Finding Out The Truth About Toxins In Your Supplements
Doing Everything Right
So you are going along thinking that you are doing everything you can for your body. You are eating well, exercising, and taking your vitamins or other supplements! You are checking all the boxes! That's what happened to me! But then I started feeling overall rundown. That is when I took a good hard look at my supplements. You would be surprised at the toxins I discovered in most of them!
In this post, I will explain what the toxins are, what they do to our bodies, and what we can do to change our supplements and our buying habits. I will give you a list of clean supplements that you can use to replace the nefarious ones. I will also attempt to name as many toxins as I can, but there are so so many, and I want to get this article out to my readers sooner rather than later. The good news is that most supplements can be replaced. If you know of one that I haven't mentioned but would like to talk about, please feel free to post it in the comments section below or email me with the link at the bottom of this page.
The "Other" Ingredients
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is a common additive in supplements. It is used to improve the appearance of products, making them look brighter and more appealing. However, titanium dioxide can have harmful effects on the body. Studies have shown that it can damage the gastrointestinal tract and increase cancer risk. In addition, titanium dioxide can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients, making it difficult for the body to get the full benefit of vitamins and minerals.
Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is a compound that is often added to supplements to improve its shelf life. Some experts believe that magnesium stearate may be harmful to human health. One of the main concerns is that magnesium stearate can bind to minerals in the digestive system, making them less available for absorption. This could lead to essential vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Magnesium stearate has been shown to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes, which could interfere with nutrient metabolism. Finally, magnesium stearate may also reduce the efficacy of certain medications. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplement that contains magnesium stearate.
Magnesium Silicate
Magnesium Silicate is an anti-caking agent and is commonly used in many supplements. Magnesium silicate is also known as talc and can also be found in products like baby powder and cosmetics. When inhaled, talc can cause lung inflammation and respiratory problems.
Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide is a type of silicone, and it's found in many supplements and medications. It's used as an anti-caking agent, flow agent, and to absorb moisture. While it's considered safe by the FDA, there is some concern that silicon dioxide may also interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, such as calcium and iron. Some studies have shown that inhaling silicon dioxide can lead to lung damage and inflammation. It's also been linked to an increased risk of cancer, kidney stones, and other kidney problems.
Calcium Silicate
Some supplements also contain calcium silicate, an anti-caking agent that has been linked to harmful side effects. In one study, rats given calcium silicate supplements experienced increased levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. These changes were associated with a decline in kidney function.
Propylene Glycol *plant-derived?
Propylene glycol is a clear, odorless liquid used in many products, including food, cosmetics, and medications. It is used as an antifreeze, a coolant, and a solvent in many products. Propylene glycol is metabolized into acetic acid, leading to headaches, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause liver and kidney damage. Additionally, propylene glycol can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, and E.
*There is no evidence to suggest that plant-derived propylene glycol is any less toxic than synthetic propylene glycol.
Carboprol 71g
Carboprol 71g is a synthetic compound commonly used in supplements as a filler or binding agent. While it is generally considered safe, some evidence suggests that it may actually be harmful. Carboprol 71g has been linked to gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting, and it may also interfere with the absorption of other nutrients. Carboprol 71g has also been shown to increase your risk of cancer potentially.
Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone
Polyvinyl pyrrolidone is a synthetic compound commonly used as a binding agent in supplements. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone can cause harmful side effects. The compound can irritate the skin and eyes, and it has been linked to liver damage and cancer. In addition, polyvinyl pyrrolidone can interact with other medications, making them less effective.
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a water-soluble polymer commonly used as a binding agent, emulsifier, and thickening agent in supplements. HPMC has many harmful effects on the body, including gastrointestinal problems, immune system suppression, and kidney damage. HPMC can also bind to minerals and vitamins, making them unavailable for absorption.
Coloring: Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5
One of the most common and potentially harmful agents found in supplements is coloring. Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 5 are examples of food dyes that are often used to give supplements a more appealing appearance. However, these dyes have been linked to many health concerns, including cancer, birth defects, ADHD, and other serious health problems.
Artificial flavoring
Artificial flavoring is a common ingredient in many supplements. The purpose of using artificial flavoring is to improve the product's taste. However, there are harmful effects associated with artificial flavoring. One of the most serious dangers is that it can increase your cancer risk. Artificial flavoring contains chemicals that have been linked to cancer, and these chemicals can be absorbed into the body through the skin or digestive system. In addition, artificial flavoring can also cause allergies, headaches, and other health problems.
Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils are often used in supplements because they are inexpensive and have a long shelf life. However, these oils can be harmful to your health. Hydrogenated oils are made by adding hydrogen to liquid oils, changing their structure, and making them solid at room temperature. This process increases the stability of the oils, but it also creates new fats that your body cannot break down. These new fats can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. Hydrogenated oils can also increase inflammation in the body and contribute to weight gain.
My Top Recommended Supplements
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Before starting on a new supplement regime, you might want to get some blood work done, to check your blood levels.
(Check with your Healthcare Professional Where Necessary)
Please remember that these supplement recommendations are things that I have taken myself, and found useful. As always if you have any questions or are on any medication, you should talk to your healthcare provider to make sure they will not interact negatively with your other protocols.
I have also found that taking a few powerful supplements is good! You definitely do not need to be taking this full list all at once. Do what you can, and trust God that you are doing the best you can with what you are given!! One recommendation that I do have is for everyone to get their magnesium checked, Most people are low in magnesium, and will need to supplement. Every cell in our body relies on magnesium!
If you have questions about individual supplements, dosing instructions, or would like to purchase any supplements on this list, you can click on the red link, and it will take you to the place to purchase and will give you a lot more information about each supplement.
Check back every once in a while. I am always researching supplements. See? Just sitting here, and I remembered that I didn’t add Synergy to this list. They are a wonderful company that sells whole food, and organic vitamins. I will need to ask them if they are ok with me posting about them, and get back to you.
Please keep in mind that each product I recommend is of the purest form. These products have all been researched and approved clean by me. That is a big deal, as I am extremely picky about my supplements and food.
There are actually cancer “gurus” out there that I love, but when it comes to their products of choice, I question their reasoning behind recommending some of the toxic supplements that they do. That is my reason for doing this post. To inform and empower you with the right tools. The healthy tools. The best option tools! The clean supplements tools!!
Supplements List (A work in progress)…
Amptogen (Contains Shilajit, NMN, Niacin, and Resveratrol)
AMPTOGEN COMBINES THE POWER OF FOUR ESSENTIAL COMPOUNDS THAT SUPPORTS THE PROCESS OF HEALTHY AGING INTO ONE UNSTOPPABLE SUPPLEMENT. SHILAJIT—A CENTURIES-OLD HIMALAYAN HERB AND MINERAL FORMULA MADE OF DECOMPOSED PLANTS—CONTRIBUTES TO LONGEVITY AND SUPPORTS HEALTHY AGING, WHILE IMPROVING MEMORY AND COGNITION. THE MOLECULE NMN ACTS IN CONCERT WITH THE SHILAJIT, FURTHER BOOSTING ENERGY PRODUCTION AND UPREGULATING CELLULAR REPAIR. NIACINAMIDE, A FORM OF VITAMIN B3 (NIACIN), SUPPORTS METABOLISM, CELL REPAIR, AND IMMUNE FUNCTION, AND IS A VASODILATOR. FINALLY, THE POLYPHENOL COMPOUND RESVERATROL PERFORMS LIKE AN ANTIOXIDANT, PREVENTING DAMAGE WITHIN THE BODY AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL.
Immune Support and Rapid Recovery (use codes: carrot20% for 20% off first purchase or lifetimecarrotfreeshipping for free shipping off every future order).
Magnesium (tablets)
Magnesium Threonate (1300 mg liquid)
Multivitamin (Fermented and very bio available)
Organic Black Raspberry Powder
Oxy-Powder for a Powerful yet Gentle Colon Cleanse
Probiotics Multi-strain Complex
Vitamin B12 (Liquid Drops)
Vitamin C (Liposomal)
Vitamin C (Powdered)
Zuma Nutrition Full Organic Detox
Final Thoughts
Please read the back of your labels. Make sure there are no toxins in your “healthy” supplements. Make sure the company uses the purest form of what they can, and that they are 3rd party tested for toxins. Use organic!! If you have questions about something in your supplements you can email me and I will do my best to help you, and steer you in the right direction! For every toxic product out there, there is a healthier choice!!
Smart woman reading supplements labels!
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on personal experiences, opinions, and my own research. Information on this website is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, replace, treat or cure any medical or mental health condition. Please see your doctor with any health-related questions. Statements on this website have not been approved or evaluated by the FDA. While perusing this site, please use your best judgment in conjunction with your Naturopath or other health care provider.
