Dangerous additives in human and pet food
By Trisha Yeager Menke
Excitotoxins are chemical flavor enhancers found in most processed human foods—and nearly all pet foods. In many cases they are disguised as natural flavorings, spices, yeast extract, textured protein, soy protein extract, and other ingredients, Excitotoxins are very harmful to humans and animals.
Documented research has revealed that excitotoxins destroy brain cells. ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, brain tumors, depression, and even rages and paranoia have been linked to excitotoxins.
The following are examples of excitotoxins: MSG (monosodium glutamate), Aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal), hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and cysteine—although there are many more as well. Excitotoxins are added to human and pet foods and drinks in order to enhance the flavor of the food. Anxious to get you to buy more of their products, human and pet food companies often use highly concentrated forms of excitotoxins to enhance the flavor of the food.
Pet foods are highly competitive, and comprise a huge industry! I stumbled onto the fact that excitotoxins were widely used in feline treats when I was teaching Kit Casanova to jump through hoops. Of course I switched him to safe treats immediately!
Because of the huge threat of excitotoxins I never buy processed foods for myself or my family. In addition, I prepare Kit’s food myself using raw ingredients supplemented with nutrients (My Natural Cat) purchased at Feline Instincts. Since Kit loves his treats, I am lso using a natural treat provided by Feline Instincts.
Since I have personally seen immediate and long-term changes in Kit Casanova’s behavior and mood as a result of ingesting excitotoxins, I am just as careful with his food as I am with the rest of my family.
I advise people to always read labels and watch particularly for the following additives: Aspartame (containing phenylalanine and aspartate), monosodium Ggutamate or MSG, hydrolyzed vegetable (or plant) protein, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, and yeast extract. I am also very suspicious of malt, soy, and whey extracts, concentrates and flavorings. Pet foods that contain a long list of ingredients are always suspicious in my view, and I avoid them at all costs.
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D., author of a book called, “The Taste That Kills” is one of the foremost authorities on excitotoxins. He points out that a growing number of scientists are convinced that excitotoxins play a critical role in the development of many neurological disorders. Blaylocks says, “The FDA still refuses to recognize the immediate and long term danger to the public caused by the practice of allowing various excitotoxins to be added to the food supply. In many cases they are being added in disguised forms.” Dr. Blaylock also cautions us to be aware that the names of these dangerous additives may change from time to time as the public learns to recognize them.
Trish Menke has a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology, and completed 2 1/2 years toward a pHD in microbiology at Tulane University. In addition, she was a medical writer for popular women’s magazines (including Women’s Day, Self and Shape) for several years.
