Label reading and having some awareness of the ingredients you eat are important. I am not one to have people obsess over these things, but awareness and amount of exposure are just a good idea to keep in mind. As you observe the short list below, be aware that this isn’t about demonizing these ingredients. Again, this is brought to you for awareness purposes. What prompted this particular blog was a request from a client/friend/family member around what to consider when looking at packaged foods for her toddlers. As I was putting this together, I thought it a good idea to just make into a blog and share!

Her main concerns were specific to what to look for when shopping for her toddlers’. Remember that tiny bodies are going to have different experiences to additives than adults. And just as adults, toddlers can develop allergies with these things as well. Ok, enough disclosure. Below is a short list that I developed because of some of the research around the effects of these on the nervous system and development of little bodies and minds.

The Short List:

MSG – Adults can also be sensitive to this, but tiny bodies can feel the effects on the nervous system with this product. It can be a little stimulating in general. Many adults experience brain fog and headaches. And again, for adults, it depends on how much exposure. For kids, it can depend on this as well, but a little is pretty potent. So just be aware of it.

Artificial food colorings like Red 40 and Blue 1 etc.  Some of these have shown to increase hyperactivity and or allergic reactions in toddlers in particular. Those teeny bodies can’t metabolize these things out of their system as readily as adults can. Adults, including myself, can also have allergies to these colorings. Many companies are starting to use vegetable and spice colorings for food dyes (i.e. beet juice, turmeric) Hoping this trend continues!

Trans fats.  These fats are listed as hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats. So read the ingredients for sure to know. Food labels are required to disclose the amount of trans fat on a label – however, if the amount does not exceed 2gms they don’t have to list it. That’s not ok with me. Trans are still in the product and in particular for little kids – we just don’t want them consuming a lot of these types of foods. Once in a while is absolutely no big deal. Same for adults too! Trans fats can be found in many different items. This client was requesting info on snack chips in general.

Here are a few good alternatives: https://www.healthysnacksolutions.com/products/good-health-avocado-oil-potato-chips-sea-salt

As well as the kettle brand – https://www.kettlebrand.com/product/classic-sea-salt/

And my personal favorite tortilla chip = https://thegoodbean.com/pages/beanitos

Palm oil. This is a saturated fat similar to coconut oil. Both cheap, both can be pro- inflammatory. So just be aware of it. Again – a small portion a day, no big deal. And for vegans, this is totally fine as vegans do not get any saturated fat. And some is a good thing. But if most things that kids or adults eat have this in them, then it can cause lipid levels to rise pretty quickly as well as inflammation. Again, teeny bodies are just affected more. But this is true for adults too! Peanut butters, other nut butter spreads and many silly protein bars have these types of oils in them often. Do read the labels if you purchase these types of products.

Sodium Nitrite. You’ll find this in cheaper lunch meats and hot dogs and things like this. Again – if there isn’t a better quality item available, a serving is going to be fine. It’s what’s happening on a regular basis that is much more important!

These hot dogs do not have the nitrites – https://www.hebrewnational.com/kosher-beef-franks/all-natural-beef-franks#:~:text=Naturally%2C%20you’ll%20love%20Hebrew,10.3%20oz or plant-based version = https://fieldroast.com/product/signature-stadium-dog/

Sodium Benzoate. You’ll find this in some pickles and other fermented type of foods….it just has some potentially off effects when combined with certain things.  For example, if an artificial sweetener mixes with the sodium benzoate it can cause hyperactivity and possible allergic reactions in kids in particular. If it’s mixed with vitamin C, there are some studies showing that it can be carcinogenic in adults. Again, just be aware of it. Once in a while mixing may not be a big deal, everyone is different.  Due to my sensitivities, I just choose to avoid it all together. I use so much vitamin C in my salads, which is where my pickles go! Here is my personal favorite: – https://www.grillospickles.com/

As mentioned, this is the short list. Nutrient and ingredient awareness is key to leading an intentionally whole and balanced lifestyle! It’s never all or nothing. It’s just awareness so you can make the best choices for you and your family!

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Photo by Robin Goad