02/07/2026
Most people donât notice these on food labels
But they can quietly affect overall health, especially digestion, blood sugar balance, hormones, and gut health.
Here are a few common ones often found in products:
⢠Cultured celery extract â Used as a ânaturalâ preservative in deli meats. Itâs high in naturally occurring nitrates, which the body still processes like added nitrites. When eaten often, this can increase inflammation and place extra stress on the bodyâs ability to process and clear what it doesnât need.
⢠Natural flavours â A vague umbrella term that can include dozens of lab created ingredients. Youâre not told what they are, where they come from, or how theyâre made, which makes it harder for sensitive digestive systems to tolerate.
⢠Gellan gum / guar gum â Thickeners commonly added to plant milks and processed foods. For many people, they can contribute to bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort.
⢠Sodium nitrite â A curing agent in processed meats. Frequent intake is associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress over time.
⢠Sucralose & maltodextrin â Sweeteners and fillers that may disrupt gut bacteria and confuse blood sugar signals, even though theyâre marketed as low calorie or sugar free.
⢠Added sugars in disguise â Dextrose, glucose fructose, corn syrup. Different names, same blood sugar impact.
This doesnât mean you need perfection
It means understanding what youâre eating gives you choice and control.
If you want a video breaking down one of these ingredients in more depth, comment which one below.