Do you really know what's in your food?

It is becoming more and more difficult to know exactly what is in the food we are eating.  The food industry seems hell bent on stuffing our food with a whole host of additives, colorings and flavorings which are harmful at best and out right dangerous in lots of cases.  The only benefits to be obtained from all this is purely for the food industry as it means their products have a longer shelf life and are "tastier".

Natural Flavor:

You're probably thinking that there's no problem with this one as it has the word "natural" in it, which would lead any member of the general public to believe that it is harmless for human consumption.  However, natural flavors hardly differ from other artificial flavors.  Both natural and artificial flavorings are synthesized in laboratories and often use hexane - a toxic component of gasoline.  The FDA does not require labeling of trace ingredients, so the sources often remain a mystery to consumers.

Some natural flavors contain perfectly harmless ingredients such as spice and tamarind extracts.  However, there are more harmful components such as castoreum, or excretions from a gland near the rear end of a beaver!  Monosodium Glutamate, or MSG, is quite often and surprisingly found in many organic food products.  MSG is a flavor enhancer which has been linked to obesity and behavioral disorders, this is quite often disguised on labels as "yeast extract" or "soy protein isolate".

Artificial Colors:

In order to make foods and drinks appear attractive and healthy, petroleum-derived synthetic food dyes are commonly used.  The FDA requires food manufacturers to list all synthetic color additives, such as Blue 2 or Yellow 6, by name on labels for ingredients, as well as two allergenic colorings, carmine and cochineal extract, which are made from insects.  However, other colorings are allowed to be listed as "artificial colors", "color added" or similar terminology.  What we do know, is that many artificial colorings have been linked to hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder (ADD) and also for being carcinogenic.  In a report published in 2010, the Center for Science in the Public Interest stated that many food colorings have not been properly tested for safety, yet they are widely used and often undisclosed.

Flavor Packs:

I had never heard of these until recently.  Largely engineered from synthesized pulp, peel and orange essences, flavor packs are used to reinvigorate pasteurized orange juice after it has been stored for UP TO A YEAR in air tight containers.  For over 30 years, manufacturers have used flavor packs to infuse juice with flavor that has been lost during the storage process.  However, due to a loophole in the FDA labeling laws you will quite often find the words "100% pure and natural" on the label.  Formulas for flavor packs are proprietary, which means the consumers have little of no idea of what they are drinking.  If you want juice, make it fresh at home and drink straight away before the vitamins are lost and the sugar ferments.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

These seem to be on everybody's mind lately - and so they should be.  We all know the dangers - or at least we should, of GMOs and the despicable behavior of Monsanto and those that support the use of GMOs in our foods.  GMOs are found in nearly 80% of American processed foods and are produced when genes from one plant or animal are inserted into another plant or animal to create desirable changes.  Almost 90% of conventionally grown corn, canola, soybean and sugar beet crops have been genetically modified.  If you add that to the dairy produce obtained from cows that have been treated with the genetically engineered hormone rBGH, and meat and eggs from animals fed genetically modified feed there is no end to our exposure to this multi billion dollar business.  Multi billion dollar business for Monsanto at least!

There have been no long-term safety studies on GMOs, and the few short-term studies have indicated serious concerns related to infertility and immune problems.  If you want to avoid GMO foods, you must buy produce, dairy and meats with the "USDA Organic" label; avoid all processed foods and high-fructose corn syrup and look for the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

By now you might remember a post I wrote back in February about how healthy your may or may not be.  This included a section on Bisphenol A (BPA) which is a plastic hardener used in the lining of cans, plastic bottles and cash-register receipts.  BPA has been linked to increased rates of heart disease, cancer and, believe it or not, sexual dysfunction, unfortunately children are at a greater risk from this chemical.  However, there are several companies that are beginning to phase out BPA linings in their cans: Natural Factor, Native Forest and Eden Organic.

Unfortunately in March 2012, the FDA rejected a petition from the Natural Resources Defense Council calling for a ban on products containing BPA, the FDA ruled that "theres is not compelling scientific evidence to justify new restrictions".  Meanwhile, nearly all Americans have traces of BPA in their urine samples.

Social Nutrition:
You can make an appointment to improve your health with Social Nutrition either in person (Madrid) or online (Skype).  Just send an email to lucycarr@socialnutrition.com

How safe is your home?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an alarming report, Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals 2012, which is a follow-up to a 2002 report entitled Global Assessment of the State-of-the-Science of Endocrine Disruptors.

Now so far your are probably thinking "So?  Why do I need to know this?"  But the truth is you do need to know this and you need to care.  Both these reports studied the effect of everyday household products made with man-made chemicals that are seriously affecting our health.

