Lose weight by eating more organic foods

Did you know It has been estimated that up to 2.5 million tonnes of active pesticide ingredients are used annually, mainly in agriculture ? This is a huge problem not only for the environment but also our health. Many pesticides degrade slowly in the environment (their degradation can take many decade) and therefore they accumulate in soil, water and living organisms such as animal and humans.  

This is of major concern, as further to their environmental toxicological effects, many pesticides are known carcinogens, affect the proper functioning of the immune system and can alter endocrine and reproductive system even at very low dosage. Further they can impact your gut bacteria and digestion, liver function, kidney function, lung and brain function just to mention a few. Depending on your genetics, nutrient status and overall health some of these toxins can more readily built up in your body leading to excess weight gain, belly fat, inflammation, cancer, Alzheimer's and much more. They often built up in your fat cells and liver and this could be one of the drivers for getting fat and feeling rubbish. When the body is toxic, it wont respond in the same way as you may be used to and you will struggle to lose weight without the right strategy... And please avoid eating less and exercising more as this will only make things worse.

Further studies have shown that these harsh chemicals strip nutrients from the soil leading to less nutrient dense foods. This means the fruit and vege you are eating don't contain as many vitamins and mineral as they once did. 

Nutrient density is key for optimal health, energy generation and a healthy weight. Here in Australia we need to be extra mindful as the soils are already low in Iodine, Selenium, Zinc and Magnesium (nutrients needed by your thyroid to maintains a fast metabolism)… and we simply cant afford to lose even more nutrients eating non organic, given than minerals are a lot harder to absorb than vitamins.

As such it makes good sense to change all your food products to organic particularly if these are animal based. Toxic load increases up the chain and animals we consume not only eat contaminated food and water, but are also given medications, antibiotics and various growth hormones. 

The reason why i say this is because in addition to the pesticides and chemicals you ingest through your food, there are also many others found in your water, air, personal and cleaning products, furniture, carpets, mattress and much more. So start small and keep an eye on my blog for upcoming tips on how to reduce your exposures to these nasties and improve your health. 

Jump online and find out who are your local organic markets if not already aware. There are many organic directories available pending your location. If you are new to organics please start with your meats, eggs and fish. Try to buy organic and avoid farmed fish as much as you can as fish are exposed to the same contaminated foods, medications and antibiotics as above. Look for wild caught options. 

If you have a large family or close neighbours, contact an organic butcher and consider buying in bulk which will reduce the price. 

Then move on to your fruit and vege. Please know that if a vege/fruit has thin skin you can't wash the chemicals out. Think of berries, tomatoes, celery, apples. As such pls buy thin skin and anything that grows underground organic. Vege and fruit like oranges, pumpkins, watermelons are ok if not organic as the skin is thicker. Just make sure you wash first before cutting into it. 

If you are not willing or can afford organic please consider using sodium bicarb in water to soak and clean you fresh produce with as this is shown to reduce the most amount of pesticides.

Hope this helps.

Yours in health,

Anca 

For more details please visit https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/organic-food