In the previous post, Diet and ADHD in children, Part 1, I focused on
Making sure your child is getting his or her basic nutritional needs met.
Today I'm going to focus on how to avoid (or minimize) the food additives that are detrimental to his or her health.
Since reading the book, “Eating for Autism,” and others like it, I have made quite a few changes to Nathan's diet. That is, I've removed things that I've decided aren't so good for him.
I must be honest when I say that I haven't noticed any remarkable changes in his behavior, like many have when making these significant changes. However, I still know that it's making a difference. One of the things about prevention is that you're preventing it from happening. So, obviously it didn't happen. You can't know about something that didn't happen, right? I believe that's important to remember.
It's not just about reducing behavior and allergy issues; it's about preventing them from happening at all.
The process is complicated and time consuming. However, if you have a child with major behavior issues, who is nonverbal, or has any other extreme symptoms, you may find the time and effort worth it in the end.
The next step is straight forward:
Get Rid of Harmful Toxins
So, what should you strive to remove, or at least reduce, and why? You should eliminate all synthetic food additives because evidence is growing that these additives do affect people who are sensitive.
Food additives include artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. Click here for partial list
One of the issues with toxins is that there are so many of them in the diet of Americans. And food manufacturers are quite skilled at hiding these worrisome ingredients under different names. For example, MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), which I will talk about in a minute. But first, let's talk about “GRAS.”
GRAS
“GRAS,” which stands for “Generally Regarded as Safe,” is the label or certification the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives when they determine that an ingredient in food is safe to eat. Once a food is labeled as “GRAS,” it's impossible to get it removed from this list. Unfortunately, many food ingredients that have been labeled GRAS aren't necessarily safe for everyone.
Here's what the FDA has to say about GRAS:
“GRAS” is an acronym for the phrase Generally Recognized as Safe. Under sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act), any substance that is intentionally added to food is a food additive, that is subject to premarket review and approval by FDA, unless the substance is generally recognized, among qualified experts, as having been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of its intended use, or unless the use of the substance is otherwise excepted from the definition of a food additive. (Emphasis Mine)
But if you look at the list of food additives, you might not be feeling so positive about the “safe” part of GRAS, especially when you realize that certain substances were “grandfathered” into the GRAS designation under the Food Additive Amendment of 1958. In other words, they were never really tested for safety before GRAS was slapped on them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generally_recognized_as_safe
Saccharin is one of these ingredients.
Saccharin, which has been clearly shown to cause bladder cancer in rats, is still on the market because it falls under “GRAS.”
Other ingredients that are labeled as GRAS are questionable, including Aspartame and MSG. Despite the fact that numerous people have reported adverse symptoms to Aspartame and MSG, the FDA refuses to budge on its classification of GRAS for both additives.
https://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/GRAS/
So, GRAS was created in an effort by the FDA to monitor food additives. The designation GRAS, according to the FDA, is supposed to mean the food additive is safe for the general public. But kids with ADD, ADHD, and Autism are not the “general public.” And studies are showing that many of these food additives have detrimental effects on these kids and other sensitive people.
Many of these additives contain suspicious ingredients or are created by suspicious means. For example, artificial colors.
Artificial Colors
Most artificial colors contain Coal Tar. Coal Tar is a by-product of coal, and it has been shown to be a carcinogen. So, besides the fact that artificial colors have been shown to increase behavior problems and hyperactivity, there's the risk of cancer. Coal tar is also used in shampoo, soap, and as a treatment for lice (yikes)!
The current artificial colors used include Blue #1 and #2, Green #3, Red #3 and #40, Yellow #5 and Yellow #6, and Orange. Look for these ingredients on food labels if you want to avoid them.
Artificial Flavors
Artificial flavors are added to food to improve and enhance the flavor of natural food. For example, MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), which is the most common. Do any of you remember the old “Accent” spice? The commercials used to say, “Enhances the flavor of foods.” Well, that's what Accent is: MSG. In fact, it turns out that Accent is alive and well in the food community. My husband was just in the hospital, and I discovered that they were giving him an Accent packet on his meal trays.
Here is the ingredient list for Accent:
MSG, salt, chili pepper, Tricalcium Phosphate, (anticaking agent), spice (cumin, oregano), Paprika Extractives (color), Garlic Extractives, Onion Extractives, Yellow Lake No. 6, Yellow Lake No. 5.
Hello!!!???
I could not eat Chinese food as a child, because I got sick. I remember one time I was so sick I didn't even get out of bed. My mom was not happy with me! When I was older, someone told me it was MSG that made me sick. Fast forward to the current day. The food manufacturers still claim it's all in our head that MSG causes symptoms. Yet many Chinese (and other Asian) restaurants are MSG free.
And the FDA is requiring MSG to be labeled if it is in a particular food. That should make us all wonder.
Some people think MSG is addicting.
For example, many fast foods contain MSG. I have found when I eat a lot of fast food, I want to eat more. In fact, my first job was at McDonald's. I remember that I always wanted to eat there even on my days off. Addicting? Maybe.
While in college, I read a book titled, “The Slow Poisoning of America.” It seemed extreme at the time, but it did discuss MSG in depth. If you're interested in reading this book, it is available on Amazon.
Some people believe that MSG is added to foods because of its addictive properties.
Do an internet search under “Is MSG addictive?” and you will see what I mean.
At any rate, if you are interested in removing MSG from your kids' diets, you will need to learn to identify it on food labels. Unfortunately, it's not so straight forward. Even though the FDA requires a manufacturer to state “Contains MSG” on the package, food manufacturers figure out ways to avoid putting it on the label.
The reason is because it's not actually the sodium part of MSG that is bad. It's the glutamate part.
Glutamate, or glutamic acid, is a naturally occurring amino acid. So, technically it's “natural.” As a result, if a food contains any form of glutamate (if it's not actually MSG), it can be labeled under “natural flavors” or “spices.”
Also watch out for the chemicals “disodium inosinate” and “disodium guanylate,” because these are always associated with MSG. Other ingredients that contain glutamate are hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, soy extracts, and protein isolate.
As you can see, carefully reading labels and doing your research is extremely important, if you want to eliminate or reduce MSG in your family's diet.
Artificial Food Preservatives
Two artificial food preservatives that have caused controversy are butylated hydroxy anisole “BHA” and butyl hydroxytoluene “BHT.” These two preservatives are used in cereals, certain oils, and in cosmetics.
When I first learned about BHA/BHT, I discovered that Cheerios had them listed as an ingredient. I was really bummed because Cheerios are one of my favorite cereals. Reluctantly, I stopped buying Cheerios after that.
The good news is that Cheerios stopped using that preservative. One day I was in the grocery store, thinking, “Boy some Cheerios really sounds good right now. It's too bad they contain that cursed ingredient!” Just for fun, I checked the label. It was no longer there! So now my family can eat Cheerios again.
So, read food labels, and re-read them again, because food manufacturers are starting to get the hint that increasing numbers of people don't want that junk in their food!
Other common preservatives that are often not tolerated and that can be harmful are sulfites and sodium nitrites/nitrates. Sulfites are found in dried fruit, certain aged cheeses, and wine. Nitrites are found in ham, hot dogs, salami, other cold cuts, and bacon. The good news is that there are sulfite free versions of most foods. There are also nitrate free versions of cold cuts as well.
In part 3 of this series, I will discuss specific vitamins and minerals, and why they are important, in more detail.
Artificial Additives and Our Kids' Health
Hello, I find out in 2005 I’m sensitive to MSG, but also Salicylates. Have you done any research on the connection between Salicylates, which are found naturally in many healthy foods, such as apples, all berries and peppers, just to name a few, and ADHD? When I eat too much food with Salicylates (but they are related to MSG, as well) I experience symptoms affecting my nervous system and emotions, such as agitation and irritability, extreme crying, as well as headaches and lips swelling and blistering (there are more). My research indicates children experience ADHD symptoms. I’d love to talk to you! Thanks for your article.
I haven’t specifically done research on salicylates related to allergy. However, I can tell you that aspirin is basically salicylic acid. Do you remember the days when there was children’s aspirin? And then they discovered that aspirin could be unsafe for children under 12? Also, salicylic acid can be found in other medicinals such as Pepto Bismol.
Years ago I took a class on herbs and discovered this. Salicylic acid comes from the bark of the White Willow and also wintergreen leaves, and as you said certain foods. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, which is why it is used in various medicines.
Another thing, related to MSG, is that MSG does occur naturally in some foods such as avocadoes. Normally, people who are intolerant to MSG when consumed in processed foods don’t have the same reaction to the MSG that occurs naturally in foods.
Have you noticed whether your reactions to MSG and Salicylates are related to processed foods or taking certain medicines? For example, do you have reactions when you eat apples, berries or peppers? Because I would suspect that when consumed naturally through foods, it would be less allergenic.
Thank you for your question!
Debbie Hanyon
Hi Wendy,
I’m replying again because I am doing more research on salicylic acid. That’s why I love it when my readers ask questions! Anyway, I discovered that Salicylic Acid is BHA (They are basically the same thing)! I will definitely try to post about this later.
I DID NOT KNOW salicylic acid was the same as BHA. What I have known for years is that BHA is something that should be avoided.
The thing about all of these artificial food additives is that they are in so much of what we consume. I believe that is a big part of the problem. Most of us are consuming too much of this stuff (without even realizing it) in the form of processed foods, and not enough of the good stuff in the form of organic fresh produce and organic breads, cereals, beans and meats.
Deborah, I don’t have the medical or science background that you have. I did not know that salicylic acid was BHA. I did know that it was in aspirin. I used to get headaches often and took aspirin for them, which probably was the worst thing I could do. Yes, we are consuming way too many additives! It’s in everything!
I do have a sensitivity, but not any allergy, to salicylates. Years ago I went in for allergy testing, absolutely certain I would be told I was allergic to certain things/foods. I was not allergic to anything! (except to dust mites:) No foods. But, they said to me, that does not mean you are not having a reaction to them. They said it’s a sensitivity and the bucket theory applies. When my bucket is empty, I won’t have a reaction, or I’ll have a small one (if I eat, say, strawberries, after not consuming or being exposed to salicylates for quite awhile). If I’ve been consuming, or exposed to, a lot of salicylates, in the summer, for instance, when berries are so good, and I’ve eaten a lot of strawberries, raspberries and maybe apples in a salad, I may have a strong reaction. Or, if I go out to eat. When my bucket is full and overflows, I have many, and severe, symptoms. Allergies have symptoms every time right away, they told me. Sensitivities sometimes produce symptoms, sometimes don’t, and may take a couple of days or more to show up. In my case, my symptoms almost always appear 2 days after consuming a food with MSG or salicylates.
I found out years ago that I was sensitive to salicylates, because we were out of any other fruit than apples, and I ate an apple 3 days in a row. My lips swelled and blistered horribly! Apples with the skin on are the highest concentration. The fruit without skin is less, and cooked reduces the effect. I avoid apple cider vinegar, and all vinegars, for that matter, too. I also am sensitive to caramel color, and stay as far from “natural flavors” as possible. I also have trouble with grape juice. MSG gives me migraine-like headaches, and makes my heart beat erratically, skipping beats, and then pounding, and makes me exhausted, because of that. I even went in for a stress test at one time before I knew about my sensitivity, because I was concerned about my heart. My heart turned out to be great! Very strong! Other symptoms I have are extreme sadness, depression, crying without being able to stop. My ears will itch inside, almost driving me to distraction, and my glands swell, and I will feel unwell. Sometimes I’ll get a sore throat. Foggy brain, inability to focus, and fatigue are also symptoms.
It’s my desire to inform and educate other women, because I think many are having a lot of effects from their choices in food, and its wreaking havoc in their lives, without them knowing! One of the offending foods is cream of anything soup! (also bouillon, or even soups that say there’s no MSG, I’m leery of, so I make my own broth). So many women cook with cans of soup in everything! When I did my research years ago, I found out that many families were finding help for their children who had been diagnosed with ADHD, by eating a diet free of additives and salicylates/MSG. Because salicylates are in healthy foods, it becomes even more of a problem! The bucket theory applies, but I can’t eat green peppers, or any peppers, apples, and berries, specifically. If they’re cooked, it’s a little better. I know what it does to me, so I could only imagine what children are experiencing.
Years ago, I drank a lot of diet pop, and the aspartame in it had horrible effects on my nervous system. I would become so uncontrollably angry, or cry without stopping. I was so very intense, and super sensitive to noises and light. They were multiplied in intensity. Every sound felt like the volume was turned up 10 times. I thought it might be a good idea to lock me in a padded room. I could hardly stand to be around myself, so I felt sorry for those who had to be around me.
Now, I try to eat a whole foods diet, as much as possible, almost no processed foods, and organic meats, buying my chickens and beef from friends or a source that I know. I still run into trouble, because additives, preservatives and artificial colors, etc., are so prevalent, and hard to avoid! The meats in the stores have hormones added in them, and there are only a couple of restaurants that I can eat at, without repercussions (Subway and Chipotle are two that I seem to be able to eat at without issue). Since I want to be able to socialize, I still go out to eat occasionally, making the best choice I can, often doing research beforehand online, and then I try to flush my system, by drinking more than a gallon of water afterwards.
I would like to send you a two-part article I posted on an old blog, with my story. It includes the links to a number of articles and research, but I haven’t had time to go back and check the links to see if they’re still good, so I’m sure that some aren’t. May I send you that information? I am so glad to have found you!
I came across this allergy handout on salicylates. Thought you would be interested. Salicylate Sensitivity
Let me know if you have any questions regarding this. I hope this is helpful. 🙂
Thanks so much, Debbie! So kind and helpful! I’m doing a blog post on MSG, Salicylates and my story, entitled, “Are you sure the anger and tears are PMS not MSG?” beginning Feb. 7, 2019, the first of a 3-part series and would love to link to your best posts on the subject, if you WOULD care to give me links? Thanks so much!
I thought I added a link, but it doesn’t look like the link is working like I expected. Were you able to view it?
Oh never mind, I found it.
That sounds really good. I guess I better write something about salicylates, then!
Hi Wendy,
Yes, You may send me the articles. I’d love to read them.
Debbie
I decided to write a post on this, instead, and expanded the info 🙂