Wikipedia describes it as: Carrageenans or carrageenins are a family of linear sulphated polysaccharides that are extracted from red edible seaweeds. They are widely used in the food industry, for their gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Their main application is in dairy and meat products, due to their strong binding to food proteins. There are three main varieties of carrageenan, which differ in their degree of sulphation. Kappa-carrageenan has one sulphate group per disaccharide. Iota-carrageenan has two sulphates per disaccharide. Lambda carrageenan has three sulphates per disaccharide.
So what exactly does that mean anyway?
Veteran researcher Joanne Tobacman, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Illinois School of Medicine at Chicago puts it into terms that’s a little easier to understand.
“It appears to be particularly destructive to the digestive system, triggering an immune response similar to that your body has when invaded by pathogens like Salmonella. The result: “It predictably causes inflammation, which can lead to ulcerations and bleeding.” She says the food ingredient irritates by activating an immune response that dials up inflammation.
What’s got me wanting to do cartwheels in the grocery isle.
I’m a big label reader and I must admit that when I came across this ingredient for the first time several years ago in my almond milk, I didn’t pay that much attention. I’m more aware now and have been on the lookout for a substitute for a while without much luck. Hemp milk is a great alternative, so I’ve been purchasing that and a few others. Today in the Harmon’s grocery store, I happened by boxed milk, you know the kind not in the refrigerator section, which is where I typically find my more “natural” liquid options that I use in smoothies. Can I tell you how completely excited I was to find a product in a major grocery store that actually did not have carrageenan? I wanted to do a cartwheel right then and there in the middle of the isle. I immediately took photos of the two items and ran them over to my husband with pure delight. I was so excited to share my life-altering (okay maybe that’s a bit much) find.
I started telling him about how these items don’t contain carrageenan and that my search is finally over. To my complete shock. He couldn’t have cared less, ego a little deflated, I put the items in the cart and started thinking (not always a good thing), I’m so excited I’m going to pee my pants, I have to tell someone. Duh … I have an awesome tribe who would love to hear about my find. So here they are, these are the two products that I can get locally that’s got me jumping out of my britches.
Why should you care?
Because I’m in the energy healing field, I know first hand what a toxic body feels like energetically. Chakras become imbalanced, meridians are sluggish and the body’s energy system becomes stressed and overworked as it tries desperately to bring the body back to balance. Because the natural state of our bodies is that of balance, your energy systems will fight as hard as they can to get back to that state of balance. Anything you can do to minimize the toxins entering your system (mind, body, and spirit) will help your body in balancing out your energy which in turn affects mood, brain function, and a whole lot more.
What not to do!
Okay so before you get all crazy and start throwing out food, cleaners, etc. Let’s get real. There is no way to avoid all toxins, not the world we live in. So the best way to approach any new or enhanced information is to be aware. That’s all I’m providing, more awareness to help you become more informed. Go at your own pace if you are trying to make healthier choices and do what’s right for you and your family.
~the balanced energy coach
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