On why we need to eat Organic and avoid harmful chemicals

I’ve had it with Cancer. And autoimmune and neurological diseases and developmental disorders. And fertility, gut and skin issues.

As we age, the number of people in our close circles affected by these diseases and conditions all too often increases.

I am not naive to believe there is a bulletproof way to avoid such illnesses or conditions altogether. However, we do know for fact that there are chemicals and conditions that predispose us to have higher risk for these illnesses.

Chemicals and methods known to be carcinogenic or suspected to be carcinogenic, or that can alter our hormones – these chemicals are identified and researched by government agencies like the World Health Organization’s IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), the EPA and more. And yet such chemicals continue to be used in our agriculture, our food processing and our household products. The low-hanging fruit is to eliminate such toxins from our lives, where we have immediate control over the situation.

We can certainly dive deeper into these chemicals; but for now, below are the top ways to eliminate harmful chemicals we control through what we buy for ourselves and our loved ones.

Produce & Food:

Ideal: Always buy Organic, or made with organic or biodynamic practices. Avoid chemical additives, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, etc. The best way to avoid chemical additives is to eat food as close to the source as possible – eliminating processed foods. At restaurants, ask if they have 100% organic dishes, even down to the oil (beware GMO Canola and Soybean oils!)

Bare minimum: Always go Organic for the “Dirty Dozen”* plus common GMO foods.

“Dirty dozen” includes: Strawberries, Spinach, Nectarines, Apples, Grapes, Peaches, Cherries, Pears, Tomatoes, Celery, Potatoes, Sweet Bell Peppers, + Hot Peppers.

Common GMO foods: Corn, Soy, Canola, Zucchini, Squash, Papaya, Dairy and Sugar beet. Note conventional meats are included, as the animals often consume genetically modified feed, and dairy cows may be injected with genetically modified hormones. Hence organic and wild is prudent. Organic foods cannot include genetically modified foods.

*The Dirty Dozen is updated annually by independent non-profit organization, EWG, the Environmental Working Group. The list includes produce that should be bought organic, due to residual pesticides repeatedly observed. EWG works across multiple industries to push for increased safety and tighter regulation in consumer products, farming and agriculture, water, food, energy, and environmental concerns.

Because no one wants to have to walk around like this..

Healthy Anywhere helps executive travelers enjoy delicious, organic foods, and stay healthy, anywhere in the U.S. Our services include: travel nutrition and meal planning, food delivery, fitness support, and accountability. If you or someone you know would appreciate this level of support, get in touch to work with us.

If you haven’t already, join our Healthy Anywhere community to receive blog digests, exclusive email updates, and distinct deals personalized to your home and travel cities. Let us bring you the best, so you can be your best.

Eat Clean + Breathe Deep + Move Often = Never Settle™

Leave a Reply Cancel reply