6. Alcohol
Regular alcohol consumption causes irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, larynx (voice box) and liver.
Over time, the chronic inflammation promotes tumor growth and gives rise to cancer at the sites of repeated irritation.
Find them in: Beers, ciders, liquors, liqueurs, and wines.
Substitute: refreshing and thirst-quenching drinks like a glass of pure, filtered water, tea, or fresh-pressed juice.
5. Refined Grains
A lot of the grains we eat nowadays are genetically modified, processed, and contaminated with herbicides and pesticides. Some grains, like wheat, are so refined that they cause severe allergy-like symptoms in most of the population.
What’s more, wheat is bleached and stripped of its nutrients, which are added later on in the form of synthetic vitamins and minerals. This is why most white flour is labeled as “enriched” (14).
Plus, like refined sugars, refined grains have a higher glycemic index than unprocessed grains, which can hasten the onset of degenerative diseases like cancer, coronary disease and diabetes (15).
Find them in: white flour, white bread, noodles, pasta, biscuits, and pastries.
Substitute: Go for ancient healthy grains like amaranth, quinoa, spelt, rye, millet, buckwheat, and chia. These are available as whole grains or prepared whole grain flour in most health food stores.
4. MSG
MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a preservative and food additive that enhances flavor in processed foods. It contains fermented starch, corn sugar, molasses, sugar cane or sugar beets (16).
In the body, MSG is used as a neurotransmitter. Because it’s synthetic, the substance may cause cytoplasm swelling, nuclei damage and neuron loss in the brain of unborn children (17). In some adults, it can cause brain swelling, headaches, and allergy-like symptoms (18). For people sensitive to MSG, the potential side effects include stomach aches, excessive sweating, and trouble sleeping.
In young mice, MSG is known to cause NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) (19).
Find them in: In North America, MSG is very popular in fast food restaurants, store-bought Asian food, as well as food prepared in Asian restaurants. However, even “MSG-free” fine restaurants have been found to use the ingredient.
Substitute: Enhance food with a dash of salt and pepper or give it more flavor with appropriate spices. If you aren’t sure if your favorite restaurant uses this ingredient, cook at home.