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 16th) 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.