Why You Should Avoid Artificial Preservatives

Preservatives are used to keep food from going bad. They prevent bacterial, mold, and yeast growth, preserve color and flavor, and keep foods fresh. They may be used to fortify foods or prevent rancidity by preventing oxidation. Preservatives of some kind can be found in almost any type of food or drink. They can thus be very hard to avoid. There are many natural preservatives, such as salt, vinegar, and sugar, but most of the preservatives in our foods are synthetic. Preservatives are toxic and tumor-causing. Most impact the nervous system, changing behavior. Some have an impact on reproductive health or weaken the immune system.

These additives are man-made, though some do exist in some forms in nature. They are generally considered 'safe' despite the fact that some are known to be carcinogenic and toxic. Many side effects and illnesses are related to their consumptions. The truth is that they may not be so safe after all. You decide.

Nitrates add flavor, maintain color in meats, prevent botulism in canned foods, and are also used in cheeses. They are carcinogenic, but restrictions in place by the FDA ensure they do not form in hazardous quantities in our food. Children may have severe adverse reactions to nitrates. Some folks experience headache and a flushed face after consuming sodium nitrate, often found in hot dogs and lunch meats. Infants are very susceptible to nitrate toxicity, and they can develop methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome." This isn't fatal but can affect development. Nitrates may convert to nitrites in the digestive tract, then combine with hemoglobin to form a substance that makes it harder for one's blood to carry oxygen. The risk of nitrate toxicity is a very good reason to drink filtered or purified water and to avoid foods that contain it. Use of some nitrates is highly restricted in some countries.

Sulphur Dioxide and Sulfites are bleaches and antioxidants used to stop browning. They are found in alcoholic, fruit, and soft drinks, as well as dried fruits and vegetables. All wines contain sulfites. Sulfites destroy vitamin B1, are linked to hyperactivity, and can cause severe reactions--especially in asthmatics. They have caused at least 12 known deaths, and there are probably many more unknown deaths linked to sensitivity to these chemicals. Some people lack the enzyme needed to break these down. The FDA believes 1 in 100 people are sensitive to sulfite. Sulfites can cause headaches. In 1986, too much sulfites were being used at salad bars, and dozens of people died from anaphylactic shock. The FDA thus banned sulfite use on salad bars. Sulphur Dioxide is derived from coal tar.

Benzoic Acid and Sodium Benzoate are used in fish and oyster sauce, ketchup, fruit juices, margarine, salads, confections, baked goods, cheeses, jams, and pickled products. They are linked to hyperactivity, like most synthetic chemicals used in our foods. Benzoic acid can cause skin and eye irritation; sodium benzoate only causes eye irritation. Both cause dermatitis (pseudoallergy) and eczema, and these reactions are worse in people with asthma or urticaria (rash). They may be carcinogenic. Benzoic Acid is also used as an active ingredient in cough syrup and ointments. It may cause neurological disorders and react with sulphites. Sodium Benzoate is an active ingredient in many oral medications.

BHA and BHT (Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Hydroxytoluene) are used in fats and oils, so they are found in snacks, cereals, instant spuds, soft drinks and margarine. Their characteristics make them carcinogenic, and they can cause tumors. In lab studies they caused forestomach cancer. Some have difficulty metabolizing them, and this can cause changes in their health and behavior. Adverse reactions to BHA are common and include hyperactivity, asthma attack, and allergies. It can also increase cholesterol and is moderately toxic. Our limit should be only 1 gm a day, and infants and thin persons may be more susceptible to toxicity. Higher quantities can cause stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, as well as confusion and dizziness. These two chemicals may interfere with, mimic, or block our hormones such as estrogen, too. BHT is banned in Japan, Romania, Sweden, and Australia, and the US does not permit it to be used in baby food. It can interact with other drugs and alcohol to strengthen or weaken their effects. BHA is banned in Japan, too. Both are derived from petroleum. BHA & BHT have caused pregnant mice to deliver offspring with half the normal levels of cholinesterase and serotonin in their brains. Their babies weighed less, slept less, and fought more. These are considered the two most dangerous preservatives.

Sodium Citrate is used in meat and baby food but also in personal care products. Large amounts can cause bladder tumors. However, Sodium Citrate is related to Citric Acid and is much safer than other synthesized food preservatives. Limit your intake, but don't fret too much over this one!

Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) are added to fats, oils and margarine, so they are often found in snacks like chips. It can cause nausea and delirium. It is petroleum based. (Mmmm!) Not much information is available about this preservative, so we should be wary of it. It has been referred to as the "mystery preservative."

These additives are safe, though some people may be allergic to them. Most of them naturally exist in nature. (Notice how the natural foods are the safest? That should tell us something about ingesting synthesized products!) Instead of chosing foods that contain artificial preservatives, chose foods that contain these natural additives instead.

Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbates are used in pork sausages. It prevents the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogens. It may even cause colds to be less severe.

Citric Acid is found in many fruit juices and other fruit-containing products. It occurs naturally in many fruits, such as berries and--of course--citrus fruits.

Lactic Acid is used in salad dressings, cheeses, ice cream, olives, and drinks. It exists naturally in dairy products. It is found naturally in nearly all living things. People who are lactose-intolerant may have problems with lactic acid.

Propionic Acid and Propionates are used in bread, chocolate, pie, cake, and cheese.

Sorbic Acid and Sorbates are found in cheese and flour confectioneries. Many plants naturally contain sorbic acid.

Sodium Bicarbonate or Hydrogen Carbonate is baking soda. It is the only artificial preservative that is considered safe and maybe even beneficial to our health!

Salt, vinegar, and sugar are much safer than synthetic chemicals, as they are natural. However, salt and sugar are so overused that the quantities we are consuming can indeed be detrimental to our health. Chose products with these in them over products with synthetic chemicals, but limit your overall intake of salt and sugar.

Most of the synthesized chemical preservatives are safe in the quantities in which they are found in individual food products. However, think about all of the food you eat in a day. The quantities of those preservatives you are eating add up in a day, week, year, or lifetime. Is it any wonder that Cancer is so common with all of the foods that contain carcinogens that we eat on a daily basis? These preservatives can cause severe allergic reactions and interfere with your health in a number of ways. Infants and small children are especially susceptible to toxicity. The best thing to do is cut back on these additives as much as you can and chose foods that contain natural preservatives. Remember the #1 dietary rule: if you can't pronounce it, don't eat it!