Eating For Good Health

Choosing what to eat for good health can feel overwhelming. Until recent times food choice was more limited and therefore simpler and with less processed foods available to tempt us. Today our crops and soil are often subject to being treated with an array of insecticides and herbicides which we then, unfortunately, ingest and struggle to process and eliminate.

Our bodies have evolved over the millennia in line with the evolution of our planet; we are one with the earth and nature. It is only in recent times that the food industry has genetically modified and sprayed crops whilst practicing the overuse of antibiotics in animal farming. This is then consumed by us, however, our bodies are not able to safely process and eliminate these modern chemicals and poor health is often the result. Toxins accumulate in our tissues causing inflammation and other health challenges. Through my reading and research I believe that things are changing for the better and there are many people and organisations that are passionate about producing food that is healthy and energising for us and our planet. One such organisation being Farmer’s Footprint, a non profit organisation, set up by Dr Zach Bush. The pendulum seems to be slowly swinging back to a more natural way of eating, growing and nurturing our crops, land and animals, which will positively impact our own health.

I recommend eating an organic diet wherever possible, as the type of chemicals permitted in organic farming are minimised and of a less dangerous nature than used on the same non-organic foods. According to the EU Pesticide Action Network only around 28 pesticides can be used in organic farming in contrast to the nearly 500 in non-organic farming. Look out for foods certified organic by The Soil Association for guaranteed good farming practice. Some of the chemicals used in food production and genetically modified crops can be hormone disrupters, carcinogenic and also contribute to leaky gut and other digestive issues and may contribute to low fertility plus many other imbalances. This together with the over consumption of ultra processed foods can be overwhelming for our bodies and our mental health.

There is no one diet for all, as there are many factors to take into account when determining what to eat for optimal health, including your current state of health and digestion, your ancestry, age, the season, dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, mixed diet, vegan or carnivorous preferences. However generally speaking it is wise to make the basis of your nutritional choices whole foods, that is foods that still look like their original form when on your plate and avoid ultra processed foods with their modified ingredients, colourings, flavourings etc. Whole foods refer to all vegetables, grains, legumes, meat, fish, fruits, seeds and nuts, when they are minimally processed and still resemble their original nature when eaten.

For good health blood sugar stability is very important, this refers to your body’s ability to move the breakdown of food from your blood stream into your cells. If too much sugar is circulating in the blood continually it is called pre diabetes or diabetes and can have disastrous health implications. Dietary fats do not cause an increase in blood sugar levels as opposed to carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates, such as wheat flour and other flours, white, brown and whole meal, if eaten in excess, can cause a blood sugar spike which puts a strain on your body. Refined sugar can also have the same effect. It may therefore be wise to reduce these foods in your diet as they may cause inflammation and feelings of lethargy. An eating plan that’s best for us should provide good stable energy during eating and between meals and leave us feeling satisfied but not over full.

In conclusion, eat organically grown and reared foods of a natural and minimally processed nature. Be cautious of the amount of refined carbohydrates consumed which could cause unwanted swings in blood sugar resulting in tiredness and lack of energy. Aim to eat a good variety of seasonal foods during any one week in accordance with your own dietary preferences. Diet alone cannot be responsible for our good health and wellness however it is an important factor.