It is becoming more and more apparent that our food today has fewer
nutrients and more toxins than the food consumed several decades ago. And I'm not just talking about the processed food we typically try to avoid.
Our plant sources are decreasing in value. There are several factors at play here: the over production of crops in fields without adequate time for re-mineralization of the soil, the use of genetically modified (GMO) plants, the ever expanding use of fertilizers to keep insects away and the pesticides leached into plants in order to produce more "viable" product.
It's not just our fruit and vegetables that are decreasing in nutritional value. Look at our meat sources. There has been a dramatic increase in the use of antibiotics, hormones and grain/corn feed. This is completely counter intuitive for the health of the animals that eventually make it to our plate. Using the old adage "You are what you eat", that doesn't bode will for our health either.
Because of this notable decline in our food supply, and in honor of National Nutrition Month let's go over the 5 Best Ways to Fight Our Failing Food Supply:
Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.
Our plant sources are decreasing in value. There are several factors at play here: the over production of crops in fields without adequate time for re-mineralization of the soil, the use of genetically modified (GMO) plants, the ever expanding use of fertilizers to keep insects away and the pesticides leached into plants in order to produce more "viable" product.
It's not just our fruit and vegetables that are decreasing in nutritional value. Look at our meat sources. There has been a dramatic increase in the use of antibiotics, hormones and grain/corn feed. This is completely counter intuitive for the health of the animals that eventually make it to our plate. Using the old adage "You are what you eat", that doesn't bode will for our health either.
Because of this notable decline in our food supply, and in honor of National Nutrition Month let's go over the 5 Best Ways to Fight Our Failing Food Supply:
#1: Eat Organic As Much As Possible or Eat Local
Let's start at the beginning - What exactly is Organic?
“USDA certified organic foods are
grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many
factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. Organic producers
rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based
farming methods to the fullest extent possible.” (Organic 101 here)
The basic understanding:“organic”
simply means that farmers are doing everything possible to raise crops and
animals as healthy as possible according to how they are genetically designed.
Because plants and animals are living organisms, like us, the healthier they
are at the time of consumption, the healthier they will be FOR US.
By avoiding chemical fertilizers,
hormones, and antibiotics, we establish a more pure source of food. The fewer
toxins that we consume through our diet, the easier it is for our body to
maintain a high level of health. Do you experience weight challenges (including
weight gain or difficulty losing weight), daily fatigue, feelings of
depression/lack of motivation, daily headaches, joint pain, digestive distress
(including acid reflux or bloating). These are all challenges that I have
seen improve with consumption of a
better food source such as organic.
Typically, the largest
objection to eating organic is the price. There is a list of foods that I spoke
about in a prior blog called the “Dirty Dozen” (see picture on right), which are
absolutely essential to purchase organic. These are the fruits and vegetables that have been found to retain the largest amount of
chemicals used in conventional production.
Another option is to shop local. Speak to
local farmers regarding their farming practices. Although they may not have the
certified “USDA Organic” label (because there is an excessive cost associated
with that label), they may use many of the good farming practices that are
considered organic. Not to mention you will be supporting local business, which
I am a huge fan of!
If you're in the Pittsburgh area, we have a few favor local farms:
(A CSA is a great option for consistent fruit and veggie bundles throughout the spring - early fall)
Our food supply just isn't what it used to be. Knowing this and taking steps to fight its failures is the best way to meet your nutritional needs. This is Tip #1 of 5. Check back soon for the next installment!
Dr. Dan Turo is the owner and chiropractor of Turo Family Chiropractic located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Follow him on facebook and twitter.
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