COVID-19 Vaccine: Things you need to stop eating before vaccination

Breaking research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that over 1,250 popular foods contain two chemicals that are likely harming your health: tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The new study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, used data from the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast) to assess the effects of TBHQ, a preservative used to lengthen a food product's shelf life.

PFAS are commonly found in packaging, but can make their way into food. Beyond lowering consumers' immunity, the EWG reports that these chemicals have been linked with myriad health problems, including several types of cancer, low birth weight, endocrine disruption, increased cholesterol, and weight gain.

Making matters worse, another study found that TBHQ made flu vaccines less effective in mice, raising concerns about its impact on other vaccines, including those for COVID-19.

Doctors say that now is a good time to curb your high-preservative, pre-packaged diet in favor of fresh, all-natural ingredients.

Too often, the FDA allows the food and chemical industry to determine which ingredients are safe for consumption. Our research shows how important it is that the FDA take a second look at these ingredients and test all food chemicals for safety

Though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have declined to issue a formal recommendation on alcohol consumption prior to the vaccine, Time reports that European health experts suggest abstaining from alcohol in the days before vaccination in order to "avoid taxing the immune system."

Studies have shown that you would likely need to binge drink to have an acute effect on the vaccine's efficacy—at least four to five drinks in one sitting—but even moderate drinking can exacerbate vaccine side effects due to dehydration or hangover

TBHQ and PFAS contain large quantities of such foods in frozen food, candy wrappers, popcorn bags, pizza boxes and fast food cans. Therefore, it is important to avoid consuming such substances for a few months before and after vaccination.

In addition, do not drink alcohol or smoke. Otherwise the proper effect of the vaccine may be hindered.