Have you ever wondered if food is in and of itself toxic? The short answer could be “yes”, depending upon the rate of consumption, the way it is prepared, or what it may contain. Some foods can be toxic only to certain individuals who have a genetic predisposition that would prompt a reaction. Allergens, for example – one person can enjoy peanuts, while another cannot. Some foods themselves can be toxic in their raw states, but after proper preparation, they provide tasty treats. Cassava root is one example of a food, that if it is prepared correctly provides many people with tapioca, cassava flour, or the whole roots, prepared as a starch. However, it is poisonous if consumed in its raw state and can cause impaired function of the thyroid, paralysis, nerve damage, and death (1).
Alcohol is also a toxicant that can cause harm to the body. Binge-drinking alcohol is also a major problem in many countries around the world and is particularly prevalent among young people. It involves consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, usually to the point of intoxication. It is a dangerous practice that has serious health and social consequences and can even lead to death. While drinking is seen as a way to let off steam, or a rite of passage when you get to college, it is definitely toxic to your body. Doesn’t the fact that 28 ambulances had to be called to University of Massachusetts off-campus parties, set off alarm bells that this new Tik-Tok trend of “BORG” challenges, is just a way of visiting the emergency room or the morgue (2)?
The physical effects of binge drinking can range from minor to severe. Short-term risks include nausea, vomiting, dehydration, impaired motor coordination, and the risk of alcohol poisoning. Long-term risks can include liver disease, impaired cognitive function, increased risk for certain types of cancer, and even death. While the physical damages can range from a mere hangover to life-long physical impairment if you die, how do you think that your loved ones will feel that they have lost a son or daughter, friend, or sibling to something that was totally preventable?
Food in general can also be a problem if overindulgence becomes a way of life. Too much food and too little exercise can also wreak havoc upon our bodies. Diabetes is a disease where your body can’t produce or use insulin. It can be treated with insulin, however, diet is also extremely important in treating this condition. If you become diabetic, the food that you eat has a big impact on how your body functions and can help deter kidney, heart, and vision problems that can accompany this disease (3).
Gout is another disease that diet can be managed through diet. Although it is a type of arthritis, gout is caused by hyperuricemia, which is an excess of uric acid in the body. Alcohol, organ meats, certain kinds of seafood, red meat, and food or drinks high in fructose can cause sharp, uric acid crystals to form in the joints, most commonly in the feet. Let me tell you, there is nothing like trying to walk when your feet feel like they are being stabbed by a thousand needles(4).
There are also foods that are inherently dangerous and must be prepared by someone who is trained in their proper preparation. Pufferfish comes to mind. Chefs are highly trained and must pass a practical and written test so that their customers can enjoy the delicacy of fugu. The poisons are actually contained in the liver, intestines, brains, eyes, and ovaries, and are more potent during the summer. So, if you plan to try this dish, make sure that you have it in a restaurant where a specialist can prepare it so that you do not experience the effects of tetrodotoxin poisoning (5). Blue ring octopus can also cause tetrodotoxin poisoning, causing symptoms of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, dysrhythmias, hypotension, nerve dysfunction, and death (6).
Additives to foods that we enjoy can also be detrimental to our health, certain preservatives, food colorings, nitrates and nitrites, and artificial sweeteners come to mind. While they are safe when used as directed by the FDA, it is best to limit the foods that contain these items. They do have their specific uses to preserve the taste and texture of foods and will not harm you unless you have a condition that warrants avoidance. Nitrates can aggravate gout and can be harmfully transformed by cooking at high heat (7). Some people are sensitive to certain artificial colorings and sweeteners. If you happen to be one of these people, avoidance is key.
So now that we have looked at a few ways that food and drink can adversely affect your health, it is always good to eat and drink in moderation, know what you are ingesting, and read the nutrition labels on the foods that you purchase. Remember, what you eat, and drink can affect your health or someone that you love. Don’t forget to wash your hands, moderation in all things and stay safe!
Sources
- Ajmera R, MS, RD, Elliott B, RD. 2021. Cassava: Nutrients, Benefits, Downsides, Uses. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cassava. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- The Associated Press. 2023. University warns of TikTok drinking trend after 28 ambulances called to off-campus parties. https://fox8.com/news/university-warns-of-tiktok-drinking-trend-after-28-ambulances-called-to-off-campus-parties/. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- CDC. 2022. What is Diabetes? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- 2020. Gout. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/gout.html. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- Chandra G. 2018. How to Safely Eat Pufferfish, According to a Chef Who Cooks It. Food & Wine. https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/how-eat-pufferfish-and-not-die. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- 2019. CDC. https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/tetrodotoxin/casedef.asp. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- Kris Gunnars B. 2020. Are Nitrates and Nitrites in Foods Harmful? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-nitrates-and-nitrites-harmful#risks. Retrieved 9 March 2023.