* 9-22 Update on this post—Thanks to everyone for your great comments and input. Jane from PA was the winner of the give-away, but if you haven’t read the post yet, please do so. It’s full of compelling information.
Did you know?
• Almost 29 million pounds of antibiotics are sold for subtherapeutic use in agriculture each year (2009 estimate from the FDA). Animals are routinely given antibiotics to compensate for the unhealthy living conditions on factory farms. The overuse of antibiotics in our food supply is connected to the increase in antibiotic-resistant organisms. Unfortunately, that impacts the treatment of life-threatening diseases in humans. According to the State Environmental Resource Center, the USDA estimates that 70% of all food borne illness in the US can be traced to meat.
• In his book, Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies, Kenneth Bock, MD states that in the past 2 decades, autism has increased 1500%, ADHD 400%, asthma 300%, and allergies 400%.
• Recombinant bovine (cattle) growth hormone (rBGH / rBST) is a genetically engineered hormone approved by the FDA in 1993. The product, used to increase milk production in dairy cows, carries with it an elevated risk to the animal of mastitis (udder infections), digestive disorders, and a host of other negative health conditions. Treatment requires routine antibiotic injections. These hormones and drugs find their way into the milk supply. Canada, the European Union, Japan, Australia and New Zealand have banned the use of rBGH. We have not.
• Genetically engineered (modified) foods contain genetic material that has been artificially altered. These foods convey characteristics that weren’t previously found in our food supply, including the possibility of new allergens. Eighty percent of all processed foods in the US contain GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
• Epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to certain crop pesticides may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease by up to 75%. Exposure to multiple chemicals acting synergistically may increase the effect of each chemical.
• A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics found the prevalence of food allergies in children under the age of 18 to be 8%. Among children with food allergies, 38.7% had a history of severe reactions and 30.4% had multiple food allergies.
• Researchers at the University of Southampton found that hyperactivity and behavior problems increased in children who were exposed to artificial food colors and the preservative sodium benzoate. Check here for details.
• Through extensive research, Dr. Joseph Murray (Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and Celiac disease specialist), has found that Celiac disease is five times more common now than it was 50 years ago. He believes something has changed in our environment to trigger the increase. This isn’t about an increase in diagnosis, it is about the increase in occurrence. Check here for his explanation. There has also been an increase in non-Celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy.
• The wheat we eat today is very different from the wild version our ancestors first cultivated thousands of years ago. We now have over 25,000 genetic variations of wheat, many with high yield and high gluten properties. Gluten is a common ingredient in processed food, is difficult to digest and is of no biological value.
• On their website, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, states that the prevalence of asthma increased 75% from 1980 – 1994. Asthma rates in children under the age of five have increased more than 160% in that same time period. In 2007, 29% of children who had a food allergy also had asthma.
• In a 2008 press release, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced that the number of young people who had a food or digestive allergy had increased by 18% between 1997 and 2007. The CDC report determined that children with food allergies were up to four times more likely to have asthma.
I could go on (and on), but you get the idea. These are random facts that impact our health. I believe they’re all connected. What we eat today is vastly different from what our grandparents ate fifty or sixty years ago. The introduction of highly processed foods, the overuse of antibiotics, genetically engineered ingredients, additives and dyes, crops sprayed with pesticides, fast food on every corner, patented seeds, and compromised soil have all played a part in changing the quality of the food we eat and how our bodies react to that food.
Why does it matter?
A large part of the immune system is located in the gastrointestinal tract. When we eat foods that contain pesticides, additives, hormones, antibiotics, etc., it confuses the very system that is designed to keep us healthy. We end up with nutrient deficiencies, food intolerances/sensitivities, bacterial imbalances and an increased risk for all kinds of diseases and disorders.
Robyn O’Brien, founder of the AllergyKids website and author of The Unhealthy Truth, is on a mission to raise awareness regarding the proliferation of toxins in our food supply and how that relates to the rapid rise in serious health conditions. I’ve met Robyn on a couple of different occasions and had the pleasure of joining her and several other health bloggers for lunch recently. We’re all in this together and sharing reliable information about the toxic changes in our food supply is important. For more information about Robyn, check out her TED talk video. She has a fascinating story.
I don’t often do give-aways or events on my blog as I’m too scattered, busy, and unorganized to commit to them. But – I’m passionate about wholesome, nourishing food. I’m also a nutritionist and mom to four kids and I don’t like the thought that my family (or yours) is being exposed to dangerous substances without our knowledge. Several other writers who attended the lunch with Robyn are participating in this “awareness” event and giveaway as well. Please see the links below. I’ll be adding more as the posts are published.
