Eye drops used to treat dry eye symptoms or allergies often contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which may cause some patients discomfort.
Over-the-counter eye drop options that do not contain BAK include Purite (used in Refresh artificial tears) and SofZia ( used for certain formulations of Brimonidine Tartrate/Brimonidine 0.15% and Travotan Z 0.004%). In addition, many prescription eye medications come with preservative-free versions available as well.
Reduced Risk of Allergies
Preservatives are added to food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products in order to keep them sterile and prevent their decomposition over time. Preservatives work by inhibiting bacteria growth and halting product alterations.
Allergies to preservatives can be extremely uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening conditions. They can either occur via contact dermatitis or ingestion. When caused by contact dermatitis, symptoms often focus on areas in direct contact with chemicals (for instance a handwash or cream containing preservatives) where you might come into contact, leading to redness, itchiness and swelling of skin tissue in this localised area.
Consumption of preservatives may lead to allergic reactions like rhinitis, eczema and asthma in susceptible individuals, while they can also trigger gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain in other individuals.
Preservative-free diets can help lower the risk of allergies by selecting whole, unprocessed grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts and seeds as part of a balanced meal. Minimally processed products should also be prioritized.
Reduced Risk of Asthma
Recent research published in Pharmacotherapy by asthma experts from UF and Wellington College of Medicine in New Zealand highlighted studies which linked preservatives with worsening airway obstruction in those suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many common nebulizer products contain these preservatives such as sulfites or benzoates which could exacerbate conditions.
Sulfites are commonly used as preservatives in dried fruits and wines as well as many food products eaten by children – such as packaged cookies and chips or icecream toppings – which may trigger asthmatic people and trigger everything from a mild skin rash to life-threatening asthma attacks.
Benzoates are another common asthmagenic preservative found in many alcoholic drinks, which can exacerbate symptoms by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine, an allergy-inducing chemical which research has demonstrated causes inflammation and swelling in the lungs.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
As people become aware of the hazards associated with chemicals, they have turned toward products that are natural and safer, including foods and cosmetics. Doing this reduces their toxic load – something which is particularly essential when it comes to cancer prevention as several studies have shown parabens and phthalates disrupt hormones resulting in increased cancer risks.
Cancer can be caused by many different factors, including genetic mutations and environmental toxins. But many of these risk factors are preventable – screenings for colon, prostate and cervical cancers as well as sharing family health histories can all play a part.
Avoiding processed meats like bacon, sausage and hot dogs is essential to lowering cancer risks. These meats often contain salt and preservatives such as nitrates/nitrites which have been linked with colorectal cancer risk. By replacing processed meat with leaner options such as fish or poultry you could help decrease your cancer risks significantly.
Reduced Risk of Inflammation
Preservative-laden foods may exacerbate inflammatory conditions like rhinitis, eczema and asthma, making treatment harder. Switching to a preservative-free diet can help relieve symptoms.
Preservative-free foods offer fresher flavors, are often healthier due to the reduced ingredients list, and are thus increasingly popular among those with dietary restrictions.
Creminelli and Hillshire Farm have spearheaded the movement toward a preservative-free diet with innovative practices such as natural preservation methods in place to offer consumers more authentic meat experiences without additional health risks. By doing this, these brands provide more ethically sourced, nutritionally rich products which taste superior than alternatives. This trend reflects wider health and wellness movements which influence purchasing decisions; particularly noticeable within cosmetics industry where more consumers seek products without preservatives.
