Page 76 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

as this may lead to obesity. When reading labels, look for terms such as monosodium
glutamate, sodium benzoate, sucralose, aspartic acid, acefultame potassium, and
aspartame. These have all been linked to dangerous health issues.

Monosodium glutamate is both a flavor enhancer and preservative. It has been added to
a variety of canned and packaged/boxed foods. This substance is linked to a sickening
amount of issues ranging from cancer cell growth to chronic inflammation, making it a
substance to seriously avoid if you suffer from any sort of autoimmune disease...or even
if you suffer from nothing at all. Manufacturers may try to hide it on labels, but you can
be vigilant by understanding other names it may go by. Look for ingredients like autolyzed
yeast extract, natural flavorings, soy protein, and whey protein isolate when reading
labels.

Sodium benzoate is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like Attention Deficit
Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). It is also linked with inflammatory disorders like asthma,
so especially avoid this substance if you have an autoimmune disease. Sodium benzoate
is in many soft drinks and processed foods. When this substance is combined with
ascorbic acid (synthetic vitamin C often derived from GMO Corn) in some drinks, it can
create another substance called benzene. Benzene has been shown to cancers like
leukemia and lymphoma.

Aspartic acid can overexcite nerves and lead to the destruction of cells in the body. This
means that aspartic acid is excitotoxin. When this substances is heated, it cancer-causing
abilities are increased and nervous system damage can result.

Acefultame potassium is a type of artificial sweetener that may be used in combination
with other artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame. It may cause an increase in
insulin excretions, without increasing blood sugar. This is one reason why it is so toxic for
those with an autoimmune condition: increased levels of insulin may result in immune
system harm and inflammation. This substance may also cause various types of cancer
and respiratory diseases.

Aspartame is used as a sugar substitute, but this doesn’t make it any better than sugar.
Consumption of this substance has been linked with depression. It has also been linked
with emotional and psychotic disorders because it disrupts serotonin levels in the nervous
system. Because it affects the nervous system so detrimentally, it is best avoided
altogether, and especially for those with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Texturants

The purpose of texturants in processed foods is to enhance the texture of the food and
make it more pleasing to eat. There is fierce competition in the food and beverage
industry, and many corporations believe that in order to provide something that the

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