I believe your gut is the seat of your health. Many of my clients come to me experiencing chronic constipation, causing them discomfort and digestive problems including decreased nutrient absorption.

So naturally, women turn to over the counter products like Metamucil, which brands itself as the “#1 Doctor Recommended” product to counteract constipation. This product is mainly psyllium husks, which come from plant husks.

Did you know that Metamucil products ALSO contain:

Gelatin (animal source), Polysorbate 80, Caramel Color, Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Titanium Dioxide, Polysorbate 80, Caramel Color, Red 40 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Natural and Artificial Orange Flavor, Aspartame, FD&C Yellow No. 6, Acesulfame Potassium, Aspartame, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Blue No. 1.

Many of these food colorings are directly linked with hyperactivity, learning disorders, digestive disorders, AND hide dangerous toxins.

These colorings are not safe, although they are approved by the FDA.

They are certified to contain no more than the amount of lead, mercury, arsenic, benzidine, and other contaminants that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) considers acceptable.

In my opinion, none of these dangerous ingredients should be allowed in our food supply.

According to the good people at Feingold.org, a dye and additive free diet organization that counsels people on how to clear up disorders like IBS, ADD and ADHD:

“All the synthetic dyes are allowed to contain harmful contaminants like lead, mercury, arsenic, and benzidine (a carcinogen). Lead usually targets the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells first, eventually attacking your nervous system. The primary effects of mercury on infants and children are to damage neurological development. Arsenic can cause several kinds of cancer, as well as headaches and confusion. While it is true that colorings don’t have large amounts of any of these contaminants, there is no good reason to consume them…

Yellow #5 & Yellow #6 are each allowed to have 1 ppb (parts per billion) of benzidine. That is a really tiny amount; benzidine is known to cause cancer but it apparently can’t be easily removed from the dye, so the FDA decided to allow it at that amount…

One major characteristic that seems to apply to all chemically-sensitive people is that they get upset, anxious and agitated very easily. Whether the person is 3-years-old or 33, they have a short fuse.”

I know women who have been taking Metamucil almost daily – for years. Can we know how much lead, benzidine, and other toxic synthetics are lurking in their bodies because of the “healthy” product their doctor recommended?

The synthetic “D&C” colors are allowed to contain 10 ppm (parts per million) of lead.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over a period of months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems.”

Low-grade exposure to small amounts of lead may not show symptoms for years, but can increase the risk of high blood pressure and mental illness and decline in the future. Adult symptoms of lead poisoning can include:

• Pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities
• Muscular weakness
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Memory loss
• Mood disorders
• Reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm
• Miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women
• Fatigue

My recommendation for constipation issues is to stay away from any product that contains synthetic colors and preservatives. Instead, eat a diet of whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Try my favorite Detox Drink recipe seen here.

To boost your elimination naturally with a toxin-free product, try:

-       Freshly ground flax seeds (on sale here)

-       100% Psyllium Husks (on sale here)

For more information on the Feingold Diet and how it has been used to help clear up ADD/ADHD symptoms:

http://www.feingold.org/