Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products. Medium & High Glycemic Index foods are found in much of what we eat. Why don’t you want medium & high glycemic index foods?

You should avoid or limit medium and high glycemic index (GI) foods because they cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, which over time, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. These foods are typically refined, processed, or high in added sugars, leading to quick digestion that triggers excessive insulin release and subsequent blood sugar crashes, which can promote cravings, overeating, and weight gain.

• Health Risks: Consistently high blood glucose levels can cause insulin resistance and are associated with higher risks of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. 

• Metabolic Impact: High-GI foods often lack fiber and protein, causing glucose to hit the bloodstream rapidly rather than gradually, which disrupts satiety signals.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products. Carbs are found in much of our food. Why do you need to limit your carbohydrate intake? Carbs lead to inflammation and also fuel cancer cells. They also are a leading cause of weight management issues. Not sure how many to have each day? Your needs may vary, but in general, you should aim to have fewer than 60 net carbs a day. Total Carbs – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols = Net Carbs. But, keep in mind, you subtract the full amount if the sugar alcohol is erythritol or allulose; otherwise, subtract half the amount of other sugar alcohols (such as maltitol, sorbitol, or xylitol).

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products. Red Dye #40 is found in our food. Why don’t you want it? Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) is FDA-approved and generally considered safe in small amounts for most people, but some studies link it to hyperactivity in sensitive children, potential DNA damage, gut inflammation, and allergic reactions, leading to concerns and calls for more research, especially since it’s petroleum-derived and can contain benzene traces. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and WHO deem current exposure levels safe, but some countries require warning labels, and more human studies are needed to fully understand long-term risks, particularly concerning cancer and neurobehavioral effects. 

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products. High Fructose Corn Syrup is found in our food. Why don’t you want it? Its overconsumption is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, heart issues (high triglycerides/cholesterol), and inflammation because the liver rapidly converts excess fructose into fat, stressing the body and increasing disease risk. Like other added sugars, HFCS provides “empty calories” but can be worse than sugar in some studies, leading to fat buildup, insulin resistance, and metabolic problems, so moderation is key for all added sweeteners.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products. Aspartame is found in our food. Why don’t you want it? Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that can affect the hormones that regulate metabolism and have a negative effect on weight control. It has also been linked to heart disease and increased risk of cancer.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products. Sodium Nitrite is found in our food. Why don’t you want it? When added to processed foods, nitrites are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Lectins are found in our food. Why don’t you want them?
1. Digestive Distress: When raw, lectins can cause acute food poisoning symptoms, including severe nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, & diarrhea. One specific lectin, phytohemagglutinin (found in high amounts in raw kidney beans), can cause red blood cells to clump together.
2. Gut Barrier Damage (“Leaky Gut”): Lectins are resistant to human digestive enzymes & stomach acid. They can bind to the intestinal wall, damaging the microvilli & increasing intestinal permeability (leaky gut). This allows toxins to enter the bloodstream & trigger inflammation.
3. Nutrient Malabsorption: Because they bind to carbohydrates, lectins can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vital minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus & zinc.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Processed Omega 6 vegetable oils are found in our food. Processed Omega 6 vegetable oils include Soybean, Corn, Canola (rapeseed), Cottonseed, Sunflower, Safflower, Grapeseed, Rice bran. Why don’t you want them?

1. too much linoleic acid; related to cancer
2. they contain lectins (see post about lectins next week)
3. Imbalance: Ancestral diets had an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about 1:1. Modern diets often reach 20:1, which some research links to systemic inflammation and chronic diseases like heart disease and obesity.
4. Oxidative Stress: Because they are chemically unstable, these oils can break down into harmful byproducts (like OXLAMs) when heated, potentially damaging cells and arteries.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Polysorbates are found in our food. Why don’t you want polysorbates? 1. Contamination Risks: Often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane & ethylene oxide, both linked to cancer, during the manufacturing process (ethoxylation). 2. Gut Health: Emerging research shows polysorbate 80 disrupts the protective mucus layer of the gut, contributing to inflammation, “leaky gut,” & metabolic syndrome. 3. High concentrations may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. 4. Permeability: Polysorbates increase skin & intestinal permeability, which may lead to unintended absorption of harmful substances. Polysorbate 20 (Lauric Acid) is commonly used in facial toners, perfumes & as an essential oil solubilizer. Polysorbate 60 (Stearic Acid) is used in thick creams, butters & bakery products to improve texture. Polysorbate 80 (Oleic Acid) is most common, used for heavier oils in lotions, ice creams & as a stabilizer in vaccines & medications. 

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Maltodextrin is found in our food. Why don’t you want Maltodextrin? Blood Sugar Spikes: Its high GI causes rapid sugar and insulin spikes, followed by crashes, potentially leading to fatigue. Lacks Nutrition: It offers calories but no vitamins, minerals, or fiber, providing little nutritional value. Gut Health: Some research suggests it can negatively impact the gut’s mucus barrier, potentially worsening inflammation. Hidden Sugars: It’s often in “sugar-free” items but isn’t counted in sugar totals on labels, deceiving consumers.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Mercury is found in our personal care products. Why don’t you want Mercury? It is linked to brain and nervous system damage.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Benzene is found in our personal care products. In fact, Benzene is commonly found in sunscreens. Why don’t you want Benzene? It is not an intentional ingredient, but a known human carcinogen that has caused major 2021-2025 recalls after being detected in aerosol (spray) sunscreens due to manufacturing contamination.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Lilial is found in our personal care products. (Lilial is also known as Lilial, Butylphenyl methylpropional, p-BMHCA or BMHCA, Lysmeral, and 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde). Why don’t you want Lilial? It is linked to developmental and systemic toxicity.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Triclosan is found in our personal care products. Why don’t you want Triclosan? It is an Endocrine Disruptor, causing infertility, early puberty, and thyroid issues.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Phenylenediamine (PPD, MPD, OPD) is found in our personal care products. Why don’t you want Phenylenediamine (PPD, MPD, OPD)? It is linked to cancer, mutagenicity and organ system toxicity. While p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is widely used under strict limits, its counterparts m-Phenylenediamine and o-Phenylenediamine are considered unsafe and are subject to broad bans in major global markets as of 2025. 

