A Hot Dog a Day...

I know... hot dogs, mmm... bacon, double mmm... turkey sandwiches, mmm... glazed ham, mmm...

I don't think that you could give two flips about a natural lifestyle and not be at least somewhat aware of the dangers of eating processed meats.  But, what exactly is the risk?  For me, at least, it would take a whole heck of a lot of data and a pretty high increased risk of some pretty nasty diseases before I'd give up bacon.  Mmmm, bacon...

So, you're going to have to hear me out on this one, because I know most of you are probably already up in arms.  Give up bacon?  Hot dogs?  Sandwich meats??  Yes, yes, & yes. 

Why are we blaming the bacon?  Processed meats contain some form of nitrites or nitrates.  Sometimes it looks like "sodium-nitrite" or "sodium-nitrate."  In it's natural form, nitrates are relatively harmless.  But, when ingested, our bodies convert a portion of the nitrates to nitrites to nitrosamines, which react with the proteins in the meats and damage our DNA cells.  Ergo, cancer.  In fact, one of the main toxins in tobacco is a nitrosamine.  Both highly concentrated, short-term doses and low doses over a longer term are dangerous.

The most obvious danger of processed meats (anything containing nitrates or nitrites - bacon, ham, most deli meats, sausage, hot dogs, & canned meats) is colorectal cancer.  There really isn't much debate about whether this is a risk.  It just is.  LiveStrong.com reports that "A diet high in processed meat may increase your risk of colon cancer by as much as 20 to 50 percent."  There is still some dispute as to how much of a role your overall lifestyle affects your risk, since often times an unhealthy lifestyle is linked to higher levels of processed meats.

A more newly discovered effect of processed meats is a higher risk of pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancer.  There is more and more evidence of these links, but researchers are still not in agreement as to what extent nitrites and nitrates are to blame.  The stats that really caught my attention came from a study published in the British Journal of Cancer.  The study analyzed data from 11 trials and 6,643 patients with pancreatic cancer and found that the risk of pancreatic cancer increased by 38% for every 3.5 ounces a person added to their daily diet.  These numbers are sobering.  Even at half that intake (less than one hot dog per day), a person's pancreatic cancer risk is increased by 19%.

I know that the widely-held sentiment these days is that "everything gives you cancer."  <The errors in this belief are for another (soapbox) post>  So, I imagine that most of you are still completely tuned out - or have completely quit reading by now.  In which case, there's not much else I can say.  BUT, for those of you still with me, here's the kicker...

New studies are now showing that in addition to the various cancer-causing powers of nitrates and nitrites, these chemicals are also responsible for an increase in Alzheimer's Disease.  The Organic Consumer's Association explains that a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease has found that the sharp increase in Alzheimer's Disease in the US corresponds directly to "a massive rise in fertiliser and processed food sales."  They are referring to nitrogen-containing fertilizers that are being found in the form of nitrites in relatively high concentrations in water runoff.

More concrete data points to the connection between nitrate, nitrites and what is being called, "diabetes of the brain."  An extensive study has shown that "very low, limited exposures to nitrosamines (the type found in food) cause Alzheimer’s-type brain degeneration, dementia, diabetes, fatty liver disease and obesity. Adding high fat to the diet made the disease-causing effects of nitrosamines much worse."  Essentially, the nitrates and nitrites will deprive a brain of insulin.  This results in the "starvation" of brain cells and a vastly reduced mental capacity.  The mechanics of this are not easily summarized, but an article by Dr. Suzanne DeLaMont on DoctorOz.com does a really great job of explaining the idea.  If you have a few minutes, you won't regret reading it!

The good news here is that avoiding nitrites and nitrates (or at least heavy doses of them) is relatively easy.  There are several brands that now making nitrite/nitrate free versions of your favorites - bacon, sandwich meat, ham, etc.  All you have to do is read the label.  Look for nitrites, nitrates and ingredients containing the words "nitrites" and "nitrates."  Any meat in a can (including canned soups) that is not organic probably contains them, too.  You are probably safe with your canned fish, though.  Beer and non-organic produce also have the culprits, but I'm not willing to forgo my beer (yet, at least).  The key is to reduce your exposure as much as possible.

Any thoughts from you guys?  I'm curious about your stance on these little devils and what swayed your opinion!