The 2002 report commissioned in 1997, the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), a joint programme of WHO, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Labour Organization, stated in it's general conclusions that:

"Although it is clear that certain environmental chemicals can interfere with normal hormonal processes, there is weak evidence that human health has been adversely affected by exposure to endocrine-active chemicals.  However, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that adverse endocrine-mediated effects have occurred in some wildlife species.  Laboratory studies support these conclusions."

 This document further concluded that there was a need for more in-depth study.

This latest study from the WHO, has found that our health is being seriously affected by chemicals found in every home and may cause breast cancer, asthma, infertility and birth defects.  They call them "gender-bending compounds" and they are used in toys, PVC flooring, car dashboards, and credit cards.  The WHO has even suggested that a ban may be needed to protect future generations.

The 2012 report states it is "reasonable to suspect" chemical substances called Phthalates of harming female fertility and also linked them to rising rates of childhood illnesses including Leukemia.

Another prime chemical suspect is Bisphenol A, which is found in many daily items such as tin cans and sunglasses.

It is thought that these man-made compounds interfere with the natural hormones that are key to our growth, development and general health, hence the name "gender-bending compounds".

The WHO also said that there is "very strong evidence" in animals that they can interfere with thyroid hormones - which can cause brain damage, stunted intelligence, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.

"Significant evidence" also exists linking prostate cancer to agricultural pesticides, and some evidence linking exposure during pregnancy to weight gain in infants and children and potential links to breast cancer.

The report now declares the chemicals as a global threat, the authors of this 2012 report said that humans and animals are exposed to hundreds of compounds, many of which have yet to be identified or properly studied.  Some of these compounds are inhaled in dust, others enter our bodies from food or by simply licking our fingers.

This new report is the most comprehensive to date.  It doesn't just focus on one chemical or one illness, it evaluates all the evidence.

"The diverse systems affected by endocrine-disrupting chemicals likely include all hormonal systems and range from those controlling development and function of reproductive organs to the tissues and organs regulating metabolism and satiety.

"Effects on these systems can lead to obesity, infertility or reduced fertility, learning and memory difficulties, adult-onset diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as well as a variety of other diseases."

What is even more worrying is that the report warns that the chemicals that have so far been assessed by scientists may only be the very "tip of the iceberg".

The key role of hormones in the development of tissues and organs means that unborn babies and young children may be particularly at risk.  The report also states that the rise in some conditions is too rapid to be blamed on genes alone.

"The prevalence of pediatric asthma has more than doubled over the past 20 years and is now the leading cause of child hospitalization and school absenteeism.  Certain birth defects, such as those of the male reproductive organs are on the rise.  The incidence of pediatric Leukemia and brain cancer have risen, as has the incidence of testicular cancer.  These are stark health statistics."

Dr. Maria Neira, Director for Public Health and Environment at WHO, said, "The latest science shows that communities around the globe are being exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their associated risks.  We all have a responsibility to protect future generations."

The European Union (EU) is trying to tighten up the regulation of gender-bending chemicals.  The WHO also states that wildlife is also at risk and calls for much more research into the chemicals and their effects and also says there may be a case for banning or restricting them.

PHTHALATES:
Used to soften plastics and give cosmetics a silky feel, these are found in children's toys, PVC flooring, shower curtains and credit cards.  In the EU, phthalates are banned from being used in cosmetics but may be found in makeup produced outside of the EU.

Studies have linked phthalates to diabetes, asthma, and male reproductive defects that could affect fertility.  Campaigners advise choosing natural wooden flooring over PVC, metal or wooden toys for children and glass shower screens instead of shower curtains.

If plastic can't be avoided, more rigid varieties should have a lower content of phthalates than softer versions.

BISPHENOL A:

This is a basic ingredient of many common plastics and is found in a wide variety of household items such as; cutlery, CD cases, and sunglasses.  It has recently been banned from baby bottles but can still be found in till receipts and is used to line tin cans.

Bisphenol A has been linked to fertility problems, breast cancer, prostate cancer and heart disease.

BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANTS:
These chemicals are linked to a long list of health problems such as; hyperactivity, learning difficulties, low sperm counts and difficulties to conceive.

They are found in sofas, and other soft furnishings, carpets, rugs, computer casings, DVD players and mobile phones.

Also on the danger list are PCBs, chemicals linked to liver cancer and male fertility problems.


Social Nutrition:
You can make an appointment to improve your health with Social Nutrition either in person (Madrid) or online (Skype).  Just send an email to lucycarr@socialnutrition.com