ADVERTISEMENT
Artificial Sweeteners
You may have heard that artificial sweeteners are a healthy option, but this approach comes with its own risks. A recent study published in 2023 in the journal Nature Medicine raised concerns about artificial sweeteners, particularly erythritol. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener.
Researchers looked at the health records of 3,000 people and found that those who consumed the most erythritol were nearly twice as likely to experience cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes over a 3-year period. When they exposed human platelets (the cells responsible for blood clotting) to erythritol, the researchers observed a surprising response: The presence of erythritol made the platelets more sensitive to clotting signals.
Other studies have found similar concerns with other artificial sweeteners, such as a Harvard University study that linked aspartame to an increased risk of stroke and acesulfame potassium to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. These risks are attributed to the fact that these sweeteners can cause inflammation and damage the gut microbiome.
Processed meats
Processed meats, which include favorites like bacon, sausages, hot dogs and cold cuts, are linked to various health concerns, including blood clots.
First, these meats tend to contain poor-quality saturated fats, which can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. We’re not saying all saturated fats or all meats are bad, but the ones found in processed meats are concerning.
Another problem is the presence of chemicals used in the processing, such as nitrates and nitrites. These substances help preserve the meat, but they convert to nitrosamines in the body, causing inflammation. It is also important to note that processed meats often contain high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are formed when these meats are cooked at high temperatures. AGEs cause oxidative stress in the body, contributing to the development of blood clots.
According to research conducted by the University of Oxford, every 50 grams of processed meats consumed per day increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 18%. In addition, people who consume more processed meats have shown an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates have become a staple of Western diets, thanks in large part to the USDA Food Pyramid encouraging us to eat more of them. Bread, pasta, pastries, and cookies are made from grains that have been processed to remove the bran and germ, eliminating fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
What’s left is a fast-digesting carbohydrate that causes blood sugar spikes. Refined carbohydrates also trigger a disastrous process called glycation, and all of this wreaks havoc on our bloodstream and causes inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation can damage blood vessels, making them more prone to clots.
Refined carbohydrates are among the worst culprits and are among the most commonly consumed foods. Cutting back on bread, pasta, and flour-based foods can make a big difference.
read on the next page
ADVERTISEMENT
