Organic Fertility

Organic food is important, especially if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy in the near future. So many pesticides and chemicals are added to the soil and to our food that it is causing tragic deterioration to our environment and our bodies. “The growing consensus among scientists is that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during pregnancy and early childhood.” www.foodnews.org

However, organic food can be expensive and people ask me often if it is worth the money. In Canada, regulation is coming. Standards are being set and are expected to be implemented on June 30th, 2009. This will include a Canada Organic logo. It will require all Canadian organic growers to follow regulations and all imports to meet our standards for organic food. Keep an eye out for the logo, but in the meantime organic food that is certified organic in the U.S.A or Europe can be trusted. Also keep in mind that despite the price tag, growing organic food is not an easy money maker; it involves more time and work than conventional farming. Support small local organic farms until regulation is in place. These farmers are into organic because they believe it is good for you and the planet.

I do believe that there is a time to not buy organic and this is when you can buy local. “It’s best to buy locally grown organic food. But given the choice between imported organic & local product, buying local is better” www.davidsuzuki.org . This is a quote that we need to keep in mind when at the grocery store. Organic food that comes from California or even from British Columbia to Ontario or vice versa is shipped by truck and this is not good for the environment. In a City of Waterloo Study, 58 commonly eaten – imported - foods in Waterloo stores were reviewed. All of the studied food items could be grown or raised in Waterloo Region, but had travelled an average of 4,497 km to Waterloo Region. This accounted for 51,709 tonnes of Greenhouse Gas emissions (annually). Replacing all the studied food with Ontario grown would Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions by 49,485 tonnes (annually); which is the equivalent to taking 16,191 cars off our roads every year. Local food is fresher, which equals healthier, it supports the local economy and it reduces environmental impacts by reducing the transportation required.

When you choose organics for your family, keep this in mind

Meat – animal products contain fat which hold onto artificial hormones and antibiotics. When you ingest these foods you are also ingesting these additives. The resistance to antibiotics in the human population is being attributed to the high amount of antibiotics in our bodies from the meat we eat.

Dairy – Cows are injected with great amounts of estrogen to help them produce more milk. The early onset of puberty for girls and the high levels of infertility among couples are being attributed to estrogen dominance in our society. Drinking organic milk and eating organic yogurt and cheese is very important.

In regards to fresh Fruit and Vegetables; Food News from the Environmental Working Group has an ongoing list of food to buy organic because of their high levels of pesticides. On their ‘Dirty Dozen’ list you will see: peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, grapes (imported) and carrots. They also have a list of The Clean Fifteen – fifteen foods that have low pesticide residue. Check it out at http://www.foodnews.org/

Remember that eating organic has many benefits. Clean water, soil & enhanced biodiversity keeps our environment healthy. Better health & ethical treatment is important for animals. For us, organic food offers healthy food choices, high levels of vitamins & minerals, no additional hormones as well as reduced exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and solvents. So is it worth it? If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, I think it is.

Always wash your fruit and vegetables; even the organic ones. Add 2 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar to 4 Cups of water. Soak your fruit and vegetables for 5 minutes and then scrub with a natural bristle brush. Dry and refrigerate.