Healthy Foods Harming your Brain?

Lets talk a bit about food and your brain. Did you know that there are many neurotoxins and heavy metals in foods that are considered healthy? Everyday, we can be consuming healthy foods that are filled with chemicals. That sickness or disease you are suffering from could be caused by heavy metal build up. Our bodies weren’t built to break down or get rid of the heavy metals, so they go into our fat tissue and blood stream. Once they get into our bodies, they start to build up in our brains, and other organs. Heavy metals can cause migraines, memory loss and aging.

According to a few studies, the average IQ of Americans has dropped by almost 41 million points. Some scientists believe that neurotoxins and heavy metals are to blame. On researcher even suggested that they could cause Autism and ADHD.

So what are these toxins and where are they found?

• Arsenic– a pesticide that has been found in rice, brown rice syrup, apple juice, and gram juice. Being exposed to even small amounts over a long period of time can cause cancers, cardiovascular disease and reproductive problems.
• Manganese– It can be found in soda cans, stainless steel and tap water. It can cause coordination and learning issues.
• Ethanol– Found In alcoholic drinks. It can cause depression and slow down parts of the nervous system.
• Fluoride– Found in tap water. If children are exposed to high doses, in to can lower IQ.
• Lead– It is found in rice that has been imported to the US. In children, it can cause developmental problems and in adults, it can lead to cardiovascular disease.
• DDT/DDE– This has been banned in the US but it can be on foods that are imported. It has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)– These have been banned but are found in salmon that is farmed. It can interfere with brain development.
• Chlorpyrifos– pesticides that are sprayed on almonds, broccoli, grapes, citrus and grains. These can damage the nervous system and cause developmental delays in children.

So what can we do to avoid it?

• Eat foods that are high in antioxidants.
• Limit eating fish to one or two times a week
• Get a high quality water filter
• Buy organic
• Don’t drink soda out of cans
• Avoid things that you know contain neurotoxins and heavy metals.

References: The Food Babe Way by Vani Hari

Environmental Working Group (EWG.com)