November 2010
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
QUESTION: I know I should eat more fruit and vegetables, but I hear a lot about chemicals that are sprayed on produce. I can’t really afford a lot of organic produce, should I just cut down on the amount of fruit and vegetables I eat and only do organic produce?
ANSWER: In a perfect world, fresh, organic produce is the way to go. It is not genetically modified. It has higher vitamin and mineral content. It has not been irradiated. And it has not been treated with an oily or waxy spray of chemicals. Crops are sprayed with oil-based chemicals so that the chemicals like petroleum-based fertilizer, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides are not washed off in the rain. But not everyone can grow their own organic produce, or have access to organic produce, or can afford organic produce. I do some organic produce, but I also use an organic soap on my produce whether the produce is organic or not. You may think that’s a little obsessive/compulsive, but read on.
We often hear in the news about e-coli contamination, but there are all types of contamination that can be had from produce. How many times have you had an intestinal “bug” that might have really been from bacteria on your food? Who knows? But I err on the side of caution and always wash produce with an organic soap rather than plain water, because soap is required to remove the oily chemicals and it kills bacteria. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen someone cut into a melon or another fruit or vegetable without washing it first. They believe that if they don’t eat the peeling or rind that it’s not necessary to wash it. But the knife brings whatever bacteria or chemicals are on the outside to the inside when you cut into the fruit or vegetable.
Make sure you don’t use dishwashing detergent on your produce. It is made from petroleum chemicals and is actually toxic. If you use a non-organic soap, make sure you always rinse your dishes very thoroughly to remove every last bubble!
For almost 20 years I have used an organic soap called Sunshine Concentrate for produce and lots of other cleaning chores around the house. It makes 64 gallons of safe, all purpose cleaner for $10.55. Really hard to beat!
Hot Tip: For holiday parties, bring a healthy dish yourself so that you know you can enjoy guilt-free, healthy goodies and resist temptation. A fresh vegetable or fruit tray is perfect! A yogurt dip can be delicious. I love the Oikos plain Greek yogurt (I get mine from WalMart) and add my own herbs and spices. This brand of Greek yogurt tastes very much like sour cream, but it has no fat, plus a bonus of some probiotics (the good bacteria).
Next month…Battling holiday fatigue
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired professor, specializing in courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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