European Union (EU) and USA flags How does the European Union (EU) only allow about 400 chemical food additives, while the United States has upwards of 10,000? Many of the same food manufacturers operate in these countries, yet their products differ. It is astonishing to compare the same product, by the same manufacturer, but see a different and shorter ingredient list on those items sold in Europe. The difference: legislation and lobbying. The US and the EU have very differe

The last three decades have seen a surge in the chemicals added to our food. Plastics, preservatives, dyes, and sweeteners account for the majority. These are known as food additives. Most have not been studied, yet are approved. This article covers food additives harmful to children and best to avoid: dyes, preservatives, additives, sweeteners, and endocrine disruptors. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wrote a policy statement on food additives and child health in 20

Think artificially sweetened beverages are better to consume than those with sugar? Think again! Despite saving calories and reducing sugar intake, current research indicates that artificial sweeteners, also called non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), can have just as many adverse effects as real sugar. Read on! VERSUS Sugar packets (above) versus an artificial sweetener packet (below). Too much of either can be unhealthy. Artificial sweeteners are hundreds to thousands of times s

I previously wrote about food contamination following an outbreak caused by raw onions on burgers. This was another interesting...

Preservatives have been used for years to extend the shelf-life of foods and to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in food and...

ANTIBIOTICS Antibiotics have been used since the 1940s to treat diseases in farm animals. Over time, these drugs were given to promote...

I read a newspaper article last month regarding raw, unpasteurized milk and its potential benefits, but that it also can contain the bird flu virus. As a pediatrician, I wish to warn parents regarding unpasteurized products, whether milk, cheeses, or juices. Raw milk can come from cows, goats, sheep, or buffalo. Pasteurizing extends the freshness and shelf-life of milk. There are reasons why children and pregnant women should not consume these potentially deadly items. Outdoo

Have you been as confused as I am regarding food labels and what the terms really mean? Do they even mean anything? Some do, some don’t....

Last week, I reviewed GMOs, what they are, and their pros and cons. If you haven’t read it, you might start with that. Today, I focus on...

This article on GMOs (genetically modified organisms) is a two-part series. Once I began researching this topic, the information was too...

An assortment of red candies, all with red dye. If you haven’t heard, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently decided to ban Red...

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 4.2% of all new cancer cases this year will occur in adolescents and young adults ages 15-39.   The word cancer in colored letters between a stethoscope and a paper cutout of a person next to a pill bottle. Cancer is on the rise in young adults. Younger adults are the only age group showing an increase in cancer incidence from 1995 to 2020. The cancer rate in this age group has risen each year during this period. Today, young adult

In light of the recent E. coli outbreak, thought to be from raw onions served on quarter pounders from McDonald’s, I decided to write...

I recently listened to a panel discussion that took place in Washington, DC on 9/23/24, entitled American Health and Nutrition - A Second Opinion, led by Senator Ron Johnson. Multiple professionals, bloggers, and others gave testimony. These individuals are working to expose the truth about and improve the quality of our food and the health of Americans. I watched 4 ½ hours of testimony, taking notes to pass on takeaway points. Here is the link: https://rumble.com/v5fy7bv-ame

Salt has been used for centuries to cure and preserve foods before refrigeration. Excessive salt intake typically wasn’t an issue before...

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a corn starch product that is an artificial sugar. Corn syrup, made from corn starch, is all glucose....

The last three decades have seen a surge in the chemicals added to our food. Plastics, preservatives, dyes, and sweeteners account for...

Food dyes are man-made, artificial colors approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and used by food manufacturers to cosmetically improve the appeal of food and drinks. They are almost always used in processed foods. Manufacturers prefer artificial over natural food colors because artificial ones are cheaper, more stable, and more vibrant.  A plate of colorful cupcakes...loaded with food dyes. There are absolutely no nutritional benefits to food dyes. DID YOU KNOW TH

This is the second article regarding endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs. This article focuses on minimizing and avoiding exposure to these chemicals. I have presented a lot of information in these articles. Some of this information is scary stuff. By creating awareness, we can take action to protect our families. Keep in mind that much more research is needed: on the actual risks of exposure, the amount required to cause harm, and whether these are truly dangerous. The be

Have you heard about these? I had not until the last couple of years. My goal in choosing this topic is to create awareness. Due to my background in pediatric endocrinology, I find this information fascinating and frightening. However, knowledge is power, thus being educated is the best way to protect ourselves and our children. There is much information to dispense, so I have divided this topic into two parts. This article will discuss what endocrine disruptors are and why t