My client came to see me a few years ago. He was mid 30’s and generally appeared to be healthy. However, when he revealed why he wanted to work with me it was a very different story. It turns out he was wound tighter than a drum, extremely anxious to panic attack level, then could swing to depression, then back to the paralyzing panic attacks. On top of that he had zero interest in sex and was dealing with erectile dysfunction and his testicles were in constant pain. His work situation was adding stress and things were concerning to him regarding his relationship with his wife. During this time we were coming out of the whole COVID lockdown plandemic bullshit, which did not help.
This is often how cases show up for me. People don’t often even know how to talk about what might be going on. He didn’t go to the clinic because at that time things were such a cluster fuck to do anything medical.
His wife was already working with me on her health improvement journey and she encouraged him to come in for an assessment. The short part of the story is I accepted him as a new client, captured his entire health history, sat and talked with him, put a program together for him and today he comes in to see me when he feels a need for any preventative care. Problems solved.
The long story is during his assessment I discovered his body was stuck; dealing with toxic chemicals. I found glyphosate throughout his system, including his testicles and prostate. How did that get there? I put him through the paces with food journaling and after a short time we discovered the culprit. It was a standard american beer. I won’t say the brand here because I don’t want to get sued. To troubleshoot, he stopped drinking the beer and a short time passed before he came in excited to tell me the pain in his testicles was gone and he was getting erections again. Then a couple weeks later he came in with a confirmation that it was the beer he was drinking.
He was out with some buddies and they were drinking this particular beer. By the next morning all of his old symptoms were back – pain in his nuts and no erection. Additionally, he was very anxious over the rest of the week. That was the confirmation he needed. He made the switch to craft beers and hasn’t looked back.
So why are standard american beers giving him trouble? I pulled together some information to try to understand better. I always teach my beer drinking clients, man or woman, to become beer snobs and change up the game. Over the years I’ve learned standard american beers are really nothing more than chemical swill.
Here’s what I found along with some suggestions to up your game as I had a conversation with chatGPT. Don’t worry, I verified the content.
Of course, for the human body, no alcohol is best. And in the interest of full disclosure, I consume a few beers on the weekends…usually.
Let’s dive in.
The Hidden Dangers of Modern Beer: What’s Really in Your Glass?
Beer is one of the world’s oldest and most cherished beverages, made traditionally with just four key ingredients: water, malted barley, hops, and yeast. For centuries, these ingredients have produced a wide variety of beers, ranging from robust stouts to crisp lagers. But in today’s mass-produced beer market, the simplicity of these natural ingredients has been overshadowed by the inclusion of toxic chemicals and additives that can compromise both the quality of the beer and the health of those who consume it.
Traditional Beer Ingredients
Before we dive into the dangers lurking in many modern beers, let’s first take a moment to appreciate the simplicity and elegance of traditional beer-making. High-quality beer typically includes:
- Water: The most essential component, contributing up to 95% of the final product. Breweries often seek specific water sources to create distinct flavor profiles.
- Malt (usually barley): The backbone of the beer, providing sugars for fermentation and contributing a wide range of flavors depending on how it’s roasted. Malted barley is prized for its balance of fermentable sugars and its ability to create a rich body and mouthfeel.
- Hops: This flower adds bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt and contributes floral, citrusy, or earthy aromas. Hops also act as a natural preservative.
- Yeast: The microorganisms that ferment sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The type of yeast used significantly impacts the flavor, creating the differences between ales, lagers, and specialty beers.
The Quality of Beer Today: A Shift Toward Mass Production
Unfortunately, the beer landscape has shifted dramatically over the past century, particularly in the United States, where mass-produced beers dominate the market. These beers often replace traditional ingredients with cheaper alternatives or add chemicals to enhance flavor, stabilize foam, or preserve the product for long shelf life. This has led to a marked decline in the quality of many beers and a rise in health concerns related to the additives used.
Adjunct grains, such as corn or rice, are frequently added to beer to reduce production costs. While these grains can lighten the flavor and body of the beer, they also result in a less flavorful and less nutritious product. Additionally, high fructose corn syrup and dextrose are often added as cheaper sugar sources, replacing malt and further diminishing the beer’s natural richness.
Toxic Chemicals Found in Many Standard American Beers
Mass-produced beers may contain more than just adjunct grains and sweeteners; many contain harmful chemicals that can adversely affect your health over time. Some of the most concerning ingredients include:
- Glyphosate: This controversial herbicide, commonly associated with the weed killer Roundup, is found in many beers made from conventionally grown grains. Glyphosate is a potential endocrine disruptor and has been classified as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in the linings of beer cans and bottles, BPA can leach into the beer, especially if exposed to heat. BPA is known to disrupt hormonal function and may contribute to various health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems.
- Carrageenan: This thickener and stabilizer, derived from seaweed, is used in some beers to maintain consistency. However, carrageenan has been linked to inflammation and gastrointestinal problems in several studies.
- Propylene Glycol: Often used in the brewing process to stabilize foam or as an antifreeze agent, propylene glycol can cause allergic reactions in some people and may lead to respiratory issues with prolonged exposure.
- Nitrosamines and Nitrates: Found in certain malts, nitrosamines are known carcinogens that can form during the brewing process. Although present in small amounts, long-term exposure can increase cancer risks.
- Artificial Colorings and Flavorings: Some beers contain caramel color or flavor enhancers like dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC), both of which can lead to the production of toxic byproducts in the body when consumed regularly.
Why You Should Opt for Organic or Craft Beers
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these toxic ingredients without giving up beer altogether. Craft breweries and organic beer producers tend to focus on quality over quantity, using natural, high-grade ingredients and avoiding chemical additives. These beers are often made with organic grains, meaning they are free from pesticides like glyphosate, and they rarely use adjuncts like corn syrup or artificial flavorings.
Unfiltered and naturally carbonated beers are another excellent option. These beers are brewed using more traditional methods, often avoiding chemical stabilizers and preservatives. They may have a cloudier appearance, but the trade-off is worth it for a more natural, wholesome product.
Holistic Approach to Beer: Choose Wisely
From a holistic health perspective, it’s essential to consider the quality of the food and beverages we consume, including beer. Choosing high-quality, naturally brewed beers supports not only better health but also a more conscious relationship with what we put into our bodies.
I always recommend that my clients avoid mass-produced beers that contain chemicals, artificial ingredients, and additives. Instead, look for organic or small-batch craft beers that stick to traditional brewing methods. This not only reduces the risk of exposure to harmful substances but also enhances your overall beer-drinking experience.
Additionally, many health-conscious beer drinkers find that unfiltered, preservative-free beers—while more complex in flavor—sit better with their digestive systems and overall wellness. Remember, as with all aspects of holistic health, quality matters, and the same applies to the beer you choose to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy beer and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s crucial to make informed choices. Opting for craft or organic beers with natural ingredients can help you avoid toxic chemicals and additives commonly found in mass-produced beers. As always, moderation is key—though I like to remind people that moderation should not be an excuse for consuming low-quality or harmful products.
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