Artificial Coloring: Can potentially cause neurological symptoms in children. Hyperactivity is the symptom most often attributed. FD&C yellow #5 is said to produce the most severe allergic reactions. People that are aspirin-sensitive are particularly likely to suffer a response.
Artificial Sweeteners: Can cause neurological symptoms and exacerbate chronic illnesses. Artificial sweeteners are chemical substances that may damage brain neurons causing headaches, memory problems, seizures, panic attacks, depression, and migraines.
Fat Replacements and thickeners: This ingredient is used to thicken or emulsify foods that are low-fat or fat-free. These are natural, derived from plant sources, but are known to cause digestive issues. These substances can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils: Produces trans fatty acids.
Refined flour and sugar: Refined ingredients are stripped of their many essential nutrients, causing them to become High GLI foods. Foods high on the GLI index cause sugar spikes, effecting the appetite, metabolism, and contributing to obesity. Both are leading contributors to developing chronic conditions such as type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular related diseases.
Sodium Nitrite/nitrate: These ingredients can lead to certain types of cancer. Pancreatic cancer, brain tumors, and leukemia have been linked by researchers to individuals that consume large quantities of these preservatives.