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) is found in sunscreens, skincare, cosmetics, hair care, body care, fortified dairy & grains. Why don’t you want Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)? Some studies suggest it may accelerate the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to skin exposed to direct sunlight. Experts like the EWG recommend caution with products containing Retinyl Palmitate when exposed to sunlight. Studies suggest that when applied to skin exposed to UV light, this ingredient can break down and produce free radicals that may cause DNA damage and increase the risk of skin lesions and tumors. It is generally advised to use products with Retinyl Palmitate at night only to avoid these risks. 

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Methylisothiazolinone (MI) is found in sunscreens, soaps, hair care, cosmetics, cleaners, adhesives. Why don’t you want Methylisothiazolinone (MI)? It is a preservative that is a common cause of contact dermatitis and is suspected to be neurotoxic.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Octocrylene is found in sunscreens, skincare, cosmetics, hair care, body care, adhesives. Why don’t you want Octocrylene? It can degrade into benzophenone, a known carcinogen and potent allergen.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food & others in our personal care products.  Homosalate is found in sunscreens, skincare, cosmetics, hair care, body care and certain hypnotic drugs. Why don’t you want Homosalate? Endocrine Disruption: It mimics estrogen, and impacts progesterone & androgen receptors, and is linked it to increased growth in human breast cancer cells (which multiply in response to estrogen). High Systemic Absorption: FDA studies show it is absorbed into the bloodstream after 1 use, reaching levels far exceeding safety thresholds (detected at 23.1 ng/mL vs the 0.5 ng/mL limit), and it lingers in the body for up to 21 days. Reproductive & Developmental Risks: It has been detected in human breast milk & placental tissues. It may suppress placental cell proliferation, potentially leading to pregnancy complications like intrauterine growth retardation. Enhanced Toxin Absorption: Homosalate can increase the skin’s permeability, enhancing the absorption of other harmful chemicals.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food, others in our personal care products, and some are in both.  Avobenzone is found in our personal care products. It is common in sunscreens, skincare, cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, detergents, and plastics. Why don’t you want Avobenzone?  High Systemic Absorption: It stays in blood, urine, and breast milk weeks after use, raising concerns about long-term internal exposure. Hormone Disruption: It has shown “pro-estrogenic” activity in lab tests, meaning it may interfere with natural hormone signaling. Degradation and Free Radicals: When exposed to sunlight, it begins to break down within 30 minutes. This process not only reduces sun protection but also generates free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate premature aging. Contact Dermatitis: It is a frequent cause of photoallergic reactions. Some users experience redness, itching, or rashes specifically when the applied product is exposed to the sun.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food, others in our personal care products, and some are in both. Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate) is found in our personal care products. Why don’t you want Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate)? Readily absorbed through the skin, it is linked to thyroid dysfunction and reproductive toxicity.  It is common in sunscreens, cosmetics, hair care, and fragrances.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food, others in our personal care products, and some are in both. Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) is found in our personal care products. Why don’t you want Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)? Found in the bloodstream of 97% of Americans, it is a suspected endocrine disruptor linked to altered hormone levels, thyroid dysfunction, and reduced sperm function. It is also a primary contributor to coral reef bleaching. It is common in sunscreens, skincare, haircare, household cleaners.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food, others in our personal care products, and some are in both. Formaldehyde is found in our personal care products. Why don’t you want Formaldehyde? Cancer Risk: Frequent use of products containing methylene glycol, such as keratin treatments, is linked to an increased risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers. Respiratory Harm: Inhalation of vapors during heat-activated hair treatments can cause coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and long-term asthma. Skin and Eye Irritation: It is a strong sensitizer that can cause severe rashes, allergic contact dermatitis, and eye injuries.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food, others in our personal care products, and some are in both. Styrene is found in our personal care products. Why don’t you want Styrene? Carcinogenicity: Styrene is classified as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and as Group 2A (probably carcinogenic) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Endocrine Disruption: It is classified by the European Commission as a Category 1 endocrine disruptor, with documented evidence of interfering with hormone systems in humans and wildlife. Neurotoxicity: Exposure can cause central nervous system (CNS) effects, including headaches, fatigue, weakness, and memory loss. Skin Sensitization: It is a known sensitizer that can cause irritation, rashes, redness, and burning upon contact, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Some toxins to watch out for are in our food, others in our personal care products, and some are in both. Methylene glycol is found in our personal care products. Why don’t you want Methylene glycol? Cancer Risk: Frequent use of products containing methylene glycol, such as keratin treatments, is linked to an increased risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancers. Respiratory Harm: Inhalation of vapors during heat-activated hair treatments can cause coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and long-term asthma. Skin and Eye Irritation: It is a strong sensitizer that can cause severe rashes, allergic contact dermatitis, and eye injuries.