Not saying you need totally abstain, but being aware of some of these nasty ingredients might help you think twice!

1. Lunchmeat (hotdogs, bacon, ham, cured meats, corned beef, smoked fish or any other type of processed meat).

Why? These foods almost always contain nitrites and Nitrates – two closely related chemicals used for centuries to preserve meat. Less serious symptoms include hives and itching, but once they enter the human digestive system they mix with chemicals in the stomach to form nitrosamines, a carcinogenic substance linked to cancers of the pancreas, bladder and brain.

Listed as: Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite 

2. Diet drinks:

Why? They contain aspartame – a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short term memory, this toxic sweetener may be linked to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumours, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, chronic fatigue, depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, mental confusion and seizures.

Listed as: aspartame, E 951

3. Crisps, commercial snacks and fast food

Why? They usually contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), a flavour-enhancer that can affect the nervous system and make you feel hungrier than you are. MSG is also an excito-toxin – regular consumption can result in depression, disorientation and obesity. It may also trigger migraines.

Listed as: Yeast extract (yes, marmite!), gelatin, textured and hydrolyzed proteins, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate.

How to avoid: Read food labels carefully. Even packages that say “No MSG” or “No MSG Added” can sneak the substance in disguised as any of the ingredients above.

4. Sweets, soft drinks, candy and commercial ice cream

Why? The artificial colourings they contain to make food look more appealing can trigger hives, asthma and generalized allergic reactions. They are also linked to behavioral problems in children (ADD, ADHD) and reduced IQ. Animal studies link food colourings to cancer.

Listed as: tartrazine (E102), sunset yellow (yellow #6), amaranth (red #2), erythrosine (red #3), and quinoline yellow.

How to avoid them: opt for naturally colourful foods like fruit and fresh juices.

5. Sulphur additives (found in beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine and vinegar).

Why? They’re toxic. Adverse reactions include bronchial problems, asthma, flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock.

Listed as: sulphur dioxide, sodium sulphite, sulphites

How to avoid: choose red wine over rosé and white (it has less). Choose fresh fruit instead of dried.

Now you know, so you can avoid them (or at least curb your consumption). Your summer (and your family’s) will be healthier if you do!