To learn more, explore these sites:
Center for Food Safety, Cornucopia, FAN, GMO Science, Masters of Health Magazine, Moms Across America, Navdanya International, Neighborhood Food Network, Nourishing Basics, Organic Consumers Association, Regeneration International, The Regenerators, and MAHA Action
EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce | Summary
HIGHLY PROCESSED TRICKS
Phosphates, also called phosphorus, are additives customarily used in processed meats, processed cheeses, and various types of soda to extend shelf life and intensify flavors. They also appear at high levels in fast foods. These additives have been linked to high blood pressure and heart disease and are particularly dangerous for kidney patients. Learn more at: Natural Health 365.
Meat glue/transglutaminase is another disgusting trick used to dupe consumers. Watch how this is done. When you buy meat (beef, lamb, and poultry), ALWAYS buy forequarters or rumps of beef/lamb; whole chickens and turkeys; or whole pieces of chicken/turkey (legs/thighs/breasts) WITH the bone and skin on them. When buying fish, choose the whole fish or fresh unprocessed fillets. AVOID frequent specials or frozen packages of boneless, skinless chicken/turkey; prime cuts of processed meat; fish cakes; and similar meals at fast food outlets.
Transglutaminase is used not only in meat, poultry, and fish, but also in dairy products, pasta, and bread. In the dairy industry, it is used to thicken yogurt and cheese at less cost. According to a study published by the Entrepreneur blog, “Meat glue can also help cut ingredient costs by reducing the amount of protein required to create a desirable texture, firmness, and stability of yogurt.” In other words, meat glue allows the manufacturer to economize at the consumer’s expense. Choose yoghurt brands from reliable smaller, organic dairies. To learn more, go to the Green Prophet.
Carrageenan is another food additive that contains poligeenan, a known carcinogen. Food-grade carrageenan has been linked to inflammation, cancer, and diabetes. For more details, go to Cornucopia.
'Light' is another word so commonly used that it has become meaningless. Don’t be duped into thinking that 'light' means healthy, low-calorie, or low-sodium. Products labelled 'light' usually contain large amounts of refined sugar.
Bromine, fluorine, and chlorine, found in many food products, are toxic endocrine disruptors that should also be AVOIDED. These halogens are particularly damaging to the thyroid gland because they block the absorption and production of iodine. Read Iodine Research by Dr. David Brownstein, MD. Halogens are also central nervous system depressants and can trigger a number of psychological symptoms such as acute paranoia and other psychotic symptoms.
Bromide/bromine can be found in several forms. Methyl bromide is a pesticide commonly used on produce such as strawberries in California. Methyl bromide and dibromide are used extensively in horticulture and in post-harvest treatment.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) is added to citrus drinks to help suspend the flavoring in the liquid. Potassium Bromate is a dough conditioner used in commercial bakery products (bread, pizza dough, etc.) and some flours. It is also used in some toothpastes and mouthwashes, where it is added as an antiseptic and astringent.
Even drinking water can be a source of bromide. When drinking water containing bromide is exposed to ozone, bromate ions are formed, which are powerful oxidizing agents. Such was the case in 2004 when Coca-Cola had to recall Dasani bottled water.
Bromide and fluoride are significant factors in the high increase of thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism, and mental illness!
And then there are over 800 pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides) that are linked to risk for Parkinson’s disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, kidney diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, shingles (herpes zoster), breast, ovarian, prostate cancers, gender disruption, and autoimmune diseases, among other health issues. Evidence suggests that children are particularly susceptible to adverse effects from exposure to pesticides, including neurodevelopmental effects. They include glyphosate, atrazine, paraquat, and PFAS, to name a few.
WHAT TO AVOID, DO & USE
. Wash all produce thoroughly, and buy organic whenever possible from companies that do not use fluoridated water or spray their crops (e.g., grapes) with cryolite (sodium aluminum fluoride).
. USE glass or safe ceramic instead of plastic containers.
. AVOID baked goods and pasta containing bromide; produce sprayed with bromide and fluoride pesticides; unfermented soy; fluoridated water; toothpaste, mouthwashes, and medications containing fluoride and bromide, such as antidepressant drugs, Atrovent Inhaler, Atrovent Nasal spray, Probanthine (for ulcers, and anesthesia agents)
. AVOID personal care products containing benzalkonium, such as hair dyes, textile dyes, and various cosmetics
. Choose personal and home care products that are as chemical-free as possible
. Air your home and car out well each day with fresh air
. AVOID plastic furniture and contact with fabrics, carpets, upholstery, mattresses, treated with fire retardants
. USE natural fibers and textiles (e.g., bamboo, cotton, silk, wool, hemp, wood)
. AVOID exposing your children to plastics
. USE glass or Pyrex
. AVOID food sprayed with pesticides such as cryolite and glyphosate (RoundUp)
LEARN more at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
READ
Chemical Free Kids by Dr. Sarah Lantz, PhD:
Dr. Sarah Lantz/Chemical Free Kids - Part 1 /Organic Expo & Green show International, Aug. 2011
What’s Making Our Children Sick, by Dr. Michelle Perro, MD, DHom
Making Our Children Well, by Dr. Michelle Perro, MD, DHom
Toxic Legacy, by Stephanie Seneff, PhD
NourishingBasics.com, by Lady Carla Davis, MPH
The Holistic Child Health Newsletter, by Dr. Lawrence B. Palevsky, MD
Dr. Ian Brighthope, MD, PhD, Dr. Geoff Pain, PhD
BE INFORMED
As if this wasn’t challenging enough, various powerful corporations are currently pressuring the USDA to lower organic standards, so that they can further increase their profits. Hence, be vigilant, speak up, and help support wonderful organizations like the Children’s Health Defense, Cornucopia, Door To Freedom, FAN, GEP, GMO Science, ICAN, MAHA Action, Moms Across America, Neighborhood Food Network, Nourishing Basics, Organic Consumers Association, Regeneration International, and South Seas University.
When buying food, choose a variety of fresh, minimally processed, wholesome, colorful, regenerative organic (whenever possible) foods according to your blood type. Ensure that all foods and products are free of GMOs and the harmful added substances mentioned above.