Body-influencing factors include junk foods and other substances that have a negative influence. These include packaged and boxed foods, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, hormones, pesticides, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, artificial coloring, trans fats, and MSG. Many of these substances can damage the liver, which is like a filter that keeps the body clean.

body influencing Body Influencing Factors

Avoid Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): MSG is a flavor enhancer, but it causes fluid retention. There are many hidden sources of MSG: modified food starch, autolyzed yeast, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, hydrolyzed protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, carrageenan, glutamic acid and yeast extract. MSG is abundant in many restaurant foods, taco mixes, sauces, gravies, boxed food, soups and dressings, so it’s important to read labels carefully.

Avoid synthetic vitamins: Unfortunately, most vitamins sold are made synthetically. This means they are not made from actual food, but from chemicals and petroleum. In nature, vitamins come in complexes composed of many parts, never in isolation or in high concentrations.

body influencing2 Body Influencing Factors

Avoid anything artificial: This includes artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols (including Splenda). It also includes artificial colors, flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. If you need a sweetener, use the herb Stevia. Below are common processed foods to avoid, with healthy alternatives listed next to them.

©Berg Institute for Health & Wellness

Hidden Water Retainers and Substitutes

Processed Foods Substitutes
Salad dressings with monosodium glutamate (MSG) Salad dressings without MSG have the least chemicals and ingredients. Use olive oil and Bragg Liquid Aminos or organic brands like Giant’s Nature’s Promise, Annies Naturals, 365 Organic, Organic Ville and Newman’s Own
Taco seasoning, prepackaged (with autolyzed yeast extract MSG) Make homemade taco seasoning with onion, sea salt, garlic, chili peppers and paprika
Onion dips, vegetable dips, herb dips and guacamole dips with yeast extract (MSG). Dips without MSG (available in health food stores)
Catsup (commercial) Catsup with fructose or non-sugar sweetener
Mayonnaise (commercial) Mayonnaise (365 is a good brand)
Chinese restaurant foods Homemade Chinese foods with Bragg Liquid Aminos (tastes like soy sauce)
Rich sauces like gravies Sour cream (low fat)
Spaghetti sauce with sugar/MSG added (especially high-fructose corn sugar) Spaghetti sauce with minimal sugar added (Muir Glen and Walnut Acres are good brands)
Dried fruits sprayed with sulfur Whole fresh fruits
Meats with dextrose sugar or high- fructose corn syrup Meats containing no sugars (read labels)
Soups with MSG (mostly as autolyzed yeast extract or modified food starch) Organic soups without MSG
Artificial sweeteners (aspartame and Sweet N Low) Stevia, raw honey or agave nectar (small quantities)
Sugar alcohols (xylitol, mannitol, Splenda) Stevia, raw honey or agave nectar (small quantities)