Why Organic?

This is a question I hear often.  I realize it's more expensive, but what if it decreased your medical bills in the future?  If you knew it would prevent disease, would I have your attention?  Well studies indicate that eating organic does help prevent life threatening disease such as cancer.  Or another way to say it is that eating commercial (non-organic) could contribute to life threatening disease.  Let me explain.

Did you know that there are over 1000 chemicals and pesticides approved by the FDA for use in our food and beverages?!^  According to PAN (Pesticide Action Network), pesticides can have a cumulative "toxic loading" effect, both immediate and long term. Each person accumulates and responds to chemicals in a way that is unique.  They describe that from birth, we have a build up of chemical "body burden".  Accumulation of these toxins in our body is thought to be a contributor to disease.  This would lead us to believe that reducing or eliminating the "toxic load" of chemicals would reduce our chance for cancer and other health issues such as immune deficiencies.  

One of my favorite sources for all food and supplement nutrition as well as overall health is  Dr. Andrew Weil .  This link will take you to his page on "fruits and vegetables you should always buy organic".  For your convenience here is the list: apples, strawberries, grapes, celery, peaches, spinach, sweet bell peppers, nectarines (imported), cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, snap peas (imported), and potatoes.

That said, an even bigger issue is with meat, poultry, dairy and eggs.  According to prevention.com, 90% of the pesticides we consume come from the fat and tissue of these food categories.  And unfortunately, there is a lot more to worry about when you consider the impact of eating non-organic animal products.  Not only are animals fed other animals and pesticide ridden grains.  They are also factory farmed*, and given antibiotics, growth hormones and steroids which are not approved for human consumption.  By ingesting these unknown and unwanted 'drugs' we are wreaking havoc on our bodies.    

When buying vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, dairy and eggs, the best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to buy organic.  It would not be realistic to think that you can convert to 100% organic.  But every change is a step in the right direction.  When I do health counseling with people who have young children, I tell them the number one change I recommend is to buy organic milk (if they insist on drinking dairy milk).  More in milk alternatives in a future issue!  

I realize that health is very subjective and there are many 'theories'.  I suggest doing your own research, weigh the options and determine your priorities.  Your choices today could make the difference in your health (and medical bills) in the future!

In good health,

Jackie

^Source FDA Glossary of Pesticide Chemicals
*Factory farming: A system of rearing livestock using intensive methods, by which poultry, pigs, or cattle are confined indoors under strictly controlled conditions.