Food additives – why avoid them, what symptoms can they cause, and which are worst?

Food additives are prevalent in many processed foods. But do you know how they affect you and your family? They can cause mood changes, skin conditions, affect digestion, learning, asthma and much more. Read on to find out what other common symptoms can be caused by artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

Food additives are not just used in unhealthy snack foods. These days you’ll find them in everyday foods such as bread, butter, yoghurt, juice and muesli bars. So, how do you know which ones to avoid? Are they all as bad as each other?

While it might be ideal to avoid them all, realistically that’s a bit hard with our busy lives. Who has time to cook EVERYTHING from scratch? Not me! So, what’s the alternative? Know your numbers! Know which ones are the most likely to cause adverse reactions. And try to eat as many fresh, healthy wholefoods as possible.

The additives to avoid are the 100s (colours), 200s (preservatives), 300s (antioxidants) and 600s (flavour enhancers and MSG). For a full list, and for more information, go to www.fedup.com.au

Some common effects of food additives include:

• irritability, restlessness, difficulty falling asleep
• mood swings, anxiety, depression, panic attacks
• inattention, difficulty concentrating or debilitating fatigue
• speech delay, learning difficulties
• eczema, itchy skin rashes
• reflux, colic, stomach aches, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, sneaky poos, sticky poos, bedwetting
• headaches or migraines
• frequent colds, flu, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis; stuffy or runny nose, constant throat clearing, cough or asthma
• joint pain, arthritis, heart palpitations, racing heartbeat
• and more.

Additives are not the only possible cause of these reactions. Food intolerance to a wide range of different foods can also cause any of the symptoms above. Common food intolerances include wheat, gluten, dairy, salicylates, amines, glutamates, FODMAPs, oxalates and others.

Reactions to foods and additives are usually dose-dependent, so the more you eat, the more likely you are to be affected.

What can you do if you or your child has any of the symptoms above?

1. Start by reading labels, and reduce the additives in your diet (especially the ones above).
2. Read up on additives and food intolerance at fedup.com.au – Sue Dengate has years of experience educating schools and parents about the negative effects of some foods and additives. Or check out what is food intolerance or my family’s personal story here.
3. Talk to a qualified health professional, who has experience in food intolerance, such as a nutritionist, dietician, naturopath or paediatrician. Many don’t understand food intolerance, so check before you book. I am a mum and I’m also a degree qualified nutritionist – BHSc (Nutritional Medicine with Distinction), with years of experience determining and successfully treating food intolerance. I practice at Health Space Hornsby and you can contact me at kate@ktsnutrition.com