We’re much smarter about the food industry now than 15 years ago. Before eye-opening exposés like Super-Size Me and Food Inc…before we knew that perfectly sweet strawberries year-round came with a price tag more than $2.99 per box, diseases like cancer were spurts of bad luck—not something that can happen because of toxic water or produce.
Now that we have the tools to live longer, higher-quality lives, it is simply foolish not to if you have the means for it. My family and I have taken these three steps to stay as healthy as possible:
1. Avoid highly acidic foods- Recent studies have shown that because the body is naturally alkaline (meaning it has a pH level higher than 7), acidic foods often disrupt the body’s natural chemistry and can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and even cancer. An alkaline diet consists of soy, tofu, fruits, and veggies while avoiding processed foods, grains, and meats. While these restrictions may seem difficult, there are plenty of recipes for alkaline water dishes online to help you get started. In addition to providing extraordinary health benefits, the lifestyle is loved by celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kirsten Dunst, Chris Hemsworth, Reggie Bush, and more.
2. Buy organic, not “natural”- Unfortunately, food companies exploit the word “natural” as a marketing tool. The world rarely indicates foods that have not been processed or treated with chemicals. The definition of “natural” is determined by individual companies, and these foods often still include GMOs, the growth hormone, and more. However, the term “organic” is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration to protect consumers from potentially harmful production practices. If you’re really looking for non-processed, truly natural foods, buy organic. This is even more important when purchasing meat; organic livestock is fed and cared for properly during their lifetime. Non-organic livestock is raised in close-courters and unhygienic conditions that put consumers at further risk of disease later.
For easier shopping, research your grocery store to find out what their health standards are. Whole Foods Market is the first nationally certified organic grocer in the United States; you can even see a list of the chemicals not permitted in the foods they carry on their website. The chain even offers a guide on how to shop if you are avoiding GMOs (see below to learn more). Think you have to spend a lot to eat organic? Not necessarily. Retailers like Costco and Wal-Mart also offer organic products, but consumers must pay close attention to labels when shopping.
3. Stay free of GMOs- Since the ‘90s, the majority of produce and meat has included genetically modified organisms, which allow foods to last longer, look nicer, and defy nature. While initially, these changes were seen as improvements in food production, genetically modified food has been linked to organ damage, infertility, as well as gastrointestinal and immune system disorders. Chronic illness throughout America increased from affecting 7% of the population to 13% in the first 9 years of its use. GMOs also require farmers to increase their use of herbicides, which are carcinogenic and cause birth defects in future generations. Think that the government would never let something that dangerous on the open market? They shouldn’t, but nevertheless, the regulation of GMOs is surprisingly lax; safety tests are not even required.
