The Additive Hazard—Why You Should Say No To Processed Foods

Research has shown that additives used in processed foods trigger tight junctions in the intestines, ultimately affecting the gastrointestinal tract. 

A range of additives are added to food products in order to improve their taste, texture, smell and shelf life. And these tend to have an adverse effect on the intestines. The most prominent negative effect which has come to the fore is the inability of the intestines to absorb food.

Fearful Facts About Additives

Earlier, additives in foods were used only for pickling and salting. The advent of processed foods led to the introduction of new additives that are found to be deleterious to human health. Only a handful of additives like vitamin C are beneficial.

Research papers have shown that some additives cause hyperactivity in children and also lead to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 

Preservatives like sodium benzoate, found in soft drinks, fruit juices and salad dressings, cause hyperactivity and distraction in children. Sodium nitrite, used in burgers and hotdogs, are linked with higher rates of colorectal, stomach and pancreatic cancers.

Regular consumption of additive-infused foods could result in a range of side-effects, like diarrhoea, upper abdominal pain and vomiting and even bloody diarrhoea, which is an indication of progressive damage to the intestines.

Disastrous Effects Of Processed Foods

1) Colouring agents are known to cause thyroid and kidney cancers in rats, decrease immunity, and cause many autoimmune diseases and immune system cancers.

2) Artificial sweeteners cause and exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease as they inactivate and alter gut barrier function. Research shows that sucralose (artificial sweetener) can destroy up to 50% of your gut flora.

3) Synthetic trans fats—commonly seen in samosas, crackers, chips, store-bought baked foods and fried foods—can cause cancers, diabetes, and problems with reproduction.

4) Artificial flavours seen in butter popcorn triggers Alzheimer's disease.

5) Monosodium glutamate mostly seen in Chinese foods causes brain dysfunction and worsens learning disabilities.

Choose Fresh, Homemade Foods

Processed foods contain fewer nutrients and low fibre, and hence destroy the normal probiotic function of the friendly bacteria in the intestine. Less fibre and soluble fibre can cause constipation.

The only solution, experts say, is to have real food on a daily basis,which contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. Organic vegetables, real whole-grain products and also fresh vegetables and fruits must be consumed.1