Eat Well: Choosing Organic for a Healthier You

The saying is true, we are what we eat. Now more than ever we need to be aware of not only what we are eat, but how it is made and ultimately how it effects our health and well-being. Instead of your cup of coffee (or whatever beverage you partake in when you wake up), would you be willing to drink a cup of fertilizer or growth hormones? I bet you say no, but we ingest them everyday in the foods we eat. Most crops in the United States today are grown with any combination of chemicals including pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides. The residue from these chemicals are found on the fruits and vegetables we eat. In conventional raising of farm animals hormones are used to promote faster growth and antibiotics are used to ward of infections due to the conditions they are raised in. Americans are feeding themselves harmful toxins everyday which is increasing their chances of cancer, diabetes and compromised immune system.

The only way to ensure what we eat is not contributing to ill health, is by switching to items grown organically. Organic farmers ban the use of chemicals, antibiotics and hormones in the growth of their fruits and vegetables, and in the raising of their farm animals.

To switch everything you eat to organic is one of the best ways to ensure what you are eating is the best for you. However, it can be a very expensive venture. An easier and cost effective way to add organic is over time. Replace 1-2 items per month on your grocery list to organic. Shop-n-Save, Schnucks and Dierbergs all offer a selection of organic foods. The Land of Goshen Farmers Market in Edwardsville, which opens May 7th, features many local farmers who sell organic meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables at a very reasonable price. Better yet, grow your own garden!

Some items that are easy to replace and are available at local grocery stores and farms include:
Fruits: Apples, Bananas, Oranges and Grapes
Vegetables: Cucumbers, Celery, Carrots and Green Peppers

Lettuce (Earth Bound Organic Hearts of Romaine)
Eggs

When it comes to meat and chicken, look for items that say range free or grass fed. Animals

raised in these environments are free to be in the fresh air and find natural sources for their
food, like grass for cows, instead of corn. Also, the animal could not be given any antibiotics,
bovine human growth hormones or drugs.

Please let us know how you eat healthier with organic. The more we know, the more we can educate our patients for a healthier life!