Reaction from yesterday’s PediaBlog post. From a fellow blogger:
Another great post from Ned’s PediaBlog regarding what is in the food we consume. In the example he posts, one has to wonder how people even came up with the idea of mixing all that stuff. Are the rising rates of autism and asthma related to this stuff? Are we dying too young because of this stuff?
From a reader on Facebook:
I can’t tell you what a relief it is to get this information from our pediatricians office. Too often it seems like medical professionals are oblivious to such concerns. This is a significant concern for our family. Thank you!
Another:
Just recently my husband and I have discovered that our son is reacting negatively to artificial dyes and flavorings. It’s like night and day! When we first started trying to cut out artificial dyes and flavorings, it was astounding just how many products contain them! I’d be interested in any medical/scientific evidence if you have anything to share.
Another reader provides some helpful answers:
Thank you for bringing awareness to this information. I would like to suggest that awareness is not “all we have”. There are simple ways that we can reduce our exposure to the harmful chemicals that are so pervasive in our food, in the products we use on our bodies, and those found in our environment. Are you aware of the Cosmetics Database produced by the Environmental Working Group? They independently test and rank thousands of personal care products for their chemical ingredients. I look there before purchasing things like shampoo and toothpaste for our family. There are many many alternative products available. The same goes for our food. Sticking to whole foods, and avoiding the packaged and processed foods available throughout the grocery stores inner aisles makes a huge difference. So does choosing organic foods when it is most important. There is a list put out called “the Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen”, which has produce items listed according the amount of pesticides found on these foods. Most important for organics are meats and dairy foods, because the pesticides in their foods tends to concentrate in the fats, which ends up in our food. Lastly, cleaning products are the worst offenders when it comes to harmful chemicals. There are thousands and thousands of articles available on the internet detailing how one can easily and inexpensively make their own effective and germ killing cleaning products from common household items, like white vinegar, baking soda, peroxide, lemons, and the like.
Awareness is only the first step, but we are not powerless when it comes to controlling the harmful chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. It just takes a little more attention, and a little more information, and a little more work. The health of my family is more than worth it.
Several readers have wondered about the picture of the food label:
What is that food, anyway? Is it a cereal?
I don’t know, actually! I count at least 9 artificial colorings, so maybe a popular kid’s cereal? I didn’t properly attribute the origin of the picture of the label, so here it is.