Okay, no more ranting. If you made it this far, please leave a comment and I’ll pick one lucky reader to receive a copy of Robyn’s informative and eye-opening book (The Unhealthy Truth), a copy of the Stonyfield Organic Yogurt cookbook and 5 coupons each for Oikos organic Greek yogurt and YoBaby organic yogurt. To increase your karmic odds, but not your statistical odds, please share this post with your friends and join me on Facebook and/or Twitter. I add lots of good information on both social network sites that I don’t have time to post here on the blog. I’ll give it a couple of weeks and then I’ll have my 5 year old neighbor pick the winning number out of a hat. I have no desire to figure out how those random raffle picker programs work, so you’ll have to trust that my little neighbor and I will do this fairly.
Check the following posts for more information. It’s a blog hop!
Write Mind Open Heart (The Unhealthy Truth – with giveaway – and why I’m on alert for frankenfood)
Stapleton Moms (Just one thing to make your family healthier: no rBGH in your milk)
Mile High Mamas (I fed my family WHAT? Toxic secrets revealed in The Unhealthy Truth)
Lifenut (A food fight for our lives)
Evolving Mommy (The Unhealthy Truth)
Good luck!
Melissa
Tags: ADHD, Autism, Food additives, GMOs, Pesticides, Robyn O'Brien, The Unhealthy Truth
Thanks so much for the great work you are all doing to awaken even the most ignorant (even if otherwise allegedly educated). In finding myself downsized from my career at the end of 2006 I was left to rely on food pantries. I have since named them the designated dumping ground for processed foods and gluten. The public unfortunately insists on remaining clueless as to reason chronic illnesses like asthma and diabetes are on the rise. This one is a no-brainer.
Diana,
Great comment! I hope things are going better as far as the job market goes. You’re so right, those food pantries are dumping grounds for processed food. I guess that is the easiest to store and maintain, but it would be nice to have some fresh, healthy options.
Wishing you well!
This book sounds amazing! I’d love to read it!
Heather,
It’s a great book, definitely worth reading!
I would love to win a copy of this book. As a mom, I am also very concerned about what is happening with our food supply.
Lisa,
Being a mom makes it doubly important, doesn’t it? Yikes, to think our kids are eating this stuff without us knowing it is awful. The more we know, the better off our kids will be. Good luck in the book drawing.
Thanks for sharing all of this information, Melissa … as staggering and depressing as those numbers are. I’ve seen Robyn’s TED video, but not read her book yet. Don’t enter me in the giveaway, but thanks for this post! I totally agree with Diane’s comment about food pantries and food banks. If they would just focus on real food, we’d all be better off. Granted even “real food” has its issues today (as you’ve indicated), but it’s better than processed and gluten-full stuff.
xo,
Shirley
Shirley,
Yes, the TED video is good. Thanks for reminding me. I just added the link into the post. It’s worth watching. And I agree, we need more healthy options at food banks. Gosh, there’s so much to do! As always, I appreciate your wonderful contributions to all this!
xo
Excellent read. Thanks
Rose,
Thanks, I appreciate your comment. =)
[…] By: Shirley @ gfe […]
Thanks for the post and for the book giveaway. I would love to win the book, but if not, I plan on reading in the near future!
Melissa C.
Love your name. =)
You’re welcome! Maybe you’ll win the book(s). The Stonyfield Organic Yogurt Cookbook will also be included in the give-away. Robyn’s book is worth reading, even if you have to buy it through Amazon. It’s quite an eye-opener. Depressingly so.
Melissa R.
This book scared me when I first read it 2 years ago, but today’s junk food s not the same as what we ate. We’ve made slow changes, starting with milk. No rBGH, thank you!
Liz,
Yes, it’s scary for sure. But the more you know, the better. I often say I know way too much about the food industry and that makes for some emotional ups and downs when you really think about it. It also makes you focus on whole foods (organic), which is much healthier in the long run. And, that’s what we want — a long run!
Love these posts by so many great bloggers. This book is going to the top of my must read list.
Pix–Cheese Curds and Kimchi
Pix,
Thanks! The book is definitely a “must read.” Watch Robyn’s TED Talk video as well. It’s only about 20 minutes long and worth watching.
Great information, thanks for sharing it. Yes, food is definitely not the same as it was years ago. We need to tell food producers that we want good food to eat that is not filled with unhealthy ingredients, pesticides, or GMO products. If more people demand it and don’t buy the junk, food producers will listen.
Janis,
You are SO right (about several things). We get to make a statement every time we eat. Vote with your fork! And, yes, food is totally different than it was many years ago. Much of it is no longer “food.”
I would love to win a copy of this book. I’ve been thinking about switching to organic milk and this post has made the decision easy. I’m grocery shopping today and organic it is.
Barb,
Good for you. Organic is always better, but not always possible. Taking the step to switch to organic milk is a step in the right direction. And good luck with winning the book!
In the late 70’s I attended an early childhood conference where the main speaker was a Dr.Feinstein (?) from the UCSF medical school – he was an allergist and was suggesting a diet free of dyes and preservatives for hyperactive children – when challenged by a journalist – he said try it, if it works good, if not then don’t do the diet. There used to be a parent support group based on his diet, and some books. I’m not sure that I have his name correctly though. Part of the diet was also avoiding salicylates – which occur in aspirin and apples. Nice to see that he is finally being validated.
Marilyn,
Great story. Thanks for contributing to the conversation! Isn’t it interesting that someone would challenge the idea of simply eating food void of dyes and preservatives? But, they wouldn’t question prescribing a child drugs to deal with hyperactivity. It amazes me. Dr. David Katz promotes healthy food and lots of recess for kids with ADHD. “Recess not Ritalin” is the name of his program. Makes much more sense to me and it’s harmless.
Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive health picture with all those stats. Scary what we’re doing to ourselves! I consider myself mostly aware of what’s going on, but this completely slipped under my radar. Until now.
Lori,
Yes, it’s scary indeed! And, it’s easy for things to slip under your radar when you consider how dishonest food industry advertising is. How would you know about rBGH? Or, the impact of dyes and additives unless you did a lot of research. Sharing information like this via our blogs helps us be more aware of what’s in our food supply. Thanks for your comment!
Scared Straight! I have recently developed a sensitivity to gluten and bananas. Had a “cast-iron” stomach all my life, but now gluten and bananas make me horribly sick to my stomach.
I feel so much better since giving up gluten~ less headaches, muscle aches and fatigue.
I’m in my 40’s, so i am confident that my new food intolerances are a direct result of the way food producers are messing up our food supply.
Rarely had an upset stomach or was sick the first 39 years of my life.
Kari,
Scared straight is right! Bananas and gluten? Wow, bananas – that’s interesting. Gluten is such a common trigger for headaches, muscle aches and fatigue, as you describe. And, it’s in everything! If you avoid processed food and stick to organic whole foods, it’s not hard to be gluten-free. Plus, it’s so much more nourishing to eat “real” food. Hang in there. So glad you finally found out what was making you sick for all those years!
It’d be so nice to go back to the TRUE natural way-no hormones, additives, etc. I fear it’s too late, though. With what’s in the soil everything grown will probably have something in it that is bad for us. I look forward to reading the book.
Cathyliz,
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it. Oh, I hope it’s not too late, but I understand your fear. That’s why we need to learn as much as we can and spread the word about the dangers of additives, chemicals, hormones, etc. in our food supply.
Thanks for the info. Since being diagnosed with celiac, I have done a lot of reading. I have started buying organic milk for myself and grandkids. It’s scary what we are feeding our kids.
You’re welcome, Rita. Having celiac means you have to be extra careful with what you eat (along with totally eliminating gluten FOREVER). You’re so smart to read and learn about all this. Being informed is super important. And, yes, it’s scary. Plus, it’s confusing and the food industry is doing all it can to keep some of these facts hidden from consumers. The more we know, the more power we have to take control of our own health.
Great post, Melissa! Don’t enter me in the giveaway, but I’ll have to check out this book!
It’s a fascinating book, Alta. You’d really like it. Are you sure you don’t want to be in the give-away? You might win. =)
Great post! I love this book as well! It is what really got me interested in nutrition, food allergies, GMO, soy, etc… Thanks for the giveaway and the great info!
Thanks for your comment and thank you for sharing this post on Facebook. I really appreciate that! Yes, Robyn’s book was an eye-opener, to say the least. Glad you liked it and glad it sparked your interest in nutrition.
I thank you so much for the info! My daughter has had allergies and asthma I also have recently developed a gluten allergy I have always thought it was because of the food we eat but the more I have researched the more it confirms my theories!
Melinda,
You’re so welcome! My daughter had allergies and asthma her whole life. UNTIL, she was finally diagnosed with celiac disease. Once she went gluten free and gained her health back, her asthma completely disappeared. To think she was using an inhaler and nebulizer for 15 years or so when all we had to do was remove certain foods from her diet! UGH!
Wishing you and your daughter well!
Thanks Melissa, this was just the added insight I needed to continue with my detox. XXOO You are just the best!
Sonja,
Wow, thank you! I appreciate the love! I know what you mean – it’s easier to stick with healthy eating when you realize all the icky stuff that is in processed food. We all need an occasional detox. I’ll be doing my fall version soon! XOXO to you, too. =)
Thank you for the great information. I can’t wait to read the book. Its frustrating when you think you’re eating healthy but find out there are so many hidden poisons. I want to join the cause to make people aware that we are hurting ourselves with our food and we cannot count on the government to protect us.
Jean,
It is frustrating, isn’t it? Especially when you discover how dishonest so many of the people involved are (from politicians to food suppliers to marketers). You’re right, we have to protect ourselves by learning as much as we can, taking responsibility and choosing healthy foods. We can’t count on the government. Many of these ingredients are banned in other countries. It’s definitely eye-opening. Jump on board, Jean. We need as many people as possible on this healthy living bandwagon!
Bam, bam, BAM! You hit every point! Terrific post, well done! (as always 🙂 I learn so much from you Melissa. Thanks for all the work you put into these posts.
xoLexie
Alexa,
You do the same thing, my friend. I’m serious when I say we’re all in this together and I think moms are the linchpins in the food movement. We need to make this happen. We need to advocate for change and vote with the choices we make for our families. It’s SO important.
xo
Thanks for a great post. Most of your info echos what my husband and I have concluded ourselves after researching my own multiple food allergies and making the switch to organic food and dairy straight from the farm. I have a corn allergy, which makes processed food a non-option, as well as wheat, refined sugar and nightshades. We’re fortunate to have a local dairy farm that specializes in organic, grass fed, raw milk, cheese, eggs, and meat. I’m glad I’ve learned all this now – our future kids will get the benefit and hopefully not have to deal with all the chemicals in their food.
Christine,
Aside from the health benefits of what you’re doing with the organic food and dairy straight from the farm, can you believe the difference in the eggs, cheese and meat from sources like that?! There is no comparison. The eggs don’t even look like eggs you get at the mega super markets. The color is richer, the yolks stand up and the taste is so much better. I am SO grateful to be able to access farm fresh ingredients like that. So grateful. We’re blessed that we have those options.
You’re setting your future kids up for success!
Thanks for your comment. Good one!
Thanks for sharing! Would definitely like to read this!
Connie,
You’re welcome. Good luck on the give-away. You’ll find the book fascinating, whether you win it, check it out at the library or buy it!
Thank you so much for sharing this information. The statistics you gave are seriously frightening, yet, so helpful. I am new to the gluten free healthy eating. I have no clue what to eat yet, and feel like my options are so few. I am slowly learning from sites such as this. I have two children who struggle in school and so many of these “nasty” foods, could be the cause.
Thanks again for sharing,
Lisa
Lisa,
The gluten-free diet really isn’t hard once you get the hang of it. I’ve been doing it for a decade now and it’s amazing how different I feel eliminating it from my life. Just focus on whole foods. Real food doesn’t require a label. =) Whole veggies and fruits, high-quality animal products, gluten-free grains, etc. Good luck with this. I know it’s hard to make changes and adjust, but take it one day at a time and seek help if you can. Join a gluten-free support group. The national Celiac Sprue Association and the Gluten Intolerance Group have great resources available.
Take care!
Would definitely like to learn more. Thanks, Tina
Tina,
Great! And thanks for commenting.
Thanks for sharing this information. My 8 year old has asthma and allergies and I am always looking for more information to keep her healthy!
Connie,
My daughter’s asthma slowly disappeared once she was diagnosed with celiac disease and made the change to living gluten-free. It is amazing how certain foods can impact the immune system. And, how additives and dyes can impact health.
I have watched a video clip of Robyn and found it so interesting. It really helped me to start to change the way my family eats. I would love to read her book!
Jill,
The book is definitely worth reading! Check out the TED Talk video as well. Good stuff!
Thanks!
Thanks so much for your work and educating people about our food supply. I’ve become so much more aware and concerned about our food after being diagnosed with breast cancer this year. It makes you think about things twice. Also my husband has celiac disease which makes cooking a real challenge!
Sally,
Thank you SO much for your heartfelt comments. I hope you’re doing well. Have you check out Kris Carr’s website? She’s a “wellness warrior” with a great community of people who are healing and thriving after a cancer diagnosis. Many of her over-the-top healthy recipes are also gluten-free. Sending good energy your way!
Thanks for the great giveaway! I have been trying to do organic and free range meat & eggs this past year. Had to buy chicken the other week at grocery store and was sooo grossed out!! It felt like rubber!! Much more appreciative when I can find free range products! Book sounds very informative!
Brenda,
I know what you mean about standard chicken. I feel absolutely blessed to have access to organic food and pastured chicken and eggs. What a difference! And yes, the book is great. Definitely worth reading!
The sad thing is I know all of this and every time I re-read these statistics it just makes me sicker and sicker and angrier and angrier. The part that scares me the most is that at what point are organic and pure foods going to start becoming tainted too because of the run-off and “accidental” GMO seed scattering. It just scares the living daylights out of me. This is an amazing post and a phenomenal giveaway!! Thank you for your passion and for your purpose!! We need more “you’s” in this world!!
xo
k
Kim,
Gosh, thank you SO much for your feedback and support. I really appreciate it. And, I’m with you on the “scared” bandwagon. That’s why I’m so passionate about my local organic farmers who are struggling to do it right. This truly is a “ground” up movement. We need to take back our food supply!
Thanks for what you do, Kim! We’re all in this together.
xo
My sister shared this book with me – incredibly eye-opening! Thank you for getting this information out there to the masses Robyn and thank you Melissa for such a great opportunity and your insightful post!
Marissa,
Thanks for stopping by and weighing in on this topic. It’s eye-opening, indeed!
These reasons and more are why I’m vegan and buy organic foods! my next goal is to start my own veganic garden 🙂
Jenni,
“Veganic” garden?! I love that! I’m not much of a gardener and very thankful I have a wonderful organic farmer close by. I belong to Grant Family Farms CSA share program. Good luck with your garden!
Hello, Melissa! I’m so pleased you are exploring this–I have a DQ2/DQ8 Celiac who, because he has no acute symptoms, refuses to give up gluten. But he does have DC and I have long asserted to him that it is his body’s way of expressing his body’s immune response to gluten. I will watch your progress here and certainly will report any other cases.
Thanks for all your good work!
Annelle
ANNELLE! How are you? And thanks for your input on this. I’ve always wondered about the genetic connection with these autoimmune conditions. It’s interesting to hear the response.
Would love to see you!
Thanks for the great post and book tip! 🙂
Natasha Kay,
You’re welcome! Thanks for commenting.
I love this book. I got half way through and had to return it to the library. But I would LOVE to own it. I think pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, etc used in our foods are so foreign to our body’s that who knows what else is making us all sick? Everyone needs to read this book.
Jenna,
I couldn’t agree more! Good luck in the give-away. You definitely need to read the entire book! =)
2011 has been the year of dramatic food changes in our house. We’ve eaten mostly organic since my youngest was born in 2001, but this year between my 2 girls and I we’ve discovered Hashimoto’s, underactive thyroid, gluten, casein, corn, pork and soy sensitivities and my 16 year old is currently on an elimination diet to see what else is bothering her. It’s truly mind-numbing at times, but I’m convinced it all comes back to what we’re putting into our food system. This book has been on my must-read list since I saw it mentioned over on Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom. Glad she linked to you, I hadn’t seen your blog before this morning.
Sonya,
Thanks for visiting (and I appreciate the link from Heidi at Adventures of a GF Mom! Sometimes it takes dramatic changes to regain health. Good for you for making the effort to do so. It’s not easy! Especially with kids. Robyn’s book is so insightful. Once you read it, you have no choice but to make changes. It’s too scary not to!
This sounds like a must read!
Karen,
It is a MUST READ! But be prepared. It’s definitely eye-opening material.
I can’t believe I’ve never even heard of this book before! Sounds like a must-read. Thanks so much for the great information, as always, Melissa! 🙂
Hallie,
It’s definitely a “must read.” Especially since you’re so into healthy eating as it is. You’re already there, but it’s good information to share. BTW, love your current brownie recipe. =)
Would love to read this book. It is so scary what is approved as food in the US. I have been changing the way we eat for over 7 years now. Ever since I was pregnant. I am always trying to tell others about how bad the food is. Especially my family. Would,love to share the book with others too!
Brianne,
Sharing this information with others (as you mention) is so important. We’re all in this together. Thanks for your comment. I do appreciate it and good luck!
My son broke out in a rash from his neck to his ankles. After several trips to a pediatrician and dermatologist with no relief, I started working with his diet. Although I’ve always believed that our food supply is not the best, actual research into the subject was horrifying! My heart breaks for all the Moms who just don’t realize what they are feeding their kids! Work like yours is so very much appreciated! I’ve heard about the book and have it reserved at the library – my own copy would be fabulous!!
Shelley,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt response. I’m with you on this — it also breaks my heart to think of what unknowing moms are feeding their kids. It’s sad, but with outreach like this, hopefully we can make a difference. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for linking to the TED talk! Robyn has a great way of pulling together and delivering the information that makes it really hit home.
Michelle,
The great thing about Robyn is she is like us. She’s just a mom who cares about what her kids are consuming. I keep saying this, but it’s true. We’re all in this together. Us moms can make a big difference in what goes into our food supply. It takes a village!
I saw her TED video. Amazing! I find it coincidental that I started having bad allergies, environmental and now food, starting in 1994. Once I started eating organic foods, my allergies lessened and once I started eating GF, they have decreased significantly. Our bodies were not meant to eat all that fake garbage.
Mellissa — love your name! =)
My (VERY bad) seasonal allergies and skin rashes diminished significantly when I went on a gluten-free diet. I had always eaten fairly well, but it was the gluten (and dairy) that did me in. When you factor in all the “fake garbage,” it’s a breeding ground for poor health. Good for you for jumping on the organic bandwagon!
Melissa,
Great post as always! I learn so much from you.
Back in the late 60’s & 70’s I figured out on my own that food colors and additives had a direct correlation to how my kids behaved!! Still can’t believe all the unpronounceable ingredients that are found in a lot of foods on the store shelves. Since going GF if the list is too long I don’t buy it!!
Martha,
HOW are you? So nice to hear from you. And thank you for your kind words and great input. I agree with you on label reading. If it’s unpronounceable, it’s not worth eating.
Take care!
I would really love to win this!
Thanks
Kristin,
It’s definitely worth reading. Good luck on the contest!
The facts are astounding and terrifying! My family’s eating habits have slowly undergone a drastic transformation over the last five years as I have educated myself on our food system. My own and my children’s chronic health issues (asthma, IBA, ADHD, fatigue) have been huge motivating factors. I’m afraid we’re going to see the numbers of people suffering with these epidemics continue to rise unless people start to heed the information. A great place to start is Sally Fallon’s book Nourishing Traditions. I’m anxious to read The Unhealthy Truth now too.
Carson,
Thanks so much for your comment. I own Sally Fallon’s book and am a member of the WAPF. I totally agree that her book is a good place to start. Thanks for adding that to the conversation. And Robyn’s book is a great addition to the information.
There are more and more reasons to go organic
everyday! Thanks for sharing… Love your blog!
Danielle,
Thanks for the kind words! Yes, there are lots of reasons to go organic! Now more than ever.
Great post Melissa.
While I really don’t want to go back to living in a cave – after reading your post, I’m thinking about eating like I do. I want to give this book to my kids.
Thanks.
Deb Wheaton
http://www.notevenacrumb.com
Deb,
Thanks for weighing in on this. I’d like to give the book to my kids as well. But, they grew up with a food-ranting mom, so they’ve heard it all at one time or another.
=)
After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease less than a year ago, my awareness of all of this went up. Now we only eat whole foods like fruits and veggies and non-gluten grains, and make sure that processed foods are at a very bare minimum. Definitely want to read The Unhealthy Truth!
Angie,
It’s interesting that a diagnosis of Celiac often brings you to a new level of healthy eating. I look at it as a blessing. It’s a gift that leads to a whole new and nourishing lifestyle. And yes, the book is worth reading. Good luck!
I would really love to read this book. For a long time I have felt that the problems our kids are having (including mine) is due to chemical exposure. I refer to my generation (I am 42) as the chemical generation because we came of age just as chemicals were really surging forward. Now we have passed that down to our children and they get exposed to new chemicals also.
So true, Jody! I keep repeating myself, but this book is an eye-opener. After reading it, your suspicion about all this will be verified. Sadly, you’re right.