1. Whey
Most whey proteins are derived from commercial dairy cows, pumped up with rBGH(Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone), fed not grass but GMO corn or soy, and given antibiotics. Their ultra-pasteurized and ultra-acidic milk/cheese is then acid processed and can be stripped of the fat and lactose sugar (isolates); this damages the protein and makes it insoluble in water. To restore the solubility as well as the flavor, manufacturers then add chemical flavors and detergents; they may use genetically modified soy lecithin, maltodextrin, caseinates, and sucralose, among others.
-Whey protein is traditionally designed as a "gainer" of weight
-Can lead to metabolic acidosis and wasting of bone/osteoporosis
-Worsens those prone to kidney stones and gout
-Includes lactose, so can cause symptoms for those who are lactose intolerant: GI issues; cramps, gas, nausea, and/or diarrhea
2. Soy
In the early to mid 2000s, thanks to the massively successful, shrewd marketing, advertising, and manipulation of the soy industry, soy seemed (at least to the general public) to be a miracle health food.
At that time, the $6 billion soy food industry (which dropped to $4.5 billion in 2013) had pretty much monopolized processed food, and you literally could go the entire day eating nothing but meals, snacks, drinks, and desserts made from soy. The studies performed on soy that showed positive health benefits were on fermented soy products, such as natto, miso, tempeh, not these highly processed soy or soy isolates we see in today's soy milk, soy ice cream, soy energy bars, and a myriad of other highly processed soy products and ingredients. Most of the soy-containing products we see on the market today are acid washed in aluminum tanks or otherwise highly processed. In addition, most of the soy grown in the U.S. is not organic; it is genetically modified (more than 90%), which means it is also heavily sprayed with pesticides. The common soy containing ingredients come from "non-fermented" soy, which has been found to have what is referred to as "anti-nutrients," some of which can mimic the hormone estrogen and have been implicated in many
health issues:
Depressed thyroid function
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Protein malabsorption
Depression and mood swings
Decreased libido, decreased sperm count, and impaired fertility
Breast and prostate cancers
3. Casein
The most abundant protein in milk (87%), casein has been shown to be one of the "most relevant cancer promoters ever discovered." This is because casein makes the body more acidic, modifies critical enzyme activities, and alters hormones. These effects can cause a broad array of even more unwanted side effects, including promoting the growth of cancer and increasing blood cholesterol, enhancing atherogenesis, the early stage of cardiovascular disease. And finally, although these are casein-specific effects, it should be noted that other animal-based proteins are likely to have the same effects as casein. Casein also has the same issues as whey in being full of rBGH, antibiotics, pesticides, etc., when derived from denatured, commercial dairy cows.
4. Maltodextrin
A cheap, sweet, shelf-life-extending industrial compound artificially created when acids and enzymes are applied via hydrolysis to a starch from GMO corn, rice, wheat (contains gluten), soy, or potatoes. The diet food industry loves maltodextrin because it allows them to use it in their food and label it "low" or "no sugar." Though not a sugar, it still has a high GI (glycemic index) of up to 130 (table sugar is only about 65)! The glycemic index is a measurement of how quickly blood sugar rises after eating it. Its high glycemic index, which creates a massive upswing in blood sugar, results in a surge of the hormone insulin, potentially leading to weight gain and a host of other hormone-induced issues.
5. Sucralose/ Splenda/E955
One of the best-selling artificial sweeteners on the market, Sucralose, also known as Splenda, used the following tagline when it was first launched in 2000: "Made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar," but this was quickly retired after the makers of Equal sued them. It turns out sucralose, known as E955 in Europe, is a dangerous chemical compound made by chlorinating sucrose, or table sugar. The human body does not detoxify itself well from chlorinated compounds. Sold to the public as being safe; when heated, sucralose has been shown to break down and release highly toxic compounds, such as dioxins and PCDFs(polychlorinated dibenzofurans) with potential DNA damage and increased carcinogenic potential when used in cooking.
Sucralose had minimal safety testing before its push into the market and FDA approval, but the following long list of safety concerns and health problems have been attributed to it:
-Reduction of the good immune system-protecting gut bacteria (up to 50%)
-Unwanted drug interactions: limits the absorption of certain drugs, rendering them less effective
-Breaks down into toxic DNA damaging and carcinogenic byproducts under heat
-Gastrointestinal problems- bloating, gas nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
-Seizures, dizziness, and migraines
-Blurred vision
-Allergic reactions- skin redness, itching, swelling, stuffy, runny nose, and red, itchy eyes
-Joint pains or aches
-Blood sugar increases (not suitable for people with diabetes)
-Bioaccumulation- absorbed by body fat
-Weight gain
6. Fructose
Found naturally in fruits and vegetables, processed fructose/high fructose corn syrup/corn syrup is added in massive amounts to various processed foods and beverages. It is genetically modified and hides under the guise of many other names. Fructose is not the preferred energy source for the body and is 100% metabolized by the liver, so it doesn't cause insulin to be released, and it doesn't stimulate the satiety hormone telling you you are full (as glucose dose via the pancreas). It is fat-loving and fat-producing and is converted into (by the liver) fatty acids, bad cholesterol (VLDL), and triglycerides and causes all the associated cardiovascular diseases- heart disease, stroke, and erectile dysfunction, among others.
Bottom line: Fructose turns into FAT!
This article was written by Dr. Ginger The Shakedown Report.
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