Food Additives Can Make You Sick

Food additives can be found in a wide variety of packaged foods, drinks/beverages and prescription and/or over the counter (OTC) medications.

While it’s widely recognized that some people have food allergies or intolerances to nuts, dairy products, wheat glutens and iodine in shellfish; there needs to be an increased awareness about the dangers of chemical food additives and how pervasive they are in our food supply. Reactions can range from a mild intolerance or sensitivity to a full blown life threatening allergic reaction. Some experience  hives (AKA Urticaria), respiratory problems such as Asthma and even Anaphylaxis. Others can experience heart palpitations, anxiety or stomach and/or intestinal upsets when exposed to them.

Food dyes, MSG, Nitrates, Sulfites, Carmine (AKA crushed beetles), Artificial Sweeteners, Artificial and Natural Flavors, are all considered “additives.” While there’s been a great improvement in the food labeling rules developed by the FDA regarding nuts, diary, glutens and soy etc., we have a ways to go. For example, they don’t require warnings for sensitive individuals regarding the dangers of food dyes or any specific identification on a food label regarding the contents of chemicals listed as an “artificial” or “natural” flavors; so, there's know way to know what they are!

Food dyes are even in some medications.  A person who is sensitive to food dye (ie. heart palpitations etc.) and takes a medication in which it’s present, can have an adverse reaction from the drug  due to the dye (in addition to the possibility of having an actual drug allergy).  Sometimes neither the patient nor health care provider recognize the connection to a medication that’s causing them to experience odd, new, or vague symptoms.  

I just reviewed the label of a popular brand of Vitamin E pills and it contained Carmine, I was shocked! Other supplements, vitamins and prescription medications may contain one or more of a combination of reds, blues and yellow food dyes. Another recent check I did of a popular brand of an OTC chewable antacid tablet, contained three different food dyes (artificial colorings). It may help your stomach acid but if you're sensitive to food dye, you may experience symptoms related to that when you take it.

Artificial Sweeteners, found in diet sodas, foods and sugarless gums: People with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) may react negatively to the artificial sweetener Sorbitol.  It can trigger their symptoms and cause more pain, cramping and gas in some of these individuals.*New research shows that consuming the artificial sweetener Aspartame may increase one’s risk of developing certain blood cancers.

What you can do: 

• If you’re experiencing odd or worrisome symptoms, contact your doctor for a medical diagnosis and guidance. For urgent symptoms call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. 
• You’ll also want to review what you put in your body each day. Take a look at the foods, drinks, supplements and medications you consume. Become aware of their ingredients; you can do this by reading the product label and company website for starters.  
• Play detective and learn to observe how your body reacts to specific foods, drinks, supplements and medications. 
• Opt for organic foods whenever possible to reduce your exposure to pesticides and food additives.

Bug Off and Out of Our Food: Eating Bugs-Read your Labels

When the Starbucks controversy surfaced regarding their use of an FDA approved “natural” food coloring additive called “Cochineal” in some of their drinks and pastries , my first thought was; if this comes from a beetle, there must be people who are allergic to it. Many people are allergic to cockroaches, and some receive immunotherapy (allergy shots) to reduce their sensitivity to them; so, it would stand to reason people would be allergic to cochineal. After a bit of research, here is what I found:

• Various scientific studies have been performed and documented cases of asthma and allergy symptoms being exacerbated (worsened) by consumption of products containing cochineal.
• Known under many names, cochineal can also be listed as; cochineal extract, carmines, and carminic acid. It is used in foods and beverages as a “red” food coloring. Many companies use cochineal in many of their products, and not only in foods and drinks.
• Besides being used in various smoothies, beverages and pastries, it can also appear in yogurts, candies, cosmetics (especially lipstick) and shampoos, to name a few.

According to their press releases, Starbucks will be changing their formulations and removing cochineal soon. Hopefully, all the other companies will follow suit. *In the interim, if you have a history allergies and asthma, or, can’t figure out what you’re reacting too with unexplained hives or any other symptoms; play detective and read your food, beverage and cosmetic labels to reduce your exposure to cochineal and any other additives you think your body may be allergic to.

Spring Into Action: 3 Tips To Allergy Proof Your Home

Spring is here and reducing your exposure to irritating allergy triggers is one of the best ways to help minimize the severity of your allergy symptoms. It also may help reduce the amount of medication you need in managing your allergies or asthma.

1. Opt for leather furniture as opposed to upholstered furniture. Unless you are allergic to leather; try to get leather couches and chairs since fabric furnishings can hold dust mites which are a source of problems for many people.
2. Choose window shades instead of blinds, shutters and drapes; as these can hold a tremendous amount of dust.  Window shades can be easily cleaned and hold less dust to begin with.
3. Do not use candles or incense as these fragrant products contain chemicals that can cause allergic and asthmatic symptoms for many people. Many folks use these products for their relaxation producing scents, not realizing they can severely worsen their allergies and asthma.

See these links for more information on allergy proofing your home and limiting your exposure to various sources of allergy producing items. http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/control-your-allergies-by-controlling.html and http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/attacking-spring-allergies-with-nasal.html

*Contact your doctor for any questions or concerns you may have about your health.

Control Your Allergies by Controlling Your Environment

Spring is here for allergy and asthma sufferers due to high pollen counts in many parts of the country. Take a few steps to control your environment to help reduce your exposure to allergy “triggers”. This will also help to reduce the severity of your symptoms. Here are 10 helpful tips:

1. Stay indoors and keep your windows closed when you can if pollen counts are high.
2. Wash your hair more frequently to remove pollen and dust that settled on your hair after being outside. This is also important on windy days.
3. Vents/air conditioning in cars can hold a lot of pollen, dust and mold particles. If you have to turn it on, don’t allow it to blow directly at your face; direct/angle the vents away from you.  Keep the windows open for a several minutes to let any airborne contaminants out of the car.
4. Invest in HEPA filters; one for every room in your house is ideal.  However, if you cannot afford that, purchase at least one for your bedroom. Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding filter replacement and operation of the unit(s).
5. If you work in an office that has carpeting, and, or unfiltered air, consider purchasing a HEPA filter to keep at your workstation.
6. Encase your mattress and pillows in allergy prevention/proof “encasements”.  Doing this reduces the number of dust mites that live in your pillows and mattress. Dust mites are unrelated to pollen counts, however, reducing your exposure to all possible allergy producing culprits (AKA triggers), will help you overall. Many people with allergies are allergic to dust mites too (in addition to pollens).  Follow the package directions for your encasements regarding washing instructions and life expectancy. Replace them as per the manufacturers recommendation and, or,  if they look torn and worn.
7. Avoid perfumes, colognes, aftershave, nail polish and false nails. These can exacerbate symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers. Many people are allergic to these products and don't even know it. Use fragrance free facial and body products whenever possible.
8. Try to live in a house or apartment that has hard wood floors.  Carpeting harbors dust mites, molds, dirt and various irritants that spell trouble for people with allergies and asthma.
9. If you have pets, keep them out of your bedroom and off of the furniture to reduce your exposure to animal dander.
10. Wash all your bedding once per week in hot water.  Hot water helps to reduce the number of dust mites in your bedding. Use only fragrance free laundry detergent and static prevention tissues.

For more tips on reducing allergy symptoms, see this link: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/attacking-spring-allergies-with-nasal.html