Going Organic – It May Add Years To Your Life

Posted on February 25, 2014February 25, 2014 by admin

I hold a strong belief that it’s our right to have access to clean water and clean food. Yet, ironically it’s often not the case due to the continual contamination of our water and food sources with toxic chemicals.

It may sound as though I’m harping on this subject unnecessarily. Yet, this message is long overdue and change is happening too slowly!

It was back in 1972 that I became aware of the dangers of fluoride. I was working at the Australian National University and a visiting professor from the United States had undertaken a great deal of research on the subject. What he shared was sufficient impetus for me to continue delving into research that wasn’t cited in mainstream media.

Nowadays the fluoride controversy continues, with very few towns choosing to have fluoride free water. This does not mean that the issue is a non-event. In fact, the latest issue of Nexus (www.nexusmagazine.com) contains a one page letter from Paul Connett, Fluoride Action Network USA . He depicts a depressing situation here in Australia due to bureaucratic decisions that are made without public consultation. The Fluoride Action Network in the States can be found at www.fluoridealert.org. In Australia the website is www.fluoridealertaustralia.org.

I’m mentioning fluoride because it’s only one of many chemicals that are found in our water supply. A recent article in The Sun Herald (February 16^th) by Julia Medew states that “Chemicals affect children’s brains: study”. The first paragraph of this news article reads:

“Leading chemical experts are calling for a radical overhaul of chemical regulation to protect children from everyday toxins that may be causing a global “silent epidemic” of brain development disorders such as autism, dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.”

The research article, published in The Lancet, indicates that current regulations are inadequate to safeguard children from potentially hazardous chemicals found in the environment. It goes on to list the many hazardous chemicals and includes fluoride, a mineral found in water, plants and toothpaste. According to everything I’ve read since 1972 fluoride is added to the water supply – it is not naturally ‘found’ in water!

By the way, as much as local authorities are keen to urge us to drink tap water I’ve found that purchasing a water filter to be one way of reducing and minimizing exposure to chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride. Not all water filters are able to remove these toxins but if you search long and hard you will find a water filtration system that works. And, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive on the market!

The Organic Gardening Movement

it seems that in recent years there’s been a dramatic increase in organic gardening. This is indicative of a reversal from the mono-cropping agricultural system that’s been adopted since the 1960s.

A new wave of consumers is demonstrating an increased concern about the quality of their food. They are flocking to organic garden centres to buy produce and to learn how to grow their own food.

Urban gardening and farming is one important step towards building a more sustainable food system. Food grown and picked from your own garden is fresher, more nutritious and certainly tastes much better than mass produced food that’s been shipped long distances and stored for long periods of time.

I’ve noticed there are now plenty of magazines and books on ‘how to’ grow vegetables, herbs and even fruits in small spaces. It doesn’t matter if you have limited space, just growing a few plants in large pots and ensuring they are kept watered and get sufficient warmth and sunlight will produce a great crop.

As much as it is easier to just go and buy what is needed from the local supermarket in the long term it’s not healthier for you to rely on the convenience factor.

A recent article published on www.naturalnews.com entitled “Battle for humanity nearly lost: global food supply deliberately engineered to end life, not nourish it” depicts a very bleak picture. One paragraph reads:

“GM (genetically modified) corn is engineered to grow a deadly toxin inside each and every grain of corn. This deadly toxin is then consumed by all the people who unknowingly eat genetically engineered crops via breakfast cereals, corn tortillas, corn snack chips, etc. This mass poisoning of the population is clearly intentional, as it is deliberately engineered into the crops which are grown for the sole purpose of human and animal consumption. This mass poisoning is not accidental, in other words, and in fact the technology is promoted under the justification that it will “feed the world”. Indeed it will feed the world…poison.”

It’s not just GMOs that pose a grave danger to the health of humans and animals. It’s also the heavy metal contamination found in many processed products; as well as bleach and other chemicals used in the processing of foods.

What can you do?

Avoid purchasing processed foods. This means no more pre-packaged meals, sauces, curries, etc.
Avoid all processed meats as they contain sodium nitrite (carcinogenic). This means eliminating bacon, sausage, ham, deli meats, hot dogs, pepperoni pizza and even beef jerky. (When you purchase biodynamic meat you can make your own beef jerky, and this avoids the addition of chemical additives.)
Grow your own food – or as much as is possible. Just make sure you use organic seeds or purchase organic seedlings!
Purchase chemical free produce from local farmers.
Purchase from a CSA in the States. Here in Australia purchase from Aussie Farmers Direct (at www.aussiefarmers.com.au)
Avoid all sodas, fruit juices and anything containing artificial sweeteners. Aspartame is an added ingredient in many ‘diet’ drinks. It’s toxic to the human biology and it’s a well-documented fact that all artificial sweeteners have harmful side effects if consumed regularly.
Be sceptical of products that contain the label “Natural” and are processed or refined in some way.
Check for countries of origin as some countries (China especially) have been found to produce foods with heavy metal contamination.

Change Food Preparation

Our taste buds have become accustomed to refined, processed foods that contain additives, artificial sweeteners and flavors. When working with clients I’ve found that it’s not easy for people to change their eating habits, especially as so many foods that are heavily chemicalized contain ingredients that are addictive.

My recommendation is to always make one change at a time. If you can’t do without pizza regularly then learn to make your own. Find ways to use organic vegetables creatively, add spices and herbs, and come up with your own variations on the popular pizzas. This may mean making your own dough and tomato sauce, picking fresh herbs and vegetables, etc.

This may take longer but it also helps you fully connect with the food you are about to consume. It creates a ‘bond’ and a feeling of being creative! And, best of all there’s the satisfaction of knowing you made the meal you’re eating – that is enormously exciting.

Buy lots of vegetables and fruits each week and then figure out what you’re going to create with them. It’s exciting to purchase unfamiliar vegetables and to learn what to do with them – it certainly breaks the monotony of eating the same foods every week that require little or no preparation.

Make your own curries, sauces, dressings, etc. from scratch using organic ingredients and use them within a few days. Organic food doesn’t last for weeks, it begins to rot if left too long

Experiment with new foods. Try fermented foods such as kim chi or sauerkraut and see if it makes a difference to your digestion. Add lots of greens – whether it be in salads, green smoothies or wheatgrass shots.

As you make changes you’ll find that your body changes. Become aware of what your body ‘likes’ and ‘needs’. Stop eating foods that cause tiredness, lethargy, headaches and digestive disorders.

Organic Bodies Need Organic Foods

The human body is an amazing organism. It is alive and needs a lot of fuel to keep it being healthy and strong. It’s a myth that as we age we can expect ill health and deteriorating functioning. In reality we have the potential and ability to live to more than 120 years. But we can only do so if we treat our treasured body with respect and ensure that it only ever gets the very best quality food and water.

The greatest threat to our health unfortunately comes from the manufacturers of mass produced processed and refined foods.

David Suzuki, geneticist, is reported as saying:

“Any politician or scientist who tells you these (GMO) products are safe is either very stupid or lying.”

By avoiding the foods that are refined, processed and containing toxic chemicals you’re supporting your body back into health and balance. By avoiding these foods you’re also sending a strong message to the companies that believe it’s okay to contaminate our food supplies.

It’s not okay for us to eat food that’s not real food but a chemical imitation.

I suggest – if you’d like to become more proactive – then become a member of the Slow Food movement (www.slowfood.org). It’s an international movement dedicated to the growing, production and eating of foods in the traditional ways.

Living in a Toxic World

Posted on December 17, 2013December 17, 2013 by admin

There is no doubt that we owe Monsanto a huge expression of gratitude. Thanks to their bio-engineering genius we are now faced with a global toxic contamination of our food supply. (Do I sound facetious?) From recent reports I’ve read the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) developed by Monsanto are now finding their way into the natural environment.

Globally we are facing a major disaster as the toxins from GMOs permeate all levels of the food chain. Yet, thanks to Monsanto’s bio-engineering feats more people worldwide are waking up to the dangers that toxic chemicals create in our environment and bodies. In fact, Monsanto’s actions are resulting in a huge ‘wake up’ call for humanity.

This wake up call is long overdue. Globally we are facing food shortages not experienced before. It’s already happening, it’s not something that we can ignore or hope that someone else will take responsibility for. The solution needed to turn around the current state of toxicity in our environment and food chain requires action from every person living on the planet.

If you think that I’m being exaggerating the situation then I urge you do some serious research and you’ll soon begin to become concerned and hopefully take action to reverse the current trends.

For example, currently food shortages worldwide have resulted in price increases for staple foods of 35-40% worldwide; chemically engineered crops are not meeting demand and in many instances are not surviving due to erratic weather patterns. Initially when the concept of mono-cropping was introduced in the 1950s and 60s we were promised larger crop yields. The exact opposite has happened as GMO plants are creating soils depleted in essential minerals and trace elements that are essential for the human body’s functioning and wellbeing.

GMOs are only one source of toxicity affecting the planet and its inhabitants. A trip to the local supermarket is remarkably revealing. Just about every product – whether food, household or personal care – contains toxic chemicals. Read the labels carefully and you’ll soon see what I mean. Jack LeLane, fitness guru who lived into his mid-nineties is quoted as saying, “If it’s man made don’t eat it.” Obviously he was referring to the refined and processed foods that are stocked on supermarket shelves in vast quantities.

These links below will give you more of a sense just what is happening to our bodies as a result of continuous and ongoing exposure to toxic chemicals. There is no shortage of information on chemical toxins on the internet, though you may not find much, if any, reference to this danger to our health in the mainstream media.

http://www.thegabrielmethod.com/how-toxic-am-i

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=554846944569676&set=a.439163289471376.103049.439160722804966&type=1&theater

http://www.brasschecktv.com/videos/spin-1/fighting-food-fascism.html

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/11/25/geneticist-david-suzuki-says-humans-are-part-of-a-massive-genetic-experiment/

The Human Energy Field

As an energy practitioner I rapidly became aware of the subtle bodies and their vital role in maintaining wellness and good health. Most people look to the physical body as the indicator of health, but in fact it’s in the subtle bodies where wellness or illness first begin. As this is such a complex topic I’m going to narrow my focus on toxic chemicals and their deleterious impact on the human energy field.

Most people acknowledge that we all have an aura – I much prefer the term ‘human energy field, but both terms are equally valid. There are many layers to this subtle energy emanation that extends beyond the physical body. Everything that happens in life impacts the energy field. This includes our thoughts, emotions and actions as well as our interactions with the environment and other people.

In my early days as a student of the human energy field I became aware of its extreme sensitivity to its surroundings. I learned about the many things that damage the energy field. When there is damage to the energy field it begins on the outer edges and over time as more damage occurs it goes deeper and deeper into the energy field until such time it reaches the physical body. It’s been widely acknowledged by many practitioners (and also doctors) that cancer develops long before it manifests in the human body. In fact, it may take 8 to 11 years before showing up physically.

Ultimately all the damage done to the energy field is caused by toxins – whether they be toxic thoughts and emotions or chemical toxins. Chemical toxins are already implicated as a possible contributor to breast cancer. It is our daily inhalation and ingestion of chemical toxins that weaken and damage the human energy field that eventually results in the possibility of chronic and even life threatening illness conditions.

Each day we are exposed to up to 80,000 toxic chemicals. The FDA in the States has not tested for the safety on humans for most of these chemicals. We live in a veritable sea of toxins that will have some long term damaging effect on health and wellbeing.

Reducing Effects of Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

It is only by taking a proactive approach that we minimize the damaging impact of these toxic chemicals. Some of the suggestions below may be self-evident but nevertheless it’s up to individuals to ensure that changes in lifestyle are adopted and maintained as exposure to toxic chemicals is an ongoing process – unfortunately!

Eat organic foods as much as possible. If unable to afford the additional cost then at least ensure that the ‘Dirty Dozen’ (listed in my last blog “Why Organic is Best”) fruits and vegetables are organic. The Dirty Dozen are sprayed with high amounts of pesticides and herbicides.
Read all labels carefully. Where ingredients are unpronounceable then don’t buy!
Familiarize yourself with personal care and household products that contain dangerous and toxic chemicals, and avoid them. Take time to look for products that are more natural and organic, containing plant based ingredients.
Make meals from scratch using natural and organic ingredients as much as possible.
Avoid fast foods! There are healthier alternatives.
Eat a lot of vegetables and some fruit daily. In fact, limit intake of meat products. Modern animal husbandry involves dipping animals in toxic chemicals at some stage and these chemicals then permeate into the meat that is sold to consumers.
Undertake intermittent fasting. This means not eating for 12+ hours from time to time (preferably at least once a week) as this supports the body in its ability to assimilate and metabolize, and it also gives the liver a break from its workload.
Drink green juices such as wheatgrass regularly. I begin each day with fresh organic juice containing lots of greens as they assist in purifying the blood.
Take spirulina and chlorella supplements. These have been found to support the body in the removal of toxic heavy metals. Organic cilantro/coriander is also a powerful food for the elimination of toxic chemicals.
Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Many of the processed foods sold commercially have been bleached to ensure ‘whiteness’ and cleanliness of the product. For example, while flour itself is not necessarily overly toxic to the human body the fact that it undergoes whitening with bleach means that toxins are then ingested. Dioxin is highly toxic to the human body and is a component of many bleach products.
If you are female then use natural unbleached feminine products sold in health food stores. Commercial feminine products sold in supermarkets and chemists have been bleached with dioxin, which actually results in increased bleeding.
Spend time outdoors daily. This assists in the removal of toxic electromagnetic frequencies that build up in the body due to constant exposure to wi-fi technology.
Ensure your home is well ventilated. Most household products, from carpet to furnishings contain formaldehyde and other toxic ingredients.
Use therapeutic grade essential oils as room fresheners. Avoid the chemically laden room fresheners that line the supermarket shelves.
Use natural therapies for supporting and maintaining wellness. I use therapeutic grade essential oils but also love homeopathic essences, herbal tonics as well as eating healing foods.

These are only some suggestions for avoiding and eliminating toxic chemicals. Having awareness of the dangerous impact of toxic chemicals on the human energy field, and eventually the physical body, is only the first step. Becoming better informed and then making safer choices goes a long way to maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle.