Contaminating Common Beverages with Thyroid-Damaging Substance

Contaminating Common Beverages with Thyroid-Damaging Substance

Unveiling the Toxic Truth: The Shocking Gap in Food Safety

American consumers are still subjected to potentially harmful food additives, unlike their European counterparts. When additives surface with links to health issues, European regulators respond swiftly, while the United States often seems to lag behind.

Take, for instance, the five food additives we've pointed out, that were banned across the pond, but remain in our food supply - chemicals linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and type 2 diabetes.

It's about high time the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) caught up, and it seems they might just be doing that. In drinks enjoyed by almost 65% of Americans daily, an additive has been found to be linked with thyroid toxicity.

That additive is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), and patients with thyroid problems should pay close attention. Your thyroid governs critical functions such as blood pressure, body temperature, metabolism, and response to other hormones. Disruptions to this delicate balance can wreak havoc on your body's key processes.

But BVO doesn't stop there. It's also been linked to skin and mucous membrane irritation, fatigue, loss of muscle coordination, and memory problems.

In telling news, the FDA is proposing a measure to ban the use of BVO in the U.S. After collaborating with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on toxicology studies, the agency found that an accumulation of BVO is toxic to the thyroid.

Despite the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) designation granted to BVO by the FDA back in the 1970s, recent findings now deem the continued use of BVO in food as unsafe.

Some manufacturers have already phased out BVO, with PepsiCo removing it from its citrus-flavored Gatorade in 2013 when concerns about its safety first arose. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) cautions that up to at least 90 products on your local grocery shelves still contain BVO.

California has already taken steps to phase out harmful additives like BVO, banning not only this notorious chemical but also potassium bromate, propylparaben, and FD&C Red No. 3. By 2027, manufacturers will no longer be able to use these four ingredients in food sold within California.

As a concerned consumer, keeping an eye on product labels is essential. Until the FDA's proposed ban takes effect, refrain from consuming foods that contain BVO, and cutting back on sodas is a good start. With potential links to liver cancer and a tumultuous history of artificial sweeteners, sodas do little to contribute to overall health.

Nurture your well-being by seeking out healthier alternatives and staying informed about the foods you eat. After all, knowledge is power, and it's up to us to protect our health!

Editor's note: Did you know that by transforming your body from acidic to alkaline can provide you with increased energy, weight loss, improved digestion, illness prevention, and overall wellness? Embrace the Alkaline Secret to Ultimate Vitality and revolutionize your lifestyle today!

Sources:

• FDA moves to ban drink additive linked to thyroid issues, memory loss - UPI News
• California bans four food additives linked to health issues - UPI
• FDA Proposes to Ban Food Additive, Continues Assessments of Additional Chemicals - U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Why Is Red Dye No. 3 Banned in Cosmetics but Still Allowed in Food? - Consumer Reports
• California moves to crack down on ultra-processed foods in schools as part of new safety legislation - UPI News

1. Regularly consuming healthier foods and understanding nutrition plays a crucial role in improving overall well-being.
2. In the United States, food safety oversight remains slow compared to European countries, especially when addressing additives with links to health issues.
3. Despite the General Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now proposing a measure to ban Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), a potentially harmful food additive linked to thyroid toxicity, memory problems, and other health concerns.
4. For individuals dealing with thyroid issues, it's essential to be cautious about their food-and-drink choices, particularly those items containing BVO.
5. The policy-and-legislation landscape shows changes as California has already initiated steps to regulate harmful additives, including BVO, and even banned its use by 2027.
6. Choosing healthier food-and-drink options, such as adopting a healthy-cooking lifestyle, contributes to overall health and can potentially prevent various illnesses.
7. It's essential for consumers to stay informed about hidden additives in food-and-drink products, staying abreast of general-news and updates from organizations like the FDA and the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

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