The Dangers of Additives

Lets start with what is an additive. The additives that I am referring to are the chemicals that manufactures ADD to the food we consume. These are items that were not originally there. They come in many forms and are passed off as something helpful, needed, and sometimes even HEALTHY!!!! Typically manufacturers use these techniques to save or make money due to the longer shelf life.

Reading the labels and becoming familiar with companies is extremely important. You would be surprised the things you could find out with a little research. I am not hear to bash any company, but to show you there are hidden ingredients in food that invokes caution. The more these chemicals are taken into the body the more the body is taxed, lowering the immune system.

Here are some of the ways our bodies can be effected:

Sulfates: are used in preserving and bleaching food, you will find these mainly with dehydrated and fresh produce. They are trying to regulate the amount of use of this chemical, but it is still used all across the America. Symptoms of an allergic toxic reaction can be flushing, dizziness, wheezing, or shortness of breath. A great way to avoid over exposure to this chemical would be to buy organic product, if not all at least "The Dirty Dozen" also referenced in Sara Snow's book.

Nitrates: These are used mostly in processed meats (bacon, bologna, lunch meats) Nitrates are a sodium salt and cause negative reactions when mixed with amino acids in the bowel. I know several people who can not eat things with nitrates due to side-effects such as headaches or stomach pains. You can buy meats that are made without the use of this chemical. HORMEL makes many products that you can buy in the grocery market, but you will have a greater selection in your local natural or healthy store.

Food Dyes: Have been known to cause allergic reactions but they have also been linked with children behavioral problems as well. You will find Food Dyes in almost everything. Anything with a #5,#6 so on, is a dye. They use coloring to make the product more appealing. We usually shop and eat with our eyes, especially children. The side-effects noted have been behavioral changes, asthma, hives, and headaches.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): This is still under controversy but anything that had been know to cause headaches, bloating and other side-effects is something that I would like to stay away from, but that is me personally.

I know how hard it is to try and omit these foods with chemicals. They are going to be in your everyday cereals, lunch meats, anything in a box, and canned foods. Knowing what some of these additives can trigger, you can look to see if they are effecting you or your children.

I will also say this; sometimes what you consider normal is not. After taking my seven year old off most cereals and other processed foods I noticed a HUGE change in his behaviors and emotions. I now realize that giving him a lot of certain foods in his diet results in the whole family suffering for it.

Here is a great Alternative for Boxed Pizza. When you make it you know exactly whats in it.

Chunky Tomato sauce

1/2 cup finely chopped onions

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cups fresh tomatoes peeled, seeded, and diced

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup basil, chopped fine

pinch of sea salt

1/4 pepper

Suttee onions in olive oil until tender, add tomatoes, vinegar, and garlic . Bring to a boil and reduce reduce until liquid is almost gone. Stir in basil, and seasonings. Remove from heat about 1/2 hour and allow the herbs to fuse with sauce.

Pizza Crust..

1 1/2 -2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tbl olive oil

1/2 tbl sea salt

2 tsp yeast

3/4 cup warm water


Mix salt, flour and olive oil together until crumbly. Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water, let sit about 4-5 minutes. Add yeast and rest of water to form a stiff ball. Knead dough until smooth. Place ball in a bowl drizzle with olive oil and flip ball around until coated. Cover ball in bowl with a cloth and allow to rise about 20 minutes. Place dough on lightly oiled stone and move dough out to sides of stone. Add your sauce and veggies and cheese. Place in a 425 degree oven 15 minutes or longer depending on toppings.

Chunky Tomato was used from "Nourishing Traditions".

Pizza Crust is our recipe from lots of practice and an assortment of other recipes. We enjoy this pizza so much more that store bought or boxed.

Have a Blessed and Healthy day.