Have you ever felt tense without knowing why?
It wasn’t that you were under some kind of stress. Or were worried about something.
But for some unknown reason, you just felt anxious.
A new study may explain why.
Emulsifiers are processed food additives. They are used to make foods more appealing in various ways. They improve texture and shelf life. They keep ingredients from separating, such as the oil and water in mayonnaise.[1]
Researchers have discovered they have strange effects on the people who consume them.
Professor Geert de Vries and his associates at Georgia State University looked at how emulsifiers affect the brain.
They added two common emulsifiers, polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose, to the drinking water of mice.
Polysorbate 80 is often added to ice cream. It helps ice cream hold its texture as it melts. Carboxymethylcellulose is also known as cellulose gum. It is a thickener commonly used in baked goods, cheese, icing, and candies.[2] [3]
After 12 weeks, male mice displayed anxiety-like behavior. Females became less social.
The team believes the emulsifiers cause inflammation in the gut. This triggers immune cells to signal molecules that affect the brain and lead to anxiety.
Professor de Vries said the study confirms that gut and brain health are intertwined.
Keep Emulsifiers Out of Your Diet
We’ve warned you before about emulsifiers.[4]
Besides anxiety, they are linked to metabolic syndrome and obesity. On top of everything else, they’ve also been found to promote colon cancer.
Read labels closely to avoid them. They are often hidden in small print. Or they are labeled under the general term “emulsifier.” Your best defense is to avoid processed foods altogether. Processed meats are especially dangerous.
Try to eat fresh, organic produce with every meal. It feeds the “good” bacteria in your gut, which reduce inflammation. Onions, garlic, and leeks are particularly beneficial.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for ways to improve your digestive health, there’s something else you should know… Discover why most probiotic supplements are useless. It’s because they are missing two crucial ingredients.
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[1]http://www.chemistryindustry.biz/emulsifiers.html
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polysorbate_80
[3] http://www.befoodsmart.com/ingredients/carboxymethyl-cellulose.php
[4]https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-36890-3