In the last few years I have had two family members that were diagnosed with cancer. My mom with breast and my wife cervical cancer. I am pleased to say both are doing well!
When this happens to those you love it really changes how you view things. Throughout this my wife went to four different oncologists. They all had their own specialties, their own way of handling patients, everything about the four were different. From the young military doctor to the well seasoned doctor that was considered the leading cervical cancer surgeon in Nevada. Some would spend five minute with my wife while others would not leave the room, driving my wife nuts! No matter how time they would spend in the room they ALL managed to say the same thing. Eat organic.
So as a husband who cares I was ready to jump on board. Then I went to the grocery store and almost passed out when I saw the prices! I still jumped in though. I bought the things we use the most of, milk and veggies.
I know this sounds odd but I really had no idea what organic was. Up until this point I saw the organic “movement” synonymous with hippie culture, a bunch of tie-die wearing, non deodorant using people. Then I looked into it.
Every doctors office there were American Cancer Society (ACS) pamphlets so I decided o look there first. I logged onto cancer.org and was shocked to find out the position of this organization. “At this time, no studies in humans exist to show whether organic foods are better than foods made or grown using the usual methods for any of these purposes: 1) Reducing cancer risk, 2) Reducing the risk of cancer coming back, 3) Reducing the risk that cancer will progress [grow, spread, or get worse]” (cancer.org).
So why then, did every oncologist, and even our primary care doctor, say to eat organic On our next visit I asked them. They told us that yes the ACS’s official stance was that there was no evidence eating organic was beneficial. They also said that in recent years although there was no conclusive link to the toxic chemicals used in non-organic farming but it is believed by many in the field of Oncology that there is a link.
.I examined the difference between organic and non-organic farming. Here is an example from the Mayo Clinic that gives a brief overview of the differences:
Conventional | Organic |
Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth. | Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants. |
Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease. | Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease. |
Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds. | Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds. |
Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth. | Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease |
I decided to take a common sense approach. Even though there is no conclusive link between the chemicals of non-organic farming to the cause or reoccurrence of cancer, why take the risk?
Works Cited
Cancer.org
Mayoclinic.com
Great post. I am glad that your mother and wife are doing well. I agree that there is so much information now on what you should and should not eat that it can be confusing. I commonly see on the news how something that a few years ago, a majority of doctors all agreed on to stay away from or start taking, now claim the opposite. Grilling steak was considered a possible way to increase the chance of getting cancer and bottled water was considered better than tap water. I know now that the mainstream media is stating the opposite and will most likely change their view a few months or years from now. I am so fed up with the changes and the back and forth on what is healthy or not that I am just like you in that I just use common sense. Sodas are not natural so I stay away from them. The rule I use is that if a majority of the product comes from natural sources I eat or drink it. Now If it the majority of it is not natural, such as Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, I don't eat it on a consistent basis. I believe that a meal, even though it may not be entirely healthy, is about enjoying life and the company of others without any guilt based on the opinion of others. As long as you lead somewhat of a healthy lifestyle, I believe everyone has a good chance of extending their lives. Life is too short, it's better to enjoy it day by day.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. There is nothing like being forced into learning about something like that due to an illness. I am so sorry that your wife and mom have had to fight cancer, but I am very happy that they both have a good report! May God continue to bless them both with healing!
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is an absolute shocker to see the price differences between 'regular' foods and organic. It is no wonder that obesity and health disorders run rampant because it is so much cheaper to eat unhealthy than it is to buy healthy foods. Even the healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables that are not organic are more expensive than foods that are processed. It truly is a shame!
As far as healthy eating for cancer patients, I certainly am no expert on the subject, but you might want to look in to a complete plant based diet. My friends mother has been fighting cancer for years. She was recently turned toward a totally plant based diet and for the first time in a long time, her cancer is receding! I have since heard of others that have been able to overcome cancer while being on the same diet. By plant based, I mean that they avoid milk, butter, eggs... anything that comes from an animal. It might be worth looking into.
Best of luck to you all and may God continue to bless your family!
Great blog. My wife and I try to eat organic a much as we can. We watched the movie Food Inc. and we were hooked right then and there. We have read a few books on healthy eating and they all say the same basic thing, eat organic! We started hard core right off the bat. There is a supermarket chain called Henry's (ala Trader Joes, Whole Foods Market) that is very close to our house. They specialize is organic everything, herbs, wild caught fish, and grass fed and grass finished meats. When I first went in and saw the prices, I said maybe we should go half organic and half regular. LOL. In the past 5 months, 90 percent of our grocery shopping is done at Henry's so you could say we bit the organic bug. The very first time we paid there was probably the hardest but now it's just normal for us. We decided that we should spend more money into better foods. If you think about it, we spend so much money on crap (movies, ipods, toys, etc), why not spend your money on good food