With PANDAS the immune system has malfunctioned and is in a hyper-state, so it is important to avoid toxins that can cause your immune system to overreact and trigger a flare up. Below are some things that will cause problems and must be avoided when focusing on recovery. Make sure you read labels, if its in the product it will be listed.

• BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) – neurotoxin, potentially causes endocrine disruption, bio-chemical and cellular malformation.  Found in cereals and snack foods.
• BVO (Brominated Vegetable Oil) – Patented as a flame retardant, BVO is banned in Europe and Asia, but not in US.  Builds up in cells, and can cause cognitive regression, memory loss, motor tics, and neurological problems.  Found in soda, drinks, Gatorade, snack foods, commercial bakery items.
• TBHQ – (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) is in fact a chemical preservative which is a form of butane. Consuming TBHQ can cause increase in ADD/ADHD, brain fog, restlessness, agitation, aggressive behavior. TBHQ is used in many foods, ranging from crackers to crisps to fast foods. It is also found in certain brands of pet foods, as well as in cosmetic and baby skincare products, varnish, lacquers and resins. It is used in the stabilization process of explosive compounds. The risks and side-effects of this preservative product far outweigh the benefit of it being used as a highly unsafe preservative ingredient.
• Artificial Food Dyes (Red # 40, Yellow, Blue & Green) - Unless colorings and dyes are derived from natural ingredients (purple cabbage, beets, turmeric, etc.), the dyes used in foods are most often derived from coal tar or petroleum derivatives. They have been linked to ADHD (blue and yellow #6), hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer (red #3), childhood OCD (yellow #5), chromosomal damage and a wide variety of allergic reactions. Many are banned in other countries, but continue to fill U.S. children’s foods. Dr. Johnathan Brostoff (Food Allergy and Intolerance) theorized that food dyes inhibit an enzyme known to detoxify certain intestinal bacteria, making children vulnerable to hyperactivity as a result
• High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)- Made from genetically modified corn processed with enzymes, caustic soda and hydrochloric acid, HFCS has been shown to contain mercury — a very potent neurotoxin that, even in tiny concentrations, can cause neurological damage in children.
• Aspartate or Aspartame- Aspartame breaks down to potent neurotoxins, including formaldehyde, methanol, and formic acid. Dr. Russell Blaylock considers aspartame an “excitotoxin” that over stimulates neurons to death, contributing to many neurological problems — from memory loss and inability to concentrate to Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. Consistent ingestion causes chronic methanol poisoning, changing dopamine levels in the brain and leading to depression, anxiety disorder and autoimmune conditions. Aspartame also increases phenylalanine levels which can provoke seizures and are correlated with schizophrenia. Foods that contain Aspartame are, Diet sodas, Yogurts, Chewing gum, Cooking sauces, Crisps, sweeteners, Drink powders, Flavored water, Sugar-free products, Breakfast Cereals.  Low Sugar is healthier then sugar free!
• Monosodium Glutamate or Glutamic Acid (MSG) - MSG is a nervous system stimulant that causes us to respond more intensely to food flavors. Originally derived from seaweed, MSG is now made by fermenting rice, corn or potatoes. MSG continues to be added to a variety of packaged foods (see food additives tab). It has been linked to learning disabilities, migraine headaches, anxiety, depression, seizures, obesity, diabetes and endocrine disorders. Dr. Russell Blaylock believes that aspartame and MSG are behind the rise in ADD and ADHD among children.
• Nitrates and Nitrites - Are curing agents used to preserve meat and inhibit bacterial growth. Found in bacon, hot dogs, cold cuts and preserved meats. They have been shown to be powerful carcinogens and to contribute to colorectal, stomach and pancreatic cancer, chronic  obstructive pulmonary disease, DNA mutations, neurotransmitter damage and brain tumors in children.