Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/341630
Organic Living Given the choice, at least 2/3 of Americans would choose to eat organic food over conven onal foods. There's no doubt that the U.S. has seen a growth in the purchase of organic products. Even huge corpora ons like Wal- Mart are going to be offering more of an organic selec on. But, what does organic really mean? Are we doing be er if we choose to purchase organic foods that s ll have to travel across the country to get to us? The more educa on we have about organic foods and products, the more likely we are to purchase these products. In a health poll done by Reuters in 2011, we said we choose organic to support local farms, avoid toxins in our food, because it is environmentally friendly, and we think it tastes be er. But, we realize that choosing organic today, means something much different than it did years ago. Labeling laws have made it more complicated than ever to know if we are spending our hard earned dollars on something that is truly going to make a difference in our health. It can be very in mida ng to think about changing our en re diet (and even more in mida ng if you have a family!) to organic. Start with baby steps. I encourage you to keep Environmental Working Group's yearly "The Dirty Dozen" list on your refrigerator to remind yourself of the top 12 foods to avoid to reduce your family's exposure to pes cides by up to 80%! This is a huge number! To sum it up, choose to purchase organic foods that have a so skin, like berries, apples, peaches, bell peppers, and green leafy le uces. Purchasing these foods locally, not only adds the freshness factor, but also decreases the carbon footprint le on shipping foods across the country. Plus, growing up on a family farm myself, I can say that it is always appreciated when communi es support local farmers! There are dozens of local farmers markets that supply organic produce, raw honey, chemical free meat products, and even household products. But, don't assume, always ask about the products you are purchasing. You can also avoid exposure to hormones, an bio cs, and chemicals by purchasing grass-fed and grass-finished beef, free- range organic poultry and eggs, and don't forget coffee and tea! Choosing an organic lifestyle doesn't end with organic foods. In fact, it's only the beginning. I know this first-hand, as I struggled to regain my health a er suffering with high levels of toxicity that lead to migraine headaches, extreme fa gue and diges ve problems, and weight gain. The EPA (Environmental Protec on Agency) es mates that our indoor environment is 7-10x more toxic than our outdoor environment. Toxins and chemicals found in household cleaning products, personal care products, flame retardants found in new carpet, ma resses, and clothing, non-s ck cookware, unfiltered air and water, can be a common cause of dozens of ailments that we and are children suffer from. Allergies, asthma, fa gue, headaches, weight gain, diges ve problems, and reproduc ve problems are just a few of the symptoms that I have seen linked to toxic exposure. Start by making the switch. There are so many op ons when choosing non- toxic products. I have tried so many and know which ones work and won't break your budget! If you've been thinking about organic living, but have been overwhelmed or fearful you will have to give up everything you love, you're not alone. I enjoy helping people find their path to health and happiness. To learn more about my detox and weight loss system visit www. fit4lifeformula.com. To call and schedule a visit at my office, Blast Fitness and Wellness Center, 6902 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, Fl 33626, call 813-475-6472. 6902 West Linebaugh Ave Tampa Fl 33626 w: www.drdelraedetox.com e: delrae@drdelraedetox.com p: 813-475-6472 By Dr. DelRae Messer, D.C. Abby's Magazine - July / August 2014 | Page 31