Best of the Program | Guests: Sen. Ted Cruz & Dr. Casey Means | 10/17/24
Oct 17, 2024
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Ted Cruz, Texas Republican Senator and re-election candidate, discusses his opponent's views on child transgender surgery and critiques GOP campaign financial support. Dr. Casey Means, co-founder of Levels, highlights alarming issues with food safety, including how harmful chemicals are allowed in our diet. Florida state Rep. Bob Rommel joins to shed light on an important abortion amendment affecting state legislation. The conversation addresses the pressing need for voter engagement in critical upcoming elections.
The U.S. permits approximately 10,000 chemicals in food, raising critical safety concerns compared to the 400 allowed in Europe.
Political debates surrounding abortion amendments reflect a broader issue of partisan influence on public health policies, impacting women’s health rights.
Deep dives
The Impact of Toxic Food Ingredients
Many people are unknowingly consuming foods that contain harmful chemicals, which may contribute to chronic health issues in America. The U.S. permits around 10,000 chemicals in food, far more than the 400 allowed in Europe, raising concerns about food safety. Notably, ingredients like acetone and benzene can be found in American food products without substantial safety checks prior to approval. This lack of regulation can allow potentially dangerous substances to enter the food supply, leading to adverse health outcomes that are often overlooked in public discourse.
Food Companies and Misleading Practices
Food manufacturers have a significant influence on what is deemed safe for consumption, often creating a conflict of interest in proving the safety of their ingredients. For instance, a process known as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) allows companies to self-designate their product safety, leading to potential misuse. This can result in widespread use of artificial ingredients, such as synthetic flavorings, in lieu of natural alternatives, which may pose health risks over time. Furthermore, the failure to aggregate the cumulative effects of food dyes across multiple products adds to the potential harm, especially in children.
The Rise of Ultra-Processed Foods
The prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the American diet has substantially increased, leading to a public health crisis marked by obesity and related diseases. These foods, often designed to trigger addictive eating behaviors, make up a staggering 67% of total caloric intake. Their formulation typically includes high levels of sugar, fat, and additives that disrupt natural satiety signals, resulting in overeating and health complications. This trend has roots in historical corporate strategies where tobacco companies moved into the food industry to exploit similar addictive behaviors, with disastrous health implications.
Political Implications of Dietary Choices
Current discussions around health often intersect with political issues, particularly regarding food regulations and public health policy. As debates about abortion measures unfold in various states, it's evident that legislators are increasingly influenced by partisan interests rather than public health. Recent ballot measures propose to ensure access to abortion, raising concerns about potential implications for women's health rights across the U.S. The urgency and intensity of these political battles highlight the direct connections between dietary health, healthcare policy, and the importance of voter engagement in shaping future outcomes.
Dr. Casey Means, Levels chief medical officer and co-founder, joins to discuss how poison is approved to be in the food you eat. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz joins to expose his Democrat opponent, Colin Allred, for his radical views on child transgender surgery. Why has Mitch McConnell not given a dime to Ted Cruz’s campaign? Florida state Rep. Bob Rommel (R) joins to discuss the abortion amendment on the ballot to be added to Florida’s state constitution.