You probably think about the foods and beverages you consume and the positive or negative impact they might have on your health, but do you think about what’s in the supplements you’re taking?
Even if they’re labeled with the word “natural,” as you may already know, that usually doesn’t mean much when it comes to whether or not all of those ingredients are good for you.
Take a look at your supplements – do they have any of these potentially harmful chemicals, toxic additives or GMO ingredients hidden in them?
Hidden GMOs
If your supplement isn’t specifically labeled GMO-free, here are some common ingredients that are most likely made from GMOs: Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid (derived from GM corn), Vitamin C (also usually derived from GM corn), Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Natural and/or Artificial Flavors, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrin, Molasses, MSG, Sucrose, High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Xanthan Gum, Yeast Products and Textured Vegetable Protein.
Maltodextrin
As mentioned above, any time you see maltodextrin listed in the ingredients, put that product back on the shelf as the chances are extremely high that this ingredient is from Monsanto’s GM corn.
Whether the product reads “natural” or not, virtually all maltodextrin is genetically modified. Maltodextrin has been linked to inflammation, digestive problems, gout and insulin sensitivity, as it is known to cause a rapid blood sugar spike.
Keep in mind that if the label reads certified USDA organic, it is non-GMO. Most certified organic, non-GMO products will use tapioca starch based maltodextrin – which is fine.
Artificial colors
The only reason to use artificial colors in anything is to make the product look more appealing. They do nothing except possibly harm your health, and have been linked to all sorts of health problems like cancer, ADHD and autism.
Magnesium stearate
This ingredient sounds quite harmless, like a derivative from magnesium, right? But magnesium stearate is actually a flowing agent additive, or filler, that is known to cause digestive upset by causing a harmful type of biofilm in the intestines, resulting in toxic buildup.
Titanium oxide
This compound is commonly used in vitamins and cosmetics as a filler. It’s been classified on a list of carcinogens known to cause organ toxicity, allergies, autoimmune disorders and cancer.
Lead and arsenic
High levels of lead and arsenic are commonly found in herbs from China, as well as many foods and detox products that are imported into North America to be used in natural products. Be extra cautious about supplements that are manufactured outside of the US; while European countries are highly regulated, China, India and Mexico should be avoided.
Dextrose
Dextrose simply means corn sugar. It is GM derived and has been linked to increased abdominal fat as well as insulin resistance, as it can raise blood sugar.
Carrageenan
This is yet another toxic filler that is often found in supplements as well as food products such as frozen dinners, ice cream and soups. It is derived from red seaweed and has been linked to inflammatory conditions, leaky gut, digestive issues and cancer.
Titanium dioxide
This toxic additive commonly used in supplements and vitamins is believed to create cell damage and is strongly linked to health risks and a variety of diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Inorganic minerals
If you buy cheap vitamins, you might as well be eating iron filings, which are almost like scrap metal. The body treats inorganic minerals like these as toxins. They are tightly held together and can’t be easily broken down, in addition to being out of sync with the rest of the body as their electrons spin counterclockwise. Your body needs organic minerals from plants, not inorganic minerals from rocks.
DMAA was banned not long ago and is now an illegal substance for vitamin and supplement manufacturers to use, but it is still found in products on shelves today. This is considered to be a highly toxic ingredient, linked to stroke, irregular heartbeat, breathing problems and heart attack, and is often found in weight loss and sports supplements.
BHT and sodium benzoate
These cancerous preservatives are often added to supplements to keep them fresh and prevent harmful bacteria from developing. Both are known to damage human DNA and are linked to gastric and bladder cancers as well as liver problems.
If you see any of these ingredients listed on a product, do your health a favor and put it back on the shelf – and not into your body!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://health.allwomenstalk.com/toxic-ingredients-to-avoid-when-buying-supplements
http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/toxic-chemicals-gmo-ingredients-in-nutritional-supplements.php
http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education3/25-water-organic-inorganic-minerals.htm