Organic is essential says Dr. Daniel Knowles. To maximize wellness we must reduce pesticide exposure in our diet. Just like our bodies immune system functioning better without the interference of medications. Fruits and veggies develop stronger without pesticides. For example a new study in Food Chemistry found that organic strawberries have more disease fighting antioxidants than conventionally grown ones have. Why? without pesticides, berries must fend for themselves naturally, which in turn boosts their antioxidant capacity. Added bonus, if you store berries in your fridge their antioxidant ability boosts even more.

The Fruit Aisle

At the same time buying organic has a price tag so people often ask which foods are the most toxic or the most important to buy organic. A very useful rule of thumb is to buy the foods that don’t have a naturally coating from the organic section. for example strawberries and lettuce do not have a natural protection from pesticides, they absorb them directly. while bananas have a shield so to speak.

Don’t let the fear of pesticides reduce your consumption of fruits and vegetables. Consuming 6-9 servings of fruits and veggies a day is one of your most important wellness strategies.  During winter months importing of fruits and veggies increases and account for a larger share of the perishable produce in your grocery store.  This becomes even more important then.

Below is a reference list for the fruits and vegetables that you want to buy organic as often as possible.

The fruits that are at greatest risk for toxicity are: cranberries, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, pears, apples, grapes, cherries and cantaloupes.

The vegetables that pose the greatest pesticide risk are: green beans, sweet bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, potatoes, tomatoes peas, broccoli, carrots and lettuce.

Choose wisely at the grocery store , your health depends on it. A small investment now will pay off big dividends in the future.

Our disease care system is based on a pain relief mindset.  This focus has led to our nations health care crisis.  Where we spend astronomically on health care and have more doctors that anywhere else in the world and still are ranked 2nd to last for overall health by the world health organization.  The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to be in that box.  You can make healthier choices.

There are healthy food choices that are safer than pain relievers.  Over 50 million Americans struggle with chronic pain which adds up to 25 million doctor visits per year for low back pain alone.  The result is that we have a country that relies on non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for pain relief.  Unfortunately, the side effects are dangerous.  There are many dietary choices that can help with reducing pain.  Frequently, this is because many foods can assist to reduce generalized inflammation.

For example, Americans tend to heat a diet very high in Omega 6 fatty acids.  Excess Omega 6 fatty acids, found in fast food, potato chips, and other omega 6 oiled foods,  overtime become incorporated in human joints and add up to consuming buckets full of pain. Omega 3 Fatty acids, found mainly in fish and flax have been shown to reduce inflammation and levels of pain.

Additionally, fruit and vegetable intake at the quantity consumed by many vegetarian provides a level of dietary salicylates that appear to be equivalent to 75 mg of aspirin.  Urging your family to consume more fruits, vegetables, nuts, omega 3 seeds, and lean animal protein will help to reduce inflammation.

Dietary changes are central to improving body chemistry that is anti inflammatory/analgesic.  Supplemental magnesium, vitamin d, white willow bark are all helpful.