Epic vs. Toxic

FOODS HIGH IN SALT

Our bodies need some sodium to function properly because they maintain the balance of fluids in our bodies. The kidneys process salt, too much and it starts to accumulate in your blood. Blood volume increases which makes your heart work harder, which increases pressure in your arteries. Such diseases as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease can make it hard for your kidneys to keep sodium levels balanced. Get yourself some low-sodium food and ideas here:

Also Salt
HeartWise Foods

CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANERS

Charcoal grilling – although a mainstay of American culture – can be a dirty, toxic process. Burning charcoal or any wood causes the formation of hydrocarbons and soot particles that are hazardous to your health and pollute the air. Two types of carcinogenic compounds formed with the charcoal grilling of meat are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). Keep your barbecue healthy and your grilling non toxic with these charcoal alternatives:

Greenlink Charcoal
Lazzari

PROCESSED BREADS

Primarily used in producing foamed plastics and known to be a respiratory sensitizer and cause asthma – Bromide or Azodicarbonamide as it’s often listed – is a food additive and flour-bleaching agent for bread. While the chemical is banned in Australia, Europe, and Singapore; it is freely produced in the United States and is used extensively by Subway, Burger King, and Dunkin Donuts. Bread is yummy and so are these non toxic, chemical free alternatives:

Food for Life
Danz Bread

FRENCH FRIES AND POTATO CHIPS

Acrylamide is found in carbohydrate-rich foods and is linked to cancer in laboratory rats. While not added to foods it is produced when starchy foods – French fries and potato chips – are cooked at high temperatures. There is reason to be concerned that this same process may occur in human consumption. Instead, try out some healthy alternatives such as:

Sweet Potatoes
Olives
Edamame
Kale chips

SNACK CAKES AND OTHER BAKED TREATS

This includes all varieties of baked goods – including packaged cake and biscuit mixes. These foods contain high amounts of trans fats and additives including corn syrup, preservatives and artificial flavors and colors. Typically these ‘treats’ contain more trans fats than any other food because not only are they often made with hydrogenated oils, they’re fried in them too – hows that for a toxic treat? How about these tasty alternatives:

Baked Goods
Local Bakeries

FRIED FISH AND OTHER FOODS

Catfish are bottom feeders, which means they’re full of toxins like mercury and PCBs. It’s also fried, which means it contains acrylamide, a known carcinogen and neurotoxin that is formed when foods are baked or fried at high temperatures. Choose wild-caught fish from open waters instead of farm-raised to avoid toxins. These locations should get you swimming in the right direction:

Farmers Markets

SOFT DRINKS WITH BROMINATED VEGGIE OIL

In many citric-based fruit and soft drinks there is a chemical that is added to boost flavor. The issue is that it also increases triglycerides and cholesterol and can damage liver, testicles, thyroid, heart and kidneys.

ACIDIC FOODS WITH SODIUM BENZOATE

Acidic foods such as pickled, salad dressings, fruit juices, and soft drinks can contain Sodium Benzoate which is a preservative used to prevent food from molding. When mixed with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) sodium benzoate transforms into benzene, a known carcinogen and DNA damager. The FDA regulates it but check your labels or enjoy foods rich in antioxidants. The Health Reporter

HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

High fructose corn syrup is commonly used in place of sugar in processed foods in the USA and is found in a variety of foods including breads, cereals, soft drinks, and condiments – not just sweet foods. It has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and a variety of other health issues. Many great alternatives exist for HFCS that will leave you feeling healthy and happy:

Global Organics
Organic Honey
Kashi
Annies Naturals

HOTDOGS & CURED MEATS WITH NITRATES

Used to preserve, color and flavor cured meats and fish as well as prevent botulism – foods high in nitrates can include vegetables and meats. While nitrate itself is harmless, it can convert in your body to nitrite, which can form nitrosamines, a powerful cancer-causing chemical. Vitamin C is known to inhibit the conversion to nitrosamines in your stomach so have an orange or avoid nitrates by seeking out nitrate-free alternatives such as these: