Tag: Liver Health

My Journey: From Disability to Healing

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My Daily Supplement Routine

Hidden Dangers in Health Foods and Supplements

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In our quest for optimal health, many of us incorporate health foods, vitamins, and supplements into our daily routines. However, it’s crucial to recognize that some of these products may contain harmful chemicals, posing potential risks to our well-being. This article explores these hidden dangers, supported by recent studies and expert insights, to shed light on the contaminants present in products designed to promote health.

Packaging Hazards: Beyond the Ingredients

While we often scrutinize the ingredients in our health products, the packaging materials can be an overlooked source of toxins. A European study revealed that chemicals in food packaging might contribute up to 100 times the amount of toxins compared to pesticides or other environmental chemicals. Materials such as certain plastics and can linings can leach harmful substances into the products they encase, leading to unintended exposure.

Common Contaminants in Health Products

1. Acrylamides

Formed during the cooking and processing of carbohydrates, acrylamides have been associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer by 59%. These chemicals are prevalent in fried, roasted, or grilled snacks like chips. Notably, acrylamides are not listed as ingredients since they form during processing, making them harder for consumers to identify and avoid. (National Cancer Institute)

2. Artificial Colors

To enhance visual appeal, many products incorporate synthetic colorings derived from coal tar, a substance also used in paints and roofing materials. These artificial colors have been linked to severe health issues, including autism, ADHD, birth defects, and cancer. (Center for Science in the Public Interest)

3. Azodicarbonamide

Used as a bleaching agent in packaged foods like frozen dinners, pasta, and flour mixes, azodicarbonamide has been linked to increased cancer risk and asthma.

4. Benzoate Preservatives (BHT, BHA, TBHQ)

These preservatives prevent fats in foods from becoming rancid but have been associated with cancer risk, estrogen balance disruption, asthma, and hyperactivity. They are commonly found in cereals, nut mixes, gum, butter, meat, and dehydrated potatoes. (PubMed Study)

5. Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is used to harden plastics found in water bottles, baby bottles, and the linings of canned goods. It can leach into food and beverages, with detectable levels in the urine of 93% of U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) are conducting extensive research on its health effects. (CDC Report)

6. Boric Acid

Found in some supplements, boric acid can cause headaches, depression, inflammation, DNA damage, and birth defects.

7. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)

Used to enhance the bright colors in beverages like sodas and sports drinks, BVO has been linked to increased cholesterol levels and potential damage to the liver and kidneys.

8. Carrageenan

A common additive in various food products, carrageenan has been linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and higher rates of colon cancer in laboratory animals. The Cornucopia Institute advises individuals with digestive issues to eliminate carrageenan from their diet to assess its impact. (Cornucopia Institute)

9. Fluoride in Green Tea

While green tea is renowned for its health benefits, it can contain high levels of fluoride due to the tea plant’s propensity to absorb fluoride from the soil. This presents a paradox for health-conscious consumers.

10. Heavy Metals

Many protein shakes, detox products, supplements, cosmetics, and processed foods have been found to contain heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, fluoride, and aluminum. Notably, a study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found concerning levels of toxic heavy metals in some prenatal vitamins, with seven products exceeding arsenic limits and two having excessive lead. (University of Colorado Study)

11. Hexane-Extracted Soy and Rice Proteins

Many natural rice and soy proteins are extracted using hexane, a chemical originating from China. Hexane extraction is highly polluting to the environment and poses potential health risks to consumers.

Specific Supplement Concerns

Certain supplements, despite their popularity, have been linked to adverse health effects:

• Turmeric and Green Tea Extracts – While often praised for their antioxidant properties, these supplements have been associated with liver damage in some individuals. A recent study estimated that over 15 million U.S. adults use supplements that might harm the liver, underscoring the importance of caution and consultation with healthcare providers. (NIH Report)

• Sea Kelp Supplements – Touted as “superfoods,” sea kelp and similar brown seaweeds like bladderwrack have gained popularity. However, their health claims are not well-supported by scientific studies, and consumption of unregulated algae products can be hazardous. Risks include heavy metal contamination and high iodine content, which can interfere with thyroid function. Experts recommend focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and sustainable seaweeds instead of relying on such supplements.

Regulatory Oversight and Consumer Vigilance

The dietary supplement industry operates with relatively lax regulatory oversight compared to prescription medications. In the United States, dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA like prescription medications, and some products might not contain the ingredients listed. Independent testing and certification by organizations can help ensure product quality. (FDA Regulations on Supplements)

This regulatory gap has led to instances of contamination and mislabeling. For example, a study of dietary supplements sold between 2007 and 2016 identified 776 that contained unlisted pharmaceutical drugs, many of which could interact with other medications and lead to hospitalization. Despite these findings, fewer than half of the adulterated supplements were recalled.

Conclusion

While health foods, vitamins, and supplements can play a role in supporting well-being, it’s essential to be aware of potential contaminants and exercise caution. Prioritizing products with transparent sourcing, minimal processing, and third-party testing can help mitigate risks. Always research ingredients, opt for reputable brands, and whenever possible, choose whole, organic foods over processed alternatives.

Resource Links:

• Acrylamides and Cancer Risk

• Artificial Food Dyes and ADHD

• Bisphenol A (BPA) and Health Concerns

• BHA and BHT in Processed Foods

• Carrageenan and Gut Health

• Heavy Metals in Supplements

• Liver Toxicity of Green Tea Extracts

• Supplement Contamination Risks

Disclaimer

The content on this site, including blog posts, shared material, and external links, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen, including medications, diet, exercise, or supplementation.

David Julian, Natural Vitality Advocate, is not a licensed medical professional. The views expressed in this blog and shared content are those of the respective authors and do not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or reliability.

David Julian is not affiliated with Natural Vitality or NaturalVitality.com. He does not promote, sell, or take a position for or against them.

Carnivore vs. Medical Medium: The Best Path to Wellness

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This post reflects my personal perspective, shaped by lived experience, long-term research, and prayerful discernment. I am not a medical professional, and nothing here should be taken as medical advice. People are free to explore different dietary approaches, and that freedom matters. What I share here is simply the framework that has proven most effective and sustainable for my own health, values, and belief structure.

I do not follow the Medical Medium protocol in a rigid or absolutist way, nor do I adhere strictly to any single dietary label. Instead, I follow a modified Medical Medium–informed protocol combined with principles of a modified Mediterranean diet, guided by what I’ve found to be physiologically sound, historically grounded, and consistent with biblical teachings on stewardship of the body. This comparison is offered for education and clarity—not persuasion.

Click Here to See Medical Medium Books on Amazon

Introduction: Two Very Different Views of How the Body Heals

The Carnivore Diet and Medical Medium–influenced nutrition represent fundamentally different philosophies about energy, healing, and the long-term needs of the human body.

  • The Carnivore Diet centers exclusively on animal-based foods—meat, fish, eggs, and sometimes dairy—eliminating all plant foods. It is commonly promoted for short-term symptom relief, blood sugar control, and inflammation reduction through carbohydrate elimination.
  • Medical Medium–influenced nutrition, when applied thoughtfully and flexibly, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, herbs, mineral salts, hydration, and strategic fat moderation to support liver function, nervous system health, and detoxification. In my case, this is complemented by selected Mediterranean principles—such as olive oil, herbs, and clean protein—used with restraint and discernment.

While both approaches can appear to “work” on the surface, they do so through entirely different mechanisms. One prioritizes restriction and metabolic adaptation; the other focuses on restoration, replenishment, and long-term resilience. Understanding that difference matters.

1. Energy Production: Glucose vs. Ketosis

Aspect MM-Informed / Mediterranean-Modified Carnivore Diet
Primary Fuel Glucose from fruit, vegetables, and clean starches Ketones from fat and protein
Brain Fuel Designed to run optimally on glucose Relies on ketones when glucose is restricted
Cellular Energy Supports ATP production with lower metabolic stress Requires metabolic adaptation under carbohydrate deprivation
Long-Term Impact Supports liver, thyroid, and nervous system health May increase liver and adrenal strain over time

Why Glucose Matters

The brain and central nervous system are biologically designed to rely on glucose as their primary fuel source. Fruits, vegetables, and properly prepared carbohydrates provide clean energy that replenishes glycogen, stabilizes stress hormones, and supports neurological function.

  • Research consistently shows glucose is the brain’s preferred fuel under normal physiological conditions.
  • Ketosis is a backup survival mechanism, not an ideal long-term state. It becomes dominant during famine or carbohydrate deprivation.
  • Chronic low-carbohydrate intake can increase stress on the liver and adrenal system, particularly in individuals with neurological or metabolic vulnerabilities.

Verdict: Glucose is not the enemy. Metabolic dysfunction arises from liver overload, chronic stress, and excessive fat intake—not from whole-food carbohydrates.

2. Detoxification, Healing, and Chronic Illness

Aspect MM-Informed / Mediterranean-Modified Carnivore Diet
Detox Support Provides antioxidants, minerals, and hydration Minimal support for detox pathways
Liver Function Supports cleansing and regeneration Increased workload from high fat/protein
Pathogen Control Limits viral and bacterial fuel sources No direct antiviral or chelating support
Lymph & Waste Improves hydration and waste movement Can increase acidic metabolic byproducts

A Functional View of Detoxification

From a functional and biblical stewardship perspective, the body heals best when its elimination systems are supported rather than overburdened. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, and adequate hydration supply the micronutrients the liver requires to neutralize toxins and maintain balance.

  • Fiber and plant compounds help bind and remove waste.
  • Hydration is essential for lymphatic flow and neurological stability.
  • Symptom relief without detoxification is not the same as healing.

Verdict: Eliminating triggers can reduce symptoms, but restoration requires nourishment and clearance—not perpetual restriction.

3. Long-Term Sustainability

Aspect MM-Informed / Mediterranean-Modified Carnivore Diet
Liver & Thyroid Supported through glucose and minerals Often stressed long term
Heart Health Low-to-moderate fat, plant-forward High saturated fat intake
Gut Health Feeds beneficial microbiota Starves microbiome diversity
Longevity Historically and culturally consistent Lacks long-term population data

Historically, human diets that supported longevity and resilience were not zero-carb or plant-exclusive. They were balanced, seasonal, and rooted in whole foods—principles echoed both in Mediterranean cultures and biblical agrarian life.

Verdict: Sustainable health is built on nourishment, moderation, and wisdom—not extremes.

Final Thoughts: Why This Approach Works for Me

I don’t follow labels. I follow results, conscience, and stewardship. A modified Medical Medium–informed framework, paired with select Mediterranean principles and grounded in biblical values, has proven to be the most balanced, sustainable approach for my health.

  • ✔ Focuses on restoration rather than suppression
  • ✔ Respects the body’s design and energy needs
  • ✔ Aligns with long-term stewardship, not short-term fixes

Others are free to choose differently. This is simply the path that has brought clarity, stability, and progress for me—and that alignment matters.

Click Here to See Medical Medium Books on Amazon

Disclaimer

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to diet, medication, or health practices.

David Julian, Natural Vitality Advocate, is not a licensed medical professional. Views expressed are personal and do not guarantee outcomes.

David Julian is not affiliated with Natural Vitality or NaturalVitality.com.