Spring Cleaning: Cleansing and Detox - The Foods You Choose

About 5 years ago, I started to choose organic foods as part of my recovery process. This was one of the healing recommendations I received from Rhonda Lenair, the medical intuitive who helped me greatly in my recovery. At the time, I only understood a little bit about the benefits of organic food – and since then, I have learned more about the value of these foods. I will share what I learned in this post.

Why Organic?

Organic Food Tastes Better!
What I knew about organic foods was this: the farmers don’t use pesticides. That reason alone was pretty appealing to me once I learned about the cycle of imbalance and addiction. When imbalance starts, we typically have minor symptoms that are often overlooked – a little fatigue, nervous stomach, becoming accident prone, indigestion, etc. In our youth, we tend to ignore and bounce back from these things pretty easily. This is because our bodies are able to handle the toxins from minor imbalances.

Over time, if we continue to live stressful lives, overeat, ignore our bodies, lack sleep, not drink enough water – we begin to push our bodies beyond what they can take. Eliminative organs like the liver, gall bladder and colon get overloaded, sluggish and clogged. Intestines can clog, arteries can harden and sinuses and lungs can congest. At some point, our immune systems can falter. Interestingly, scientists have found that anorexia and bulimia may be linked to an auto-immune problem – more on that in another post.

The important thing to note is that once our body is compromised, other toxins we add can cause more harm to this weakened system. That includes chemicals from household cleaners, smoke, fumes, stress – and yes, pesticides on our foods. At some point, one straw can break the camel’s back.

Other Benefits of Organic

What I didn’t know 5 years ago, is that there are several other benefits to eating organic. One is that the foods must be grown in more nutrient-rich soil – meaning everything we eat has more nutrients. This is why many people say they feel more satisfied on less food when eating organic.

Another benefit is the taste – organic foods taste better. Try it for yourself – buy an organic apple and a conventional apple – or some other food you like and do a taste test. Every time I’ve had to go from organic to conventional produce, I feel less satisfied with the taste and have heard others say the same many times.

Buying organic foods also supports the environment because you are supporting biodiversity – so it’s not just less pesticides for us, but also for the water, air and soil. Many big corporations plant one variety of food based on how long the shelf life is, which can damage the soil, earth and our health. Farmers supporting biodiversity grow a variety of crops to reduce disease and dependence on pesticides.

Our bodies need vitamins, antioxidants and minerals to survive – and yet, with continued farming without concern for biodiversity, the soil is being depleted. This effects produce, meat, dairy – all of the foods we eat. Organic farming enhances soil fertility and promotes mineral-rich soil because instead of killing the soil with chemicals, organic farmers create “living” soil, creating more nutrients.

Is There A Downside to Organic?

The issues that tend to come up with organic foods are the cost – it is more expensive – and the availability. There are ways to combat these complaints, with a little research, made easier by the web. You can do a search for organic farmers in your state to find farmers who sell direct from their farms, at a farm stand or local farmers market. Several farms have CSAs, which is an arrangement they make with individuals who want to buy weekly shares of the crops. These shares are often baskets of produce that are 15% – 20% or more off what you’d pay in the grocery store or farmer’s market.

What If I Can’t Find Organic?

A diet high in vegetables and fruits is still healthy – and there are choices you can make to limit your exposure to pesticides. Here is a list from Taste for Life, a free magazine offered in many health food stores.

12 Most Contaminated Conventional Produce

  • Apples
  • Bell peppers
  • Celery
  • Cherries
  • Imported Grapes
  • Nectarines
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Potatoes
  • Red raspberries
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries

12 Least Contaminated Conventional Produce

  • Asparagus
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Corn
  • Kiwi
  • Mangos
  • Onions
  • Papaya
  • Pineapples
  • Peas

Cleansing & Organic Foods

Part of spring cleaning is a focus on liver cleansing. If your liver is overloaded with toxins, organic foods will help to give it a rest from pesticides, so that it has less work to do. Consider trying organic foods for the spring and summer – maybe even buying from a local farmer. See for yourself how your body feels when choosing organic!

Sources

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As a coach, writer and recovered former executive, I understand the challenges of creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle when over-scheduled. In my journey to radiant health, I created a whole health system of eating, exercise, renewal and recharging -- a roadmap toward health & vitality. I empower clients to create their own whole health systems, in their own unique ways. I have seen amazing results in working with my clients!