Nitrates and Nitrites

Since going on the AIP diet (Auto Immune Protocol Diet) I've been looking for nitrite free items that I can eat. In general you should avoid processed meat no matter what your health condition but I am really a sucker for cooking my family breakfast on a Sunday that includes bacon, eggs, some AIP friendly pancakes and some fruit topping. 

I found 2 brands that they now sell at the grocery store called Free From and Naturally. Both claim to be nitrite free and Free From also claims that their animals are grass fed and free from antibiotics. This is great but doesn't mean this should be a staple in your household. I did some more digging into the whole nitrate/nitrite debate and nitrate naturally occurs in fruits and vegetables as well. There is a bit of chemistry difference between the two, one less oxygen atom. ( Nitrate = NO3, Nitrite = NO2)

Nitrates in general are harmless and actually do a lot of good in your body. They can relax blood vessels, which relieves chest pain. Vegetables such as celery, leafy greens, beets, parsley, cabbage are some that contain the most but all plants contain nitrate.  But when they convert to a nitrite that's where the problems can arise. "When nitrates hit the tongue, bacteria in the mouth of the enzymes in the body turn the nitrates into nitrites. Nitrites can be good when they form nitric oxide, but then they form nitrosamines, it can have a negative effect and may be where cancer-causing cells occur".  Meaning they are carcenogenic. That was a direct quote from Dr. Axe site as I found him to explain it the best.

Nitrites are needed in the curing process to prevent bacteria growth and keep the meat nice and pink. The problem lies when it hits the pan, frying at high temperatures can increase the potential of nitrosamines which are bad and even the chemical reaction when it hits and acidic stomach. Also the amount of nitrates that you would find in processed is much higher than what you would find when eating a fruit or a vegetable. 

Best thing to do is choose a fruit or vegetable first. If you really want to buy processed meat look for ones that are free from nitrate/nitrite to decrease how much you are ingesting. Make them occasionally rather than making them part of your daily life. Having processed meat on a daily basis is not good and will cause some health problems for you at some point. This includes anything that is cured, salted, smoked and have added preservatives like lunch meat, hot dogs, sausages, bacon and ham. I think I cried a little at the ham at bacon. Not gonna lie! LOL But you owe it to your health and your family to know that everything that you put in your mouth will have an outcome. Make it a good one! :)

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