Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
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Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

Avoid getting spooked by junky ingredients this Halloween by using our Nutritionist’s guide below. Don’t worry, we’re not here to be monsters and steal all of your candy away! Instead, we’ve equipped you with our favorite healthier candy list to make sure your little ghouls and goblins will be happy (and healthy) this Halloween!

The Top 5 Unhealthy Candy Ingredients to Avoid

Artificial Food Dyes

Food colorings have been found in numerous research studies to be correlated with cancer, ADHD/hyperactivity and allergy reactions. The most commonly used dyes include Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6; these can be found in skittles, jolly ranchers, smarties and sour patch kids

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Linked in countless research studies to diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome, this heavily processed form of sugar is highly addictive and made from genetically modified corn. Where will you find it? Lifesavers and Baby Ruth bars

Artificial Flavorings

This refers to any food flavoring from a synthetic (or laboratory derived) source-ew! In 2018, the FDA banned 7 artificial flavorings that were research-proven carcinogens. Candy that still has it? Nerds and Dubble Bubble gum

TBHQ

A synthetic food additive used to extend shelf life; associated with increased incidence of tumors; possible associated with ADHD and food allergy incidence. Candy that contains it: Butterfingers and Reese’s cups

Shellac

May be found on ingredient lists as resinous glaze or confectioner’s glaze; it makes up the shiny shell of various candies and it is derived from a resin secreted by a type of beetle; it is also used in sealants and varnishes for furniture. Found in the coatings of colorful candies such as M&Ms and Skittles

4 Healthy Candy Brands to Choose

Did the information above inspire you to find healthier candy options free of all of the junk? Your wish is our command! Check out the list below for our favorite gluten-free candies that are also free of artificial colors, flavorings, dyes, and additives! Pro tip: Whether healthier or not, be mindful to consume candy in moderation-we recommend getting the “fun” size portioned candies to help with overeating and limiting to two!

Smart Sweets

The “healthified” take on swedish fish, gummy bears and sour patch kids we’ve all been waiting for! These are free of added sugar and any artificial sweeteners/colors/flavors in addition to being made in a dedicated gluten, peanut, tree-nut, dairy, soy and casein free-facility. They are just sweetened with a little bit of stevia-a plant-derived sweetener that does not stimulate a blood sugar spike. Bonus- these have prebiotic fiber added- a good source of “food” for your healthy gut bacteria to help them flourish!

UnReal Candy

A healthier take on some childhood favorites- M&Ms, peanut M&Ms and Reese’s cups-these colorful candies use natural food-based dyes from things like beets and turmeric! All of these tasty chocolate treats happen to be certified gluten-free, fair trade, vegan, organic and free of GMOs.

Eating Evolved

Chocolate bars and nut butter cups; all products are certified organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, and vegan. Each of their chocolates has a simple, easy to understand ingredient list and sweeteners range from stevia to coconut sugar-a lower glycemic sweetener. The darker the better- the 100% coconut cacao bar is chock full of cancer-fighting antioxidants!

Wholesome Candies

Do you have a child with numerous allergies?! Not to fear- this company makes gummies, lollipops and jelly beans that are made and packaged in a facility free of the 10 most common food allergens, including dairy/casein, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame and sulfites! They are also fair trade certified, free of corn syrup and vegan.

References:

  1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0009922810384728
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5747444/
  3. https://www.fda.gov/
  4. https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/
  5. https://jillcastle.com/childhood-nutrition/halloween-treats-ingredients-allergens/
  6. https://www.bestfoodfacts.org/tbhq-what-is-it-and-is-it-dangerous/
  7. https://www.forbes.com/sites/joannafantozzi/2018/10/09/fda-bans-seven-artificial-flavors-commonly-found-in-ice-cream-and-candy/#6f5cb3a16206
  8. https://www.fda.gov
  9. https://jillcastle.com/childhood-nutrition/halloween-treats-ingredients-allergens
  10. https://www.bestfoodfacts.org/tbhq-what-is-it-and-is-it-dangerous
  11. http://www.onegreenplanet.org
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Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test looks for the inappropriate presence of bacteria in the small intestine known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or “SIBO”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$299

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$179 – $400

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$425 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Healthier Halloween Candy Guide
Healthier Halloween Candy Guide

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted