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You may have been reading my blog or watching me on YouTube, or perhaps your doctor has given you a heads-up that you’re on your way to becoming pre-diabetic. So, you’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and upgrade your lifestyle by delving into the world of healthy eating. Good for you!

And as you’re munching on a salad and feeling good about your decision, you hear news on the radio that stops you mid-chew… there’s rocket fuel in your food. 

Wait, what? 

No kidding. 

Perchlorate: The Secret Ingredient You Didn’t Ask For

Perchlorate is like that weird ingredient you find on a food label—listed as something like orange #32b or “natural flavours”—and wonder, “Why is this here?”

Perchlorate shows up in rocket fuel, explosives, and fireworks—not exactly the ingredients with which you want to season your salad! But somehow, it’s crept into our food supply, and now it’s messing with our thyroids. 

Thanks to this chemical intruder, your thyroid—the little gland that keeps your metabolism running smoothly—can get all out of whack. And trust me, a wonky thyroid is not on anyone’s wellness bucket list.

That’s right, a recent Consumer Reports investigation has raised concerns about perchlorate contamination in food and drinking water. Perchlorate, a chemical frequently found in rocket fuel, airbags, and some plastics, was detected in 67% of the food samples tested. The study, which analyzed 196 samples from supermarket products and fast food items, found that food produced for babies and children, fast foods and fresh produce had the highest levels of perchlorate.

Because nothing says “clean eating” like a side of rocket fuel, right?

Now, the food samples did not exceed US EPA or EFSA limits in a single serving. However, cumulative exposure could be concerning, especially for children. 

Take one serving of boxed mac and cheese or baby rice cereal for example. Each serving could contain up to 50% of the EFSA’s daily limit for a young child. 

But what does this mean and why all the fuss?

As a neuro-nutritionist, the problem is very concerning. And that’s because perchlorate is a neurotoxin that can interfere with thyroid function, which is essential for the brain development of children. The study criticizes the FDA and EPA for implementing regulatory measures that fall short, underscoring the need for stronger actions.

Perchlorate: A Neurotoxin That Reduces IQ

As a neurotoxin, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that exposure to perchlorate can hurt IQ, especially in children. 

This chemical disrupts the thyroid’s ability to absorb iodide, which is crucial for producing thyroid hormones and can interfere with thyroid function. Since these hormones play an essential role in brain development, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood, any disruption can have serious consequences. 

Studies have indicated that elevated perchlorate exposure in pregnant women can lead to lower IQ and other cognitive impairments in their children. This impact on brain development can have long-term effects, making perchlorate a significant concern, particularly when it contaminates water and food supplies.

Food Safety News, Science & Health Policy

Lower IQ in Children Linked to Chemical in Water

Babies born to mothers with high levels of perchlorate during their first trimester are more likely to have lower IQs later in life, according to a new study. Scientific American

For more information on perchlorate, please visit the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). This NCBI study mentions that exposure to perchlorate, particularly during critical periods of brain development, can decrease up to 4 IQ points in children. For a detailed exploration, you can access the full document here. 

The Numbers Are In, and They’re Not Exactly Fun

Consumer Reports decided to dig into this issue and tested 47 different foods. They found perchlorate in 32 of them—everything from spinach to oat cereal to baby food. Yep, even your little one’s applesauce might have a hint of rocket fuel. Suddenly, that morning, oatmeal doesn’t seem so wholesome.

Some of these foods have enough perchlorate to potentially disrupt a child’s development if they eat them regularly. We’re talking about potential cognitive impairment, developmental delays, and a whole host of issues that would make any parent cringe. So yeah, it’s a big deal.

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How Does Perchlorate Crash the Food Supply?

You might wonder how something meant for rockets ends in your salad. 

Well, surprise: industrial pollution. Perchlorate sneaks into our water supply through industrial discharges or leaching from contaminated soil. Farmers, thinking they’re just watering their crops, give them something extra—like a sprinkling of perchlorate. And just like that, your spinach is now space-program-approved.

But wait. Perchlorate doesn’t just stick to produce! It also appears in dairy and meat products when animals drink contaminated water. So, that “healthy” glass of milk? Yeah, it might have a rocket-fueled kick.

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Should You Be Worried?

Let’s not panic—But should you be concerned? 

Definitely. Perchlorate exposure is horrible news for pregnant women, infants, and kids. Their thyroids are still figuring things out, and the last thing they need is a chemical throwing off the balance. But even for the rest of us, it’s not exactly doing our bodies any favours.

So, what can you do? Well, here are a few things you might want to consider:

How to Avoid the Rocket Fuel on Your Plate

1. Stay Informed: First things first—knowledge is power. Keep an eye on food safety news by subscribing to this blog so you know what’s up. You don’t have to be a food scientist, but it’s good to know when something that affects your health or your family’s health is going on with your food.

2. Water Filtration: Use a reverse osmosis (RO) system. RO systems are highly effective at removing perchlorate from drinking water. If you live in an area where perchlorate contamination is a concern, installing an RO system at home can significantly reduce your exposure​ 

3. Dietary Choices: 

• Go Organic. Organic farming practices often use less synthetic fertilizer, which can reduce the risk of perchlorate contamination in fruits and vegetables. It’s also less likely to have been grown with contaminated water.

• Consume a varied diet. Eating a wide range of foods can help minimize the risk of accumulating high levels of perchlorate from a single source. This is especially important for children and pregnant women​. Science & Public Health Policy

• Wash and peel produce. Thoroughly washing and peeling fruits and vegetables can help reduce the amount of perchlorate you ingest, though it may not eliminate it entirely.

• Organic & Grass-fed Cattle. Grass-fed beef generally involves fewer synthetic inputs and is less likely to be contaminated with perchlorate than conventionally raised beef. It also has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which support overall health, including thyroid function.

• Advocate for Regulation. Engage in community efforts or support organizations advocating stricter regulations on perchlorate in food and water. 

Final Thoughts: Keep the Rocket Fuel in the Rockets [H3]

In the end, perchlorate is one chemical you definitely don’t want on your plate. 

But with some awareness and smart choices, you can keep your thyroid happy and your meals rocket-free. So the next time you’re about to dig into that salad, remember: less rocket fuel, more flavour! 

Your choices matter when keeping your food safe.

Additional details about perchlorate contamination and its impact:

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA provides detailed information on perchlorate, its sources, and its impact on health and the environment. They also offer insights into regulations and guidelines for perchlorate levels in drinking water. EPA on Perchlorate

2. Consumer Reports: The source of the investigation They regularly publish reports on food safety, including studies on chemical contaminants like perchlorate. Consumer Reports on Perchlorate in Food

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides information on how perchlorate can affect human health, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. CDC on Perchlorate

4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): is an independent agency of the United States government tasked with environmental protection matters.  EPA Technical Fact Sheet – Perchlorate

5. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS): This institute offers research and resources on perchlorate, including its impact on thyroid function and overall health. NIEHS on Perchlorate

6. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): The NRDC is an environmental advocacy group that has published reports and articles on the dangers of perchlorate in drinking water and food. NRDC on Perchlorate

7. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The FDA monitors and regulates food safety, including potential contaminants like perchlorate. They offer guidelines and resources on how to minimize exposure. FDA on Perchlorate

[Medical Disclaimer]

Please consult with your doctor(s) before starting any new mental or physical health improvement program. The advice I offer is not intended to replace that of your medical practitioner. I am not a medical professional, nor am I qualified to diagnose, cure treat, or prevent disease. The advice I provide on this website is intended for a broad and diverse audience, and as such, deals with general lifestyle concepts, not specific healthcare advice. This material disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the advice expressed herein.