what are the long term health consequences? Food coloring from the presence of food dyes is also used to present a desirable color to the consumer, which mimics its natural state. Some of the most critical food colorings you should avoid include red and yellow food dyes. Some of the known chemicals used in artificial flavoring such as alpha-diketone and diacetyl are known to cause problems like respiratory complications and may trigger fibrosis. Convincing evidence supports that artificial food colorings cause severe reactions associated with hypersensitivity, increased cancer risks, and thyroid dysfunction. These toxins can be found in cheeses, coffee, baked goods, snacks, oil, juices, prepared foods, and most processed foods.
Artificial Sweeteners
These synthetic sugars stimulate the sweet receptors on our tongue by up to 7,000 times stronger than natural sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners were first discovered during a mistake in a lab decades ago but since has taken off in various forms in the marketplace. Eliminate artificial sweeteners from your diet and use healthier and natural options like honey, maple syrup, and organic green stevia. These toxins are associated with reduced HDL “good” cholesterol and antioxidant activity, metabolic dysfunction, leukemia, brain tumors and lymphoma. They can be found in diet foods and beverages. Examples include acesulfame potassium and aspartame. A few popular marketed brands include Sunett, Sweet One, Equal, and NutraSweet.
Benzoate (Sodium Benzoate)
This chemical is designed as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It is added as a food preservative and it is best to be avoided. Benzoate creates digestive upset by suppressing digestive enzyme activity. Symptoms associated with benzoate consumption include gastrointestinal upset, headaches, and inflammatory responses such as asthma, ADHD, and hyperactivity. Benzoate can be found in low-sugar foods, condiments, milk, salad dressings, margarine, syrups, cereal, fruit jams, etc.
BHA And BHT (E320)
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing the flavor or becoming rancid. Affects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has a potential to cause cancer. BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body. This toxin is found in potato chips, gum, cereal, frozen sausages, enriched rice, lard, shortening, candy, jello.
Carrageenan
Eliminating this food additive from your diet is critical and is especially a concern for newborns. Carrageenan is easily absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and poses a significant harm in its metabolized forms in the body. Extracted from certain seaweeds, carrageenan is intended for use to replace fat and thicken foods and beverages. Carrageenan is a possible human carcinogen to cause cancer, GI disturbances including disease, and weakened immunity. It is found in infant formula, deli meats, many dairy alternative products, some milk products and many prepared and processed foods and condiments -- salad dressing, seasonings, etc.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a highly-refined artificial sweetener which has become the number one source of calories in America. It is found in almost all processed foods. HFCS packs on the pounds faster than any other ingredient, increases your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, and contributes to the development of diabetes and tissue damage, among other harmful effects. It's found in most processed foods, bread, candy, flavored yogurts, salad dressings, canned vegetables, cereals.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / E621)
MSG is an amino acid used as a flavor enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen entrees, and many restaurant foods. MSG is known as an excitotoxin, a substance which overexcites cells to the point of damage or death. Studies show that regular consumption of MSG may result in adverse side effects which include depression, disorientation, eye damage, fatigue, headaches, and obesity. MSG affects the neurological pathways of the brain and disengages the "I'm full" function which explains the effects of weight gain. It's commonly found in restaurant Chinese food, many snacks, chips, cookies, seasonings, most Campbell Soup products, frozen dinners and lunch meats.
Partially Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils are one of the worst offenders to our health and their prevalence is also widespread in many of the foods we eat. Hydrogenated oils stimulate inflammation in the body leading to the damage of cellular membranes and a wide array of chronic diseases to follow. its use results from manufacturer’s desire for cheap production. A compound is bombarded with hydrogen in a lab in order to create a denser oil to be used as an alternative to butter. Trans-fats should be eliminated entirely from your diet. Hydrogenated oils contribute to diabetes, heart disease, slow metabolism, and cancer. You can find them in shortenings such as margarine and products containing fat and oils including crackers, baked goods, fried foods, frosting, and microwave popcorn. Eating omega-3 rich fats found in foods produced with olive oil and coconut oil is an excellent way to avoid the dangers of hydrogenated oils.
Potassium Bromate
An additive used to increase volume in some white flour, bread, and rolls, potassium bromate is known to cause cancer in animals. Even small amounts in bread can create problems for humans. It's found in packaged and commercially manufactured bread.
Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite
Sodium nitrate (or sodium nitrite) is used as a preservative, coloring, and flavoring in bacon, ham, hot dogs, lunch meats, corned beef, smoked fish and other processed meats. This ingredient, which sounds harmless, is actually highly carcinogenic once it enters the human digestive system. There, it forms a variety of nitrosamine compounds that enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc with a number of internal organs: the liver and pancreas in particular. Sodium nitrite is widely regarded as a toxic ingredient, and the USDA actually tried to ban this additive in the 1970's but was vetoed by food manufacturers who complained they had no alternative for preserving packaged meat products. Why does the industry still use it? Simple: this chemical just happens to turn meats bright red. It's actually a color fixer, and it makes old, dead meats appear fresh and vibrant. It's found in hotdogs, bacon, ham, lunch meat, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat.
Trans Fat
Trans fat is used to enhance and extend the shelf life of food products and is among the most dangerous substances that you can consume. Found in deep-fried fast foods and certain processed foods made with margarine or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fats are formed by a process called hydrogenation. Numerous studies show that trans fat increase LDL cholesterol levels while decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increases the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, and strokes, and contributes to increased inflammation, diabetes, and other health problems. Oils and fat are now forbidden on the Danish market if they contain trans fatty acids exceeding 2 per cent, a move that effectively bans partially hydrogenated oils.
Aluminum
A chemical salt with absorbent and disinfectant properties, it's often used in deodorants and antiperspirants, and is easily absorbed into the skin. A recent study of breast cancer patients found higher amounts of aluminum in the outer regions of the breast where antiperspirant is usually applied. A study in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health showed that aluminum accumulation in body tissues leads to impaired kidney function, bone disease, and tissue damage. In addition, aluminum has also been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Besides deodorant, aluminum is also found in cosmetics such as lipstick, powders and creams (used as a thickening agent).
Fluoride
Water fluoridation has been banned in many countries including China, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Japan. Nearly all of Europe's water supply is fluoride-free. However, fluoride dangers are everywhere in America, not just in toothpaste. It can cause reproduction problems, brain damage, early puberty, arthritis, bone damage, abnormal thyroid function. Fluoride has been found in canned soup, food cooked in Teflon cookware, soda pop and soft drinks, commercial fruit juice, beer and wine (unless they are imported from an area that does not fluoridate the water), tea (all tea except herbal tea is naturally high in fluoride, even organic tea), Kombucha (kombucha is made from tea), anesthetics, many pharmaceutical drugs.
Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative and found in embalming fluid, formaldehyde is often an ingredient in conventional personal care products. Nail polish, shampoos, body and hand soaps, cosmetics, hair sprays, and children’s personal care products can contain formaldehyde. It can affect the immune system, respiratory system, nervous system and may be cancer causing.
Fragrance
Scented products get their smell from fragrance, often made from synthetic chemicals. Companies don’t have to list the specific chemicals by claiming that the formula is a “trade secret”. According to the Environmental Working Group, there are over 3,100 standard chemicals used to make fragrances.(2)Fragrance chemicals have been linked to cancer, asthma, muscle weakness, irritation, depression, and may be affecting hormones, glands, and the nervous system. While fragrances can pretty much be found in any product these days, personal care products that often contain them include feminine care products, facial cleansers, anti-aging products, dental floss, lotions, shampoos, soaps, antiperspirants, perfumes, colognes, and body washes.
Glycols
Glycols help keep moisture in the skin. While well-intended, they may cause skin rash, irritation, birth defects, kidney damage, and damage to the reproductive system. Glycols can be found in lotions, shampoos, anti-aging products, body washes, facial cleansers, cosmetics such as mascaras and foundations, and sunscreen.
Methylene chloride
This chemical emits a mild and sweet odor. Unfortunately, it’s a type of solvent and in the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) family that may contribute to cancer. It may also affect sight, hearing, and motor functions controlled by the nervous system. Methylene chloride can be found in aerosol deodorant, hair spray, and other aerosol spray products.
Phthalates
These chemicals are endocrine-disruptors and are linked to a long list of health ills ranging from infertility and trouble losing weight to birth defects in kids and even certain cancers. A study from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found phthalates in each of the 289 men and women tested. Possible health effects of phthalates include liver and kidney abnormalities, birth defects, cancer, allergies, and asthma. Phthalates can be found in shampoos, body soaps, hand soaps, cosmetics, shaving creams, aftershaves, moisturizers, nail polish, and fragrances.
Triclosan
Common in antibacterial and disinfectant soaps, triclosan is an ingredient intended to reduce or prevent bacteria. It’s been found by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be equally as effective as soap and water. Why choose products without triclosan? It may affect thyroid and reproductive systems, and may be harmful to the liver and immune system. Triclosan can be found in toothpaste, acne products, body wash, nail polish, antiperspirant and deodorant.
Sodium Benzoate
Preserving personal care products with sodium benzoate may be contributing to hyperactivity in children. Sodium benzoate can be found in joint and muscle pain products, mouthwashes, sunless tanning agents, toothpastes, facial cleansers, conditioners, hair bleach and hair color, insect repellants, and nail polish.
Parabens
Here’s another chemical that the CDC has found in nearly all Americans participating in studies: Parabens have been linked to potential health disruption of the reproductive system, nervous system, hormones and glands, and could contribute to cancer.
They can be found in moisturizers and lotions, powders, anti aging products, feminine care products, scrubs, toothpaste, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, antiperspirants,, and deodorants.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Known for producing foam and cutting grease, SLS is a commonly used type of sulfate that removes moisture from the skin and may be causing hair loss, allergic reactions, and hormone disruption. SLS can be found in foaming soaps, shampoos, and mouthwash.
Synthetic Colors
Color with caution. Products with labels listing FD&C or D&C with a number after it could be causing cancer. Synthetic colors can be found in cold medicine, vitamins, cosmetics such as eye shadow, blush and eye liners, cleaners and soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, moisturizer and many more products.
Chloroform
When chlorine is added to water, this chemical is formed. It is a colorless liquid that has a slightly sweet taste, non-irritating, and pleasant aroma. Chloroform is used in the production of other chemicals. The risks include reproductive defects, birth abnormalities, dizziness, fatigue, liver and kidney damage, headache, and cancer. Both water and food consumption can contain chloroform as can the air. Avoid processed foods and filter your water.
DEET
Bedsides damaging any plastic, rubber and vinyl on your clothing, shoes, backpacks and glasses, DEET is known to irritate the eyes and in intense doses it may induce neurological damage. When DEET is applied to the skin, especially for an extended period of time, it can cause adverse reactions like redness, rash, swelling and hives. In rare cases, DEET has been reported to impair the nervous system, with symptoms including seizures, tremors and slurred speech – this most often occurs after exposure to high concentrations of the chemical.
Dioxins
Industrial combustion processes produce chemical compounds known as dioxins. The burning of fuels from coal, oil, and wood as well as commercial and municipal waste incineration results in the synthesis of dioxin chemicals into the environment. The risks include reproductive and developmental disorders, skin irritations including a severe skin disease known as chloracne, excessive body hair, liver damage, and cancer. It is found in commercial animal fats.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals are extremely prevalent in the environment around us and can readily build up in soft body tissue. Some of the most concerning include mercury, aluminum, lead, cadmium, and arsenic. The risks include neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, impaired cognitive thought, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, blood vessel damage, abnormal heart rhythm, reduced production of red and white blood cells, and cancer. You can find metals in pesticides, aluminum cookware, certain types of fish, deodorant, some baking powder, vaccines, dental amalgams, some toys and products from China, old lead pipes and lead-pigment paint.
Pesticides
Alarming amounts of pesticide residue is detectable in up to 95% of foods in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the following percentages of pesticides are carcinogenic:
- 90% of fungicides
- 60% of herbicides
- 30% of insecticides
The risks are Parkinson’s disease, miscarriage, birth defects, nerve damage, nutrient malabsorption, and cancer. These toxins can be found in bug spray and conventionally grown produce including fruits and vegetables, and commercially produced meat products.
Eating high quality whole foods sourced organically and locally is one of the best ways to limit exposure to many environmental toxins. It is critical to focus on an organic, anti-inflammatory diet and reduce exposure to toxins. Organic produced foods are more likely to have fewer toxins because their soil is healthier and natural pesticide strategies are used. The following tips are other strategies to consider to prevent disease from developing:
- Drink purified water and install a shower and/or bathtub water filter
- Avoid chemical cleaning products -- there are many DIY recipes online
- Eliminate the use of synthetic fragrances on your body (cologne, perfume) and around your home (candles, incense, air fresheners, aromatic plug-ins)
- Avoid GMOs in food
- Eat only wild caught seafood and organic animal products from 100% grass-fed sources
- Increase the time you spend outdoors and open windows in home when possible
- Use non-toxic cookware such as glass and cast-iron
- Use natural pesticide remedies and avoid synthetic spray
- Avoid the use of plastic storage containers and bottles in favor of glass or stainless steel
- Read every label and research the ingredients
- Environmental Working Group -- for excellent product guides for ingredient and brand information
- Vani Hari aka "The Food Babe" - food investigator and author
- Phthalates, Fat-Promoting Chemicals, Are Hiding Out Here
- Dining out associated with increased exposure to harmful chemicals called phthalates
- 6 Ways To Detox Fluoride – A Known Neurotoxin
- Why I’m Concerned About the Dangers of Aluminum
- How to avoid toxins in house cleaners