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Many of us are aware that processed foods can have adverse effects on our health, yet we often don't consider the full extent of the potential harm. The presence of harmful food additives, such as binders, fillers, problematic preservatives, artificial colors, and other hazardous components, can lead to a wide range of health issues. These substances can be the root cause of allergies, systemic inflammation, and even increased risks of cancer.
One particularly concerning group of additives includes polymers of artificial fibers, which are frequently utilized as thickeners or emulsifying agents in various food products, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Common artificial fibers include carrageenan, alginate, agar (all derived from seaweed), microcrystalline cellulose, guar gum, and other gums.
While these artificial fibers can be a convenient and cost-effective ingredient for manufacturers, their impact on human health should not be taken lightly. Contrary to the belief that these large molecules are too substantial to be absorbed through the intestine, these fibers can indeed interact dangerously with intestinal bacteria. Even more alarmingly, these fibers can be absorbed directly from the intestine into the bloodstream through a process called "persorption."
So, how can you avoid these harmful additives in your diet? Here are some tips to help you make better choices:
Read labels carefully: Familiarize yourself with the names of harmful additives to identify and avoid products containing them. For example, brominated vegetable oil, propyl gallate, sodium benzoate, sodium nitrite, and more.
Choose whole, unprocessed foods: Instead of canned soups and frozen dinners that may contain food additives, opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which are typically additive-free. Eating foods that are unprocessed is often better for your overall health.
Make your own meals: Cooking and preparing meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and eliminates the risk of harmful additives. Plus, when you cook your own meal, you can manage how much of each ingredient, like salt and sugar, goes into your dish, ensuring a well-balanced meal tailored to your dietary needs and preferences.
Choosing healthy snack foods: Opt for nutritious snacks, such as fruits, nuts, or yogurt, instead of processed snack foods that might contain food additive and be high in trans fats, artificial sweeteners, or other unhealthy additives. Healthy snacking can help maintain energy levels, regulate blood sugar, and support thyroid health.
Avoiding trans fat: Trans fats are found in many processed foods, such as cakes, cookies, and fried foods. These unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation and exacerbate thyroid problems, and may even contribute to weight gain. Instead, focus on consuming natural fats like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, which can support overall health and well-being.
Limiting artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners, often found in diet sodas and other low-calorie or sugar-free products, can negatively impact thyroid function and overall hormonal balance. Choose natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, in moderation, or try out natural sugar substitutes, like stevia or monk fruit, for a healthier alternative.
Opt for natural, organic products: Whenever possible, choose organic and natural foods as they are less likely to contain artificial fibers and other harmful additives.
Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest research and news related to additives and their potential health impacts.
By being proactive in understanding the harmful additives lurking in the food we consume and making smarter choices, we can actively protect our health and significantly reduce our exposure to these potential dangers.
Artificial fibers, once absorbed by the body, can pose significant risks to our health. They can interact dangerously with the immune system and obstruct arterioles, creating a generalized inflammatory state that may lead to degenerative diseases. Carrageenan, alginate, and agar are considered some of the most hazardous artificial fibers. Carrageenan, in particular, has been found to cause various forms of inflammation, including colitis, and is known as a potent immune suppressor. It has also been linked to anaphylaxis and the depletion of essential liver enzymes.
It's essential to be aware of common food products that contain these dangerous fibers. Carrageenan is often found in dairy products, such as ice cream, chocolate milk, and frozen yogurt. This leads many to mistakenly believe that they are allergic to milk when they are, in fact, reacting to the carrageenan or a similar artificial fiber present in the product.
Other foods where carrageenan and thickeners are commonly found include prepared sauces, jellies, processed meat products, and even some cheeses, such as cottage cheese. It's vital to acknowledge that carrageenan and other thickeners can be added to various foods, including organic products.
Managing hypothyroidism requires consistent attention and care for one's health. A crucial element in this process is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. It is essential not to forget or neglect this vital aspect of treatment, as it plays a significant role in ensuring proper thyroid function, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Avoiding common food additives like artificial fibers, high fructose corn syrup, processed meats, and packaged foods is important. However, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the foundation for treating hypothyroidism. It involves taking medications or supplements aimed at increasing the levels of thyroid hormones in the body, thereby alleviating symptoms and restoring normal function. Two primary options exist for hormone therapy: synthetic hormones, like levothyroxine, and natural hormones, such as natural desiccated thyroid (NDT).
Natural desiccated thyroid is a medication derived from the desiccated (dried) thyroid glands of pigs. It contains a combination of T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), and trace amounts of T1, T2, and calcitonin, closely resembling the human thyroid hormones composition. The inclusion of both T3 and T4 hormones, as well as additional components, sets NDT apart from its synthetic counterpart, levothyroxine, which contains only the T4 hormone.
There are several benefits of NDT, including:
Holistic approach – NDT offers a closer match to the body's natural thyroid hormones, providing a more comprehensive treatment.
Symptom relief – Many patients report experiencing better symptom relief with NDT compared to levothyroxine, leading to improved quality of life.
Personalized treatment – NDT allows for the customization of dosage, enabling healthcare providers to tailor therapy to individual needs and preferences.
Additional components – The presence of T1, T2, and calcitonin in NDT may provide extra health benefits, such as supporting bone health when compared to synthetic T4-only medications.
Aside from medication forms, such as Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid, NDT is also available as a supplement. NDT supplements serve as a great alternative for those who prefer a more accessible and convenient option without compromising on the benefits associated with traditional NDT medications.
Unlike medications like Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid, which often require a prescription, NDT supplements can be purchased over the counter or online. This availability provides individuals with the flexibility and convenience to acquire their thyroid support without the need for regular doctor visits. One great example is VitaliThy, a natural desiccated thyroid you can buy online.
VitaliThy caters to various dietary preferences and restrictions since it's free from common allergens like lactose, gluten, fish, shellfish, and eggs. It's free from food additives like artificial food coloring and flavoring as well. Thus, it's suitable for those with specific dietary requirements.
Moreover, VitaliThy also contains extra vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts that offer further support for thyroid health and overall well-being. These additional nutrients include spica prunellae siccus, ashwagandha extract, and selenium yeast, all working together to enhance the effectiveness of the NDT.
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