Your body’s ideal diet should be unique to you based on your genetics, but there are some “foods” that everyone should avoid. These common offenders cause serious health issues, chronic illnesses, and may even lead to an early death. Let’s explore six of these detrimental foods and where they are commonly found.
1. Trans Fats
Trans fats, also known as trans fatty acids (TFAs), are formed when vegetable oils are partially hydrogenated. They increase the risk of heart attack and limit the flexibility and expansion of arteries, increasing inflammation throughout the body. Processed canola oil also produces harmful trans fats.
Possible harmful effects of trans fats include depression, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cancer. They are commonly found in pre-packaged baked goods, margarine, cake frosting, pancake mixes, fried foods, fast foods, and microwave popcorn.
2. GMO Foods
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have undergone genetic alterations through laboratory procedures. Over 90% of all soy, corn, and wheat grown in the US is GMO. Most GMO crops are modified to resist glyphosate, an herbicide that may disrupt gut microbiome leading to leaky gut syndrome. Glyphosate has also been linked to cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, autism, and more.
Soy protein isolate and soy lecithin are two types of soy found in processed foods. These additives are linked to malnutrition, digestive distress, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders, immune system breakdown, heart disease, and cancer.
3. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
HFCS is linked to leaky gut syndrome, increased visceral fat production and storage, liver damage and disease, low energy, mercury poisoning, increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, accelerated aging, and cancer.
Products commonly containing HFCS include soft drinks, salad dressings, sauces, bread, breakfast cereals, processed snacks, candy bars, fruit juice, yogurt, and ketchup.
4. Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame and sucralose (Splenda) are the two worst artificial sweeteners. They are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, increased cravings and caloric intake, weight gain, muscle spasms, blurred vision, hyperactivity, shortness of breath, skin reactions, seizures, headaches, lupus, Alzheimer’s dementia, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, anxiety, and birth defects.
These artificial sweeteners are commonly found in diet soda, protein drinks and powders, chewing gum, jams, jellies, pies, pastries, ice cream, candy, syrup, cereals, and sugar-free products.
5. Sugar
Sugar elevates the hormone ghrelin, promoting hunger and inducing overeating. It can lead to mood swings, candida, yeast and fungal infections, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and non-alcoholic fatty liver. Sugar is highly addictive, elevating dopamine levels in the brain.
Sugar is present in many foods, including soda, fruit juices, pasta sauces, breakfast cereals, bread, beer, cookies, cakes, candy, ketchup, and syrups.
6. MSG
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) is linked to a wide range of harmful effects, including headache, skin flushing, tightness or face pressure, numbness or tingling, heart palpitations, chest pain, nausea, poor sleep, muscle weakness, hives, inflammation, brain and nervous system damage, endocrine (hormonal) problems, emotional control issues, obesity, and short stature.
MSG is commonly found in Chinese or Asian food, chicken or sausage products, dipping sauces, flavored snack chips, parmesan cheese products, salad dressings, soy sauce, beef jerky, and canned goods.
Avoiding these harmful substances in your diet can go a long way in cutting your risk of chronic illness and improving overall health. Pay attention to food labels and opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. Remember, a healthy diet can be your most potent weapon against disease and early death.
