Pesticides are everywhere. They are designed poisons to kill insects. They do this mainly by damaging or paralyzing their nervous systems. While the dose to kill an insect is very small compared to that of a human, they are so plentiful in our environment and food and water supply that we actually can get enough to produce a toxic effect in our bodies.
The most commonly reported early symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and increased secretions, such as sweating, salivation, tearing and respiratory secretions. Progressive symptoms include muscle twitching, weakness, tremor, incoordination, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Long-term exposure to pesticides can cause loss of memory, anxiety, mood changes, and trouble concentrating. Some pesticides weaken the immune system, which protects the body from disease.
Here are the Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables for 2021:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Potatoes
Bonus fruit = coffee. Non organic coffee is among the most heavily chemically treated foods in the world. It is steeped in synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Brew organic!
It is important to remember that animals fed GMO corn and soy are also very high in pesticides/herbicides. So are dairy products from those animals.
One of the pathways to good health is nontoxic food. That means organic and unprocessed. All of the foods mentioned here can be sourced organically and while more expensive it’s worth the price as it is impossible to stay healthy with toxic foods and drinks.
Have a great week.
Dr. David I Minkoff