The Bad Effect Of Sodium Nitrite

Nitrites are chemicals found in plant tissues when spoilage has occurred. According to an article titled "Nitrates and Nitrites", nitrites are food additives used in curing meat primarily to protect you against botulism. Even though experts have learned that nitrites have significant health risks they continue to be used today.

Considerations

Nitrites and nitrates have been used as food additives to protect against spoilage and contamination for years. They are used in hot dogs, bacon, deli meats, smoked fish and most other types of processed meats. Initially they were a boon to society because they helped reduce the incidence of illness from contaminated food. Many studies have documented the specific health dangers of their use. There are some products available now that are nitrite free. If you are pregnant, have pulmonary disease or if cancer runs in your family, discuss nitrite use with your health care provider to determine if they are safe for you.

Colorectal Cancer

Individuals who have eaten processed meats and red meat for years may have a higher incidence of cancer in the distal segment of their large intestine. If you are concerned with this risk, but want to continue to use processed meats, look for those that are cured without nitrites.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A study was published in The Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine that looked at the relationship between individuals who ate nitrite cured meat and their tendency toward COPD. Nitrites cause reactive changes that may case damage to your lungs. This can result in emphysema and COPD. The researchers found that frequent consumption of cured meat was associated with an obstructive pattern of lung functioning. This increases your odds of developing COPD.

Brain Tumors

An article published in Public Health and Nutrition reported on a study performed on pregnant women who ate 3 mg of nitrites per day from cured meat throughout their pregnancy. The study reported that these women had two to three times the risk of their child developing a brain tumor than women who ate little cured meat while pregnant.