In 2008's "Pineapple Express," Seth Rogen plays a hapless process server who is severely (and sometimes humorously) handicapped by the smoky fog that envelops him as he inhales brand-name reefer called (oh, wow, duh) Pineapple Express. His misadventures make it clear that process-serving is as hazardous to his health as eating heart-stopping, mind-fogging and life-threatening processed food can be to yours.
You know that nutri-scarce, additive-loaded, processed and packaged foods often contain trans fats (especially snacks and baked goods), added sugars and syrups, artificial colors, preservatives and emulsifiers that boost inflammation, alter gut bacteria and make your RealAge older. That's how they contribute to the current epidemic of chronic conditions such as diabetes, dementia, arthritis, low-back pain and heart disease.
But those aren't the only risky additives. A lab study out of Binghamton University in New York found that nanoparticles of an incredibly common addition to toothpaste, gum, candies, bread, mayo and skim milk can do similar damage-and it's only there to make the food (or your teeth) look less gray!
Day-after-day exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles, although not immediately toxic, damages the little villi that line your intestine. That makes iron, zinc and fatty acids more difficult to absorb, dings essential enzyme functions and boosts inflammatory signals.
Want a younger RealAge? Opt for fresh, whole foods that YOU cook at home! Go for five to nine servings of produce daily; lean proteins; healthy fats. And read ingredient labels, so that when you have a choice, you can avoid ingesting these nano-disruptors.
Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into "The Dr. Oz Show" or visit www.sharecare.com.
(c) 2017 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.