10 Common Food Additives Found on Ingredient Labels

Understanding Food Preservatives and Their Side Effects

Reading ingredient labels is more important now than ever. You should understand what you are putting into your body. All processed and fast food is loaded with preservatives, thickeners, fake sugars, etc. These additives have led to a dramatic increase in different health issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, cancers, neurological disorders, and heart disease.

Here are 10 common food additives found in processed and fast food, and the negative side effects that can occur:

1. Gluten

Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat that is added to many processed foods.  Gluten is a food additive used as a glue to bind certain foods together. Some side effects of gluten are bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, headaches, skin issues, and depression. Several people suffer from gluten sensitivities and Celiac disease. These individuals need to follow a gluten-free diet to reduce or eliminate inflammation and pain.

2. Guar Gum

Guar gum is made from legumes called guar beans. This is a food additive used to thicken and bind food products and non-food products. The amount of guar gum added to food is considered safe, however, if your diet is solely based on processed food then you could be eating too much. Guar gum thickens and expands which can block the throat and esophagus, which can lead to choking incidents. Absorption of some medications can be affected by the consumption of guar gum. Overconsumption can cause side effects such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

3. Xanthan Gum

Xantham gum is a sugar that is derived from corn, soy, or wheat. The FDA says it's safe to consume up to 15 grams daily. Xanthan gum is commonly used in gluten-free products as a thickener. Overeating processed food can lead to overconsumption of xanthan gum which may lead to increased stool output, increased gas, and altered gut bacteria. 

4. Natural Flavor

Natural Flavor is one of the most popular ingredients in processed food. This is a tricky one because the word natural makes you automatically think it's good for you. Natural flavor is legally supposed to be derived from plant and animal sources. Many loopholes in regulations don't restrict the use of other preservatives and additives to the "natural flavor.” Loose regulations make the line between natural and artificial flavors blurry. Some side effects of "natural flavor" are chemical sensitivities or allergies.

5. Carrageenan

Carrageenan, known as Irish Moss, is derived from red seaweed. Carrageenan is a stabilizer and thickener in processed food. It is known to cause side effects such as ulcers, digestive problems, bloating, irritable bowel disease, and even colon cancer when consumed too often and in large amounts.

6. Artificial Sweeteners

Sucralose (Splenda), saccharin, and aspartame (Nutra Sweet) are all man-made. Research has shown that in animals the use of these fake sugars has led to cancer, especially of the kidneys, headaches, blurred vision, neurological disorders, and stomach problems.

7. Soy Lecithin

Soy Lecithin is another artificial ingredient created by harsh chemical solvents and is derived from genetically modified soybean plants. It is used as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer in processed food. People may experience organ dysfunction, fatty liver, and muscle damage along with other side effects that include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and/or a full feeling in the belly.

8. MSG

MSG is made by fermenting starch, sugar beets, sugar cane, or molasses. It is a controversial flavor enhancer that can cause headaches. Animal studies show it has been linked to nerve damage, heart problems, and seizures.

9. Sodium Nitrate

Sodium Nitrate is primarily obtained by mining but can also be produced experimentally.  It is a preservative used in processed meats to help stop bacterial growth. Excessive consumption of processed meats has been linked to heart disease and numerous types of cancer such as colorectal, stomach, ovarian, and thyroid.

10. Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Benzoate is a man-made compound used as a preservative in processed food and non-food items. The biggest problem with sodium benzoate is that it is a known carcinogen.

Many processed food products contain a combination of two or more of these ingredients. The FDA regulates the amounts of these ingredients that are considered safe for human consumption. The problem is that many people eat processed or fast food almost every meal, and this leads to overconsumption. Overconsumption eventually leads to health issues.  Reading ingredient labels is so important. Educate yourself on everything you are putting into your body. Consume a diet of whole foods so you can heal your gut. It's not too late to make changes. Take charge of your health and heal your body from the inside out. 

Originally published for Longboat News