Did you know that pesticide exposure is the number one reason farmworkers get chemical related illnesses like cancer or silicosis? Or that because of their exposure to pesticides, the lifespan of a migrant farmworker in the U.S. has been reported to be as low as 49 years?

There is a mounting body of evidence linking glyphosate, the main ingredient in the pesticide, Roundup, to many types of cancers, including ovarian, breast, prostate, liver, brain and stomach cancers, as well as other conditions such as headaches, nausea and reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption.

Luckily, in the U.S., we have the USDA Organic label, which indicates that food has been grown and produced without sewer sludge, genetic engineering and most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers can not be used.

This is one way to easily reduce your toxin intake and therefore lower your risk of exposure to cancer/illness causing chemicals. Keep these tips in mind next time you head to the grocery store:

1. Use the Dirty Dozen list. We all know organic produce costs more than conventional. So, instead of buying all your produce organic, focus on the produce that usually has the highest toxin/chemical count. The Dirty Dozen list shows the top most contaminated fruits and veggies that should *only* be consumed when organic. You can find the full list on your own with a Google search, but the list toppers include strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, and apples.
2. Focus on organic animal products. Because factory-farmed animals are subject to pesticide-ridden foods, a slew of antibiotics and, often terrible cruelty, it’s always best to look for the Organic label when buying animal products.  Even better-  support animal welfare too! Look for these third-party-verified animal welfare labels that include: “Certified Humane”, “Animal Welfare Approved” and “Certified Grassfed” when shopping.
3. Commit to a few small changes. The process of going organic and reducing the toxins in your life is a process and most often takes time.  Start with one or a few items that you and your family consume the most, or pick the top 5 on the Dirty Dozen and switch to organic.

I believe the more we know the better we do.  If you commit to a couple small changes now and then add to your list as you go, you’ll find that you are slowly but surely making healthier changes for you, your family and the planet!  

As an Integrated Health Coach, my passion is helping people get connected, or integrated, to be healthier  – body, mind and spirit.   We are integrated beings and imbalance in our body, mind or spirit can lead to illness, self-sabotage and discontent.  Bringing ourselves into alignment through movement & diet, thoughts & beliefs, and connection to purpose and passion, can create greater wholeness and wellbeing.  I offer private one-on-one coaching as well as small group coaching.

Sources:

National Farm Worker Ministry

Environment Working Group (EWG)