Before “The kanser” nothing would enrage me more than people telling me how bad the food I ate was. “I just don’t like the texture of vegetables.” I would say. “They make me gag,” or “I work out everyday so it really doesn’t matter” would be my defense. I now know that it really does matter. When I was fighting my cancer I went through a major food detox. I didn’t use pills or juices exclusively; just raw and living foods. During the 6 month process I was able to avoid these Top 10 preservatives, additives and chemicals by sticking to an organic raw, vegan diet. My body responded and I am now in remission.

Read this list with an open mind. Get mad at it if you want, but keep reading through it. Even with all of this knowledge, I remember how strong my food addiction to this stuff was and how emotionally difficult it was to change.

1. HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP (HFCS)

HFCS is the number one source of calories for most Americans and causes major weight gain resulting from spiked insulin levels. You’ll find high-fructose corn syrup in almost everything where there used to be real sugar (and in some cases where there was never sugar to begin with).  From processed foods and breads to children’s lunch drinks and baby formula(!), HFCS is used because it tastes similar to real sugar and is much cheaper.  However, HFCS is extremely toxic to your liver, increases inflammation, bodily stress, weight gain, and causes sudden insulin surges (which over time can lead to type II diabetes resulting from insulin resistance!). Public awareness around this issue has increased to the point that, in an effort to throw off consumers and restore profit margins, the Corn Refiners Association actually petitioned the FDA this past September to allow it to change the name of “High Fructose Corn Syrup” to “Corn Sugar.”  Luckily, if approved, it could be up to two years before the name change would take effect – plenty of time to inform people of this play on words.

2. PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED OILS (TRANS-FATS)

Partially hydrogenated oils are found EVERYWHERE in the processed food world. Even when you think something is healthy you’ll find partially-hydrogenated soybean oil sneaking into its ingredients.

Your body doesn’t know what do with trans-fat since it is altered in a lab by adding additional hydrogen to a fat molecule. This results in a solid fat with a longer shelf life which of course is appealing to frugal companies. Restaurant food, especially from fast food chains, often serve food loaded with trans-fats.

Trans-fats can cause toxic effects such as increased inflammation, decreased immune system function, Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes, raised blood pressure, Heart Disease, impaired fetal development, and liver damage.

3. MSG

Take out a can of Campbell’s soup and chances are you’ll see “Monosodium Glutumate” on the ingredients list. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a chemical that has been associated with reproductive disorders, migraine headaches, and is linked to decreased fertility. MSG is used in many foods as a taste enhancer.

4. SODIUM NITRATE

This is a preservative, coloring, and flavoring commonly added to bacon, ham, hot dogs, lunch meats, and smoked fish.  Studies have linked eating it to various types of cancer. One way I avoid nitrites is by simply avoiding eating processed pork products which have very little nutritional benefits compared to its risks anyways.

5. PROCESSED SOY

The true story of soy will not be found from the people who sell it. Soy is extremely controversial. There have been many studies done that have shown varying results- some good, but many detrimental. If you have a health challenge I would be cautious with soy. When it comes to soy I would stick to fermented soy products and avoid the others. Tempeh, miso, and soybean sprouts contain healing properties and nourishing qualities.

I personally do not eat a ton of soy, but I am guilty of a soy-containing Luna Bar here and there. Definitely avoid soy milk, and soy “fake meat” veggie products with all of their additives. They are all extremely processed and unless organic probably contain genetically modified (GMO) soy.

6. WHITE SUGAR

Sugar is one of the most addictive substances in the world. It has serious effects on your brain function and your psyche. It also promotes inflammation, damages skin collagen and promotes wrinkles, increases your appetite, depletes your body of B vitamins, causes joint degeneration, ADHD and other behavior disorders, stimulates cholesterol increase and weight gain. The only sugar alternative I recommend is Stevia in small quantities.

No need to get extreme here, but try to cut out sugar as much as possible. If you get sugar cravings daily I would cut it out for a month and see how you feel. Chances are you really do have a sugar addiction. “Sugar addictions” can be cause by an overgrowth of candida albicus (yeast) in the body. Since yeast feeds off sugar, you could have consistent cravings.

7. SODIUM CHLORIDE

Commercial table salt is highly processed and full of aluminum, chemicals and additives which are toxic.  Instead go for a healthier version such as sea salt or Bragg’s amino acids.

8. ASPARTAME, SPLENDA, SWEET N LOW, EQUAL

Aspartame is an artificial, chemical sweetener found in many foods and beverages. If it says “diet” or “low sugar or “no sugar added” it probably has an artificial sweetener. Another name you’ll see it listed as is “sucralose.” That is the generic form of Splenda.

It may cause cancer or neurological problems, such as dizziness, migraine headaches, weight gain, increased appetite, and bloating. Aspartame poisoning can mimic symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

Side effects: Increased heart disease, Bloating and edema, Brain seizures, Cancer, Cravings, Headaches, and weight gain.

I used to be incredibly ADDICTED to Diet Coke. After getting cancer it was VERY easy to go off Diet Coke although when dehydrated I still have cravings for it to this day! Its bubbly “goodness” is just not worth it.

9. FOOD COLORINGS (Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 5, 6)

There are six food colorings still on the market are linked with cancer in animal testing. There is evidence that food coloring and food additives contribute to behavioral problems in children, lead to lower IQ, hyperactivity, ADHD, depression, hormonal dysfunction and cancer.

10. PROCESSED/REFINED WHEAT AND GLUTEN

Refined grains are stripped of their nutrients and fiber. This makes it extremely difficult to digest. These foods include any thing labeled “Enriched Wheat Flour” on the food label. It essentially becomes glue-like while traveling through your intestine making assimilation of other nutrients difficult along with elimination.

Gluten allergies can lead to nasal and throat mucous, bloating, gas, diarrhea with periodic constipation, mental fogginess and skin rashes. In severe cases, as with Celiac disease, there can be seizures, psychosis, violent behavior and withdrawal from self.

A good alternative to regular bread products is Ezekiel Bread. You can find it in the frozen section of many stores. Even though it does contain some gluten, it is a sprouted full grain with all of the fiber in tact which helps it travel through the intestines and nutrients are better absorbed.

STILL MAD?

Ok- so are you still mad? If you even got to this point you are obviously interested in this stuff and want to make some changes. Start off with just taking a few small steps. Pick the top two hardest ones for you and don’t change those yet.  Give yourself permission to go slow. I didn’t have that option since I was in a major health crisis, but hopefully you do. If you’re hardcore, than go “balls to the wall” as my friend Mason used to say. Remind yourself of what I told you today even if you’re sipping on your Diet Coke. Just make a point to be educated and OK with what you’re putting in your body.