In a world where technology provides unlimited resources at our fingertips, we continue to rely on product packaging as a guide for selecting healthy, nutritious food. It’s important to know that labels touting “healthy” and “nutritious” often contain toxic and harmful ingredients.

Just as we trust doctors to diagnose and treat our ailments, we apply the same amount of faith in our government and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect us against foods and drugs that could be harmful. But you should know that many toxic ingredients are deemed ‘safe’ when used in miniscule amounts and therefore are approved for use in food manufacturing and distribution.

One example is saccharin. Saccharin is a completely artificial substance devoid of nutritional value and used as a sweetener in food, beverages, medicine and other oral products. After studies concluded that saccharin caused cancer in laboratory animals, the FDA required statements to be included on labels of products containing saccharin to advice consumers of its potential dangers.

Further research prompted by Congress, determined that although saccharin caused cancer in laboratory animals, mechanistic studies failed to prove saccharin caused cancer in humans. Therefore the FDA maintained saccharin was safe for humans and warning labels were no longer required.

Given the principle that a toxic substance poses no real threat when administered in miniscule amounts, at what point does a miniscule amount become significant? While one drop of alcohol given to a child may provoke a disagreeable face and possible tears, several drops of alcohol could pose numerous health issues.

Most foods manufactured today are laden with questionable ingredients. This is why more and more individuals are afflicted with stomach issues each day and the reason illness and disease are so prevalent. These numbers will continue to rise until people learn how to identify foods that contain additives and preservatives that are not safe and resolve to return to a natural way of eating.

Avoid being misled by words and labels. Know the facts on safe and unsafe substances in the foods you eat. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to eat natural foods, preferably organic or locally grown meats, fruits and vegetables. Try this healthy way of eating for 40 days and see the difference for yourself. Then decide whether you want to live to eat, or eat to live. It could make a lifelong difference.