What you Should know about Sodium Nitrite & MSG in Processed Meat Products

Part Two – Advice on simple steps to take to reduce synthetic chemicals in our food, especially processed meat products.

Last week we looked at the problem of eating certain processed food made from red meat because of the use of chemicals sodium nitrite and MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)  as they are connected with cancer. This was based on a statement from the World Cancer Research Fund which reads in part :

"The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has just completed a detailed review of more than 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer.  Processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption.    ... sodium nitrite also results in the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body.  Its conclusion is rocking the health world with startling bluntness."

Choose Healthier Alternatives

It's all about priorities.  Ultimately the choice to eat processed food is yours and mine!  This is what Caramel and Parsley is all about – we continue to search for our own alternative, non chemical, non toxic foods; selecting healthier living choices to suit our medical needs and lifestyle. There are many factors contributing to individual healthy lifestyles, including immune system, family medical history and age. Accumulated food chemicals in our bodies is adding one more negative dimension to someone who may already has a compromised immune system. The shocking part of the published article for me is that these meats are commonly served to (sick) people in hospitals and also the elderly. And this news release has rocked the health world!  To me, this statement is almost unbelievable.

The Alternatives

• Alongside the grocery products (with sodium nitrite content)  were one or two items which claim to have absolutely “no additives and preservatives”. We have found two local suppliers of sausages and sliced cold cuts – with no additives, flavour enhancers, emulsifiers, colours, especially MSG and nitrites, etc.
• We do not as a rule eat processed meats such as bacon, since my husband was diagnosed with a MSG intolerance and my own experience with cancer, several years ago.
• Hot dogs have not been on our menu for many years  – an excellent question is “what exactly is in a hot dog?”
• It is important to read all food labels as most chemicals, such as sodium nitrite, should be listed.  (According to Country of Origin labelling laws).
• MSG  is not always included on the label and if so, may be listed under one of it's  many other “names”.
• Sodium Nitrite has been on the PAN Hit List for many years.
• Growing and preparing your own fresh vegetables and fruit, cooking from scratch and purchasing from certified organic growers at farmers markets are all options to reduce the amount of additives and chemicals in your food.
• Basically, the less processed (packaged) food in your home the healthier for you and your family
• Make as many sauces, seasonings, soups, juices as you are able without chemicals
• There are other major health concerns besides chemicals in food - other additives such as enhancers (which may be addictive) and sugars causing obesity are mega  health issues facing us all, especially children, today
• Small changes you can make to remove the most chemical laden food out of your diet. See CAP article  Time for a Change

Say No to Sodium Nitrite

If you or a member of your family has a non diagnosed medical concern, perhaps looking into diet might be helpful and insightful ~  and you may find an answer as we did. Diet and lifestyle are huge factors in your overall health.

This news publication has been so encouraging to me personally as so often in the last few years I have felt like Don Quixote fighting windmills when it comes to finding out reliable information and independent studies on MSG and food additives.

Remember always seek advice from a medical professional before making changes to diet.

References & Links

• What are Endocrine Disrupters ?
• Organic Food Sales Statistics
• Information from PAN on Sodium Nitrite
• Controversial Australia advertisement on childhood obesity as it relates to junk food
• A Consumers Dictionary of Food Additives by Ruth Winter, Crown Publishers, 1984
• Food Additives by Christine H. Farlow, Kiss Publishing, 2007
• Here is the full article on processed meats declared too dangerous for human consumption
• Is there a MSG and autism connection ?
• MSG By any Other Name - Caramel and Parsley article
• Please Mum Dont Supersize Me - book review - Caramel and Parsley article
• Fast Foods Big Mag - Caramel and Parsley article