(21-09-12) Dangerous food additives to avoid during pregnancy

by Victoria Moore

(NaturalNews) Pregnancy can be a very overwhelming time for mothers. Making
sure to follow a sound regimen to support the growing baby and staying away
from harmful substances is a common goal in most pregnancies. Most people are
aware of the importance of avoiding tobacco, illegal drugs, and alcohol, but
there are other harmful substances that deserve to be equally evaded that are
not as widely discussed.

Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners
Sweeteners such as Sweet & Low, NutraSweet, Equal, Splenda, and the all-new
Neotame can be found in yogurt, chewing gum, soft drinks, and other desserts.
Your body does not recognize these substances and when it tries to metabolize
the foreign elements it can result in various health problems. Toxic effects of
synthetic sweeteners can include headaches, dizziness, seizures, vision
impairment, and strokes - just to name a few. Aspartame is the most complained
about additive in the history of the FDA. A common indicator that a product
contains artificial sweeteners is with marketing such as "Sugar Free" or
"Diet". However, it's always best to read labels in order to avoid. Sugar
itself is not bad. Especially organic cane sugar in moderation, and is a much
better alternative to artificial options.

Monosodium glutamate
MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly found in soups, snacks, salad dressings,
seasonings, chips, and most Chinese food. This additive is categorized as an
excitotoxin, which causes hyperactivity to brain cells as they try to
communicate. They literally over stimulate the brain cells causing them to die.
This additive has also been shown to cause side effects such as cancer, heart
problems, obesity, learning and behavioral disorders, as well as many others.
Unfortunately, MSG is harder to recognize on labels as it is disguised by a
multitude of names. Best ways to avoid MSG: avoid fast foods, processed foods
(even healthy types or labeled as No MSG), and avoid foods that contain a long
ingredient list.

Nitrates
This additive is used in cured meats, lunchmeats, hot dogs, etc. As the meat
is cooked, a carcinogenic compound is released that is highly associated with
various cancers. Studies have shown that consumption of this chemical during
pregnancy had children with higher risks for developing brain tumors. Nitrates
were originally used to preserve meat and prevent botulism. But now, thanks to
modern day refrigeration, it is used merely for appearance by offering a
slightly red color in order to appeal to the customers. Nitrate free meats are
available and you can find them at most health stores, or in some cases even
request them from your local grocer.

Pesticides
Pesticides and herbicides are sprayed onto many commercial fruits and
vegetables, or even manufactured into GMO seeds. These chemicals can have
dangerous effects on fetuses; especially during the developmental stages. The
best way to avoid this is to eat only organic fruits and vegetables, use a
carbon water filter to eliminate from drinking water, and opt out of using any
chemical fertilizers and pesticides around your house and yard.

It is extremely important for parents to educate themselves on the multitude
of environmental toxins to limit the exposure to their unborn babies. Avoid
processed food and eat local, organic, seasonal foods as often as possible.
When babies are exposed to numerous toxic compounds in the womb it can damage
the body and effect development, brain function, and reproduction. These
chemicals can also impair the immune system and increase vulnerability to
carcinogens and can lead to other diseases later in life. Eliminating these
harmful substances can give your baby the best chance at a happy, healthy life.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/food/hotdogs.htm
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/

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