Neurotoxins are defined as “synthetic or naturally occurring substances that damage, destroy, or impair the functioning of the central and/or peripheral nervous system.” Unfortunately these days, our food supply contains many of these chemicals that are slowly chipping away at our health. These chemicals harm or damage nervous systems neurons in the brains and body communication centers. Some are nerve toxins, some are immunotoxins, some also disrupt hormones and neurochemicals.

Most commonly, these neurotoxins are found in processed and ultra-processed foods. They are either added to the food during processing, or leach into the food from plastic and other packaging. Affected foods are processed, packaged, market-prepared, chipped, or crisped. A synergy of harm occurs when these chemicals are combined as they are in too many common packaged goods and beverages. Many children today eat half their calories as processed items from packages, boxes, plastic bottles and other ‘fast food’. They may look appetizing, but they addict your brain and taste buds to crave them. They contain little nutrition and much harm now well documented. Neurotoxins often trigger immune responses that lead to repair deficit known also as inflammation.^,

These toxins act in the body as anti-nutrients. Therefore, we must take a two-pronged approach to restore and maintain optimal health. First, we must avoid processed and ultra-processed items. Second, we need to add more antioxidants, minerals, and cofactors to our diets to counter these anti-nutrient effects.

Let’s dive a little more deeply into what these neurotoxins actually do to our bodies and look at a few chemicals to be on the lookout for, so we can better avoid them.

Neurotoxin Expression

There are increasing numbers of additives, preservatives, taste modifiers, and colorants that can adversely affect our health. The symptoms depend on the toxin type as well as the amount and frequency of exposure. The effects of neurotoxins can be acute or chronic.

Acute exposure to neurotoxins can cause the rapid onset of symptoms, such as:

• Headache and dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue, muscle weakness
• Twitching or spasms
• Loss of consciousness
• Respiratory distress
• Cardiac arrest
• Seizures

Chronic neurotoxin exposure can be more subtle and challenging to recognize. Common symptoms of chronic neurotoxin exposure include the same yet in milder forms:

• Chronic headaches and fatigue
• Memory problems or cognitive impairment
• Mood changes including depression or anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Vision or hearing problems
• Breathing problems including asthma or bronchitis

Neurotoxins in Food and How to Avoid Them

1. Aspartame

This is an artificial sweetener commonly used as a sugar substitute in various foods and beverages labeled as “sugar-free” or “diet.” You may also be familiar with aspartame in the Equal®, NutraSweet®, or Sugar Twin® packets found on most restaurant tables. Aspartame breaks down to methanol and phenylalanine in the body. Aspartame is associated with all the chronic symptoms noted above. Aspartame can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with diabetes, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.

Start with the labels. To avoid artificial sweeteners in your diet. Avoid products with “aspartame,” and aspartame-containing products such as “Canderel®” and “Hermesetas Gold.” “Neotame” is chemically derived from aspartame, so should also be avoided. Other chemically-derived artificial sweeteners such as sucralose (Splenda®) and acesulfame potassium (AceK, Sunett® or Sweet One®) should also be avoided. You are sweet enough as you are. No need for added sugar nor artificial sweeteners. Natural sweetness comes from berries, whole fruit, and savory herbs.

2. MSG (monosodium glutamate)

MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly used in processed foods that is also an excitoneurotoxin. MSG is made from sodium and glutamate, an important brain neurotransmitter. Read labels carefully. MSG may be listed as monosodium glutamate, but it can also be hidden and not specifically listed. “Hydrolyzed proteins” may contain MSG as a byproduct of the hydrolyzation process. Soybean milk is naturally high in glutamate and often has hydrolyzed vegetable protein added to it. Kombu, miso, and soy sauces all contain MSG. You can choose organic or biodynamic herbs and spices to flavor your food, and experimenting with different combinations can be fun. Lastly, be cautious when eating out; inquire if MSG is used in the restaurant.

3. Diacetyl

Popcorn is one of America’s favorite low-calorie, high-fiber snacks. Artificial butter flavor, diacetyl, is a nasty neurotoxin. Diacetyl is linked to serious respiratory issues that cause inflammation and obstruction in the lungs’ small airways, leading to bronchitis with coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Diacetyl crosses the blood-brain barrier, adds to oxidative stress and damages DNA. Check the labels if you’re purchasing microwavable or pre-popped popcorn. Several brands are available that don’t have diacetyl. While diacetyl free brands such as Quinn, Boom Chicka Pop, and Lesser Evil are better,  we always prefer oil free organic popcorn. Homemade popcorn is healthier and can be fun.

Silymarin, a component of PERQUE Liva Guard™ Forté has been shown to address the neuronal inflammation and toxic effects from diacetyl.

4. Toxic minerals: Mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and nickel

These toxic, naturally occurring, minerals can have a variety of neurological effects including developmental issues, peripheral neuropathy, and cognitive decline, among others. They can get into our food supply through industrial and agricultural processing, water contamination, bioaccumulation in plants and animals, and in final food processing.

While eating fish can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet, too many fish are high in mercury and other toxic minerals. The most toxic are those higher on the food chain such as swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and tuna. Choose lower-mercury fish such as salmon, trout, and sardines. Remove skin and fat from all fish, as mercury tends to accumulate in fatty tissue. Although farmed fish may have lower mercury levels, we recommend avoiding them completely, as they are more likely to have parasites and diseases, and are thus fed antibiotics, along with an unnatural diet of corn, soy, and vegetable oils.

The other toxic minerals can be found in pesticide residues on non-organic produce, in animal fats, unsafe cookware, and in the variety of chemical additives in processed foods. That is one of the reasons we always recommend choosing organic produce and safer cookware, and avoiding processed and ultraprocessed foods.

Biodetoxification is required to help remove the toxic minerals that do make their way into your body. This includes nature’s ascorbate, enhanced magnesium uptake with choline citrate, and GGOBE (garlic, ginger, onions, broccoli sprouts, and eggs).

5. Aluminum

Aluminum is a metal and exposure can occur through foods such as baking powder, commercial pickled vegetables, canned goods, processed cheese, and consumer products. Aluminum interferes with various cellular processes and causes oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to nerve cells. It has been linked to several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS.

You can greatly reduce exposure through traditional cookware, avoiding antacids, baking powder, many cosmetics and personal care products that often contain aluminum. Switch out cosmetics and personal care products for aluminum-free alternatives including antiperspirants, deodorants, and mouth care.

6. Glyphosate

An increasingly common GMO biocide that is known to harm people is now found in most commercial grains, cow dairy, meat and poultry. It’s the most widely used herbicide in the world and can persist in the environment for months. In the body, it has a toxic effect on neurotransmission and can lead to neuronal death through a variety of processes. At levels below those set by regulatory agencies, glyphosate has been shown to alter both the structure and function of the nervous systems of humans and other animals. This is why organic and non-GMO foods are the way to go. Glyphosate also depletes magnesium and interferes with essential amino acid production which most people need more to meet their metabolic needs. Thus there is a greater need to supplement magnesium as a result. 

Renew Your Brain and Body

It is vital to understand neurotoxins’ effects on the brain and body and learn how to avoid them.  By making conscious choices about the foods and beverages we consume we can minimize our exposure to these harmful substances and promote better brain and body functions. Personalized testing and lifestyle plans promote health and prevent illness are required to thrive in the 21^st century. Choosing organic or biodynamic; locally grown or home grown can greatly improve your health and reduce your risks. 

Books and Resources by Dr. Russell Jaffe & others:

Thriving in the 21^st Century

Joy in Living the Alkaline Way

NATURAL BONE HEALTH: A Practitioner’s Guide to Healthy Bone, Joints, and Muscles

Immune Support and Virus Protection Recommendations

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