Moderation? Really, Everything?

A friend of mine was just reminiscing about his grandfather and how he always used to say (and live by) the adage “everything in moderation”. That saying has been around a long time and may have held true in his grandfather’s day. But, while I think it’s safe to say that “moderation” is still generally a good idea, I think we really need to rethink the “everything” part. When he told me about his grandfather and how much he admired him and thought his words wise I couldn’t help thinking, “Really...everything?” I used my inside-the-head voice to test it out. How about if we replace the word “everything” with words like “glyphosate”, “MSG”, “potassium bromate”, “sodium nitrate” or “chlorine dioxide”? I really don’t believe that a little glyphosate (aka Round Up) or chlorine dioxide in moderation would ever be a good idea!

This is why I eat organic vs. conventional (not organically grown) fruits and vegetables whenever possible, even when it so often costs more. The difference has to do with how farmers grow these crops and what substances they can and cannot use to do it. In order for food to be certified USDA Organic it has to be both grown and processed according to guidelines that say no to the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, irradiation, hormones, sewage sludge, antibiotics, hormones and genetic engineering (GMO foods). Yes. these things really are in some of the foods we eat.

Nonorganic foods don’t have to follow the guidelines that regulate the use of any of these things. Even when we’re careful about washing them off, the conventionally grown fruits and vegetables we eat end up dumping a lot of unwanted toxins into the body. Some produce doesn’t  require as much interference as others and are on the Environmental Working Group’s list of “Clean 15” foods (cauliflower and avocados as an example) that are safe to eat when grown conventionally. On the flip side of that is the “Dirty Dozen” list that you absolutely should not eat any of unless organically grown.

Imagine what you’re asking your body to do if you are eating these foods every day? Your body will bravely continue to fight the good fight to get rid of all the toxins. But over time these substances inevitably build up to the point where they cause uncomfortable symptoms and, eventually, disease.

I don’t know about you, but synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, irradiation, hormones, sewage sludge, antibiotics, hormones and genetic engineering don’t sound all that delicious to me. I’ll continue to put my money where my mouth is, because I’m worth it, and so are you!!