Just about every popular protein powder container and you'll see a long list of ingredients in addition to whey, soy and casein. Little do most people know that many of the "other" items include GMO ingredients and toxic, synthetic sweeteners that can permanently damage the body.

Aspartame, Acesulfame potassium, sucralose and sorbitol are listed on many protein powders like they're just another little additive for flavor enhancement. They're often phrased in ways that make the product sound healthy, when in reality, these are words to stay away from; these artificial sweeteners wreak havoc on your health.


Sweet-tasting protein shakes can destroy digestive tract, hormones and more

Sorbitol is slick, like oil, and doesn't have much taste. It's used in nearly all commercial chewing gum to keep it soft longer. It can also tear up the digestive tract and leave you wondering why you have chronic Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Aspartame tricks your body into thinking it's getting something sweet, so your body constantly craves more. It also makes it difficult to know when you're getting full; it's the ultimate sinister additive to protein shake mixes, weight-gain powders and weight-loss powders. But don't just think that if you don't see the word, "Aspartame," that your free and clear of the body-harming ingredient.

Aspartame may be disguised under its changed name, "AminoSweet," which combines amino acids with a sweet taste. It's not uncommon to find this in many meal replacements or fast-fix toxic shakes.

Acesulfame Potassium is just an evil stepchild of aspartame; along with sorbitol, another sweet-tasting toxic ingredient, they've been linked to causing cancer and mutating DNA. They also disrupt the central nervous system and throw hormones off balance.



Top 5 toxic dyes to watch out for

Then there's the issue of the color of fitness shakes.

Most food coloring dyes come from industrial byproducts and coal tar derivatives; that fake strawberry-red or that fake beige-vanilla is such a color because of industrial byproducts that are linked to causing cancer, malnutrition and other health conditions.

Stay away from these five dyes:

Red #2: Toxic to rodents, even at modest levels, and causes bladder tumors.

Red #3: Known to cause thyroid cancer.

Red #40: This is the most common dye which, unfortunately, destroys the immune system and causes allergic reactions.

Yellow #5: This is considered to be a behavior-altering dye that even brings about cases of severe hypersensitivity.

Yellow #6: Linked to causing adrenal tumors.

GMO corn starch: stay away from it

Fact: GMO corn causes cancer in lab animals; modified corn starch is one of the worst things you can ever put in your body. Period.

Nearly all corn in the United States is genetically modified to kill worms and other crop pests. If you're into working out, running, biking or even just stretching daily, but still eat genetically modified foods, it's counterproductive to those other healthy habits.

The worst thing you can possibly eat are pesticides and herbicides, as they destroy your gut flora, which plays a significant role in keeping the immune system in check. With GM foods in one's system, people are more prone to getting common colds, the flu, allergies, brain fog and may even experience a loss of energy.

So much for losing weight or maintaining that ideal weight if you're eating a protein powder containing genetically modified ingredients. So much for feeling great and wanting to work out.

A better plan for optimal health

Want a plan? Plan to leave modified corn starch out of the equation forever. Look for protein powders that leave artificial sweeteners out of the picture. Stay away from harmful dyes which are found in many fitness or weight-control shakes.

Instead, turn to healthy superfoods and fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. They're a safe and natural way to maintain good health.