Compounds Found in Food and Their Negative Effect on Various Organs | Article by Jean Menegus
Introduction
While it can be tempting to believe that anything natural is also healthy, that isn't always the case. Sometimes, a plant contains certain compounds that are actually harmful to your health. They can be found in many foods and have been linked to everything from cancer to kidney stones, so it's important to know what they are and how they affect different organs in our bodies. Below, I've listed some of these compounds as well as their negative effects on various organs:
Goitrogens
Goitrogens are naturally occurring chemicals found in certain foods. They can disrupt iodine uptake and production, which can result in hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency).
Goitrogens are found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), soybean products and millet. A goitrogenic effect may occur if you eat large amounts of these foods over a long period of time or if you have an autoimmune disorder such as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
If you already have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of your thyroid gland), eating large amounts of goitrogenic foods may cause further problems for your health by exacerbating the condition or triggering symptoms associated with it; this includes weight gain, lethargy and fatigue among others..
Nightshades and Solanines
Nightshades are a family of plants, including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. The poisonous glycoalkaloid solanine is present in all members of this family. However, some foods contain higher amounts than others. For example:
Tomatoes contain more than potatoes
Potatoes contain more than eggplants
Solanine is toxic to humans and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort after it has been consumed in large quantities; inflammatory diseases can worsen if these plants are consumed regularly or in large amounts over time.
Oxalates
Oxalates are a compound that can be found in many foods and even some medications. They’re also responsible for kidney stones, which are very painful and often result in surgery if not treated properly. Oxalates cause inflammation and allergies as well.
It's important to note that oxalates aren't something you can avoid entirely; they exist naturally in many plants, including spinach (one of my favorite foods!), swiss chard, rhubarb and beets. Sweet potatoes have been shown to have high levels of oxalic acid when grown in certain conditions as well.
There are other foods that have high levels of oxalates, too. These include peanuts and almonds (soaked or not), soybeans, wheat germ and bran, chocolate and rhubarb.
Caffeine
If you drink coffee, tea or soft drinks on a regular basis, you may have noticed that the effects of caffeine are immediate and short-lived. However, if your body is not used to consuming caffeine regularly (for example, if you’re pregnant), its effects can be more severe:
Since caffeine is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system and adrenal glands, it has been linked to insomnia and anxiety attacks. In addition to these side effects, some people also experience headaches as a result of consuming too much caffeine.
Caffeine stresses both your mind and body, because it affects your heart rate as well as causes excess stress hormones in your system, which further raises blood pressure levels — leading to increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Ipomeamarone in kumara
The compound ipomeamarone is known to be produced by stress or damage to the plant. It is also found in kumara (New Zealand sweet potato). In livestock, ipomeamarone causes lung issues and has been known to kill calves.
It has not been studied well in humans, so it’s unknown if it will affect people the same way as it does animals, but there are some studies that show how compounds like this can cause pneumonia and asthma attacks in patients with existing respiratory issues. The compound itself is inactive until it reaches enzymes in your lungs, where it becomes toxic and kills cells around them.
Furocoumarins in parsnip
Parsnips, celery, and carrots are all members of the Apiaceae family, which contain furocoumarins. Furocoumarins can cause skin inflammation when exposed to sunlight. These compounds can be found in parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), celery (Apium graveolens), and carrot (Daucus carota).
When these foods are cooked or peeled, their furocoumarins become less harmful because they're no longer present in their original form. However, if you eat these raw vegetables without peeling them first, then your skin may respond by retaining water, developing rashes and bullae (blisters).
Lectins
Lectins are a type of protein with a specific sugar molecule attached to them. They’re found in legumes, grains and seeds—a dietary staple for many people who live in both Western and Eastern countries.
This is where the problem lies: lectins (in particular, phytohemagglutinin) can cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas and diarrhea. Lectins also have an immune-suppressing effect on the body, and are known to cause inflammation—the root of many autoimmune disorders like colitis or celiac disease.
Lectins aren't destroyed by cooking or boiling! You'll have to cook your food until it's browned if you want to reduce lectin content of beans (for example). In fact, some studies show that cooking beans actually increases their levels of phytohaemagglutinin—a potentially dangerous lectin that can cause vomiting if ingested at high levels!
These compounds have an impact on your organs and might be best avoided if you already suffer with chronic disease
The presence of goitrogens in food can have a negative effect on the thyroid. This is because they hinder iodine absorption, which is essential for proper thyroid function. Nightshades are also known to cause inflammation in joints and muscles, digestive issues such as bloating and flatulence, joint pain and heartburn.
Caffeine can raise blood pressure while ipomeamarone present in kumara has been shown to increase blood sugar levels. Furocoumarins found in parsnips can cause photodermatitis (skin reactions caused by exposure to light). Lectins in gluten may contribute to autoimmune disorders such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
Conclusion
I hope you have a better idea now that certain compounds found in food are not always the best choice for our bodies. Although they may be beneficial in small amounts, it is important to understand that too much of anything can have a negative impact on our health.
I recommend doing your research, or booking an appointment to discuss a food plan that is high in nutrients while minimising the impact some compounds can have on your health or chronic disease symptoms. Visit the contact page to get in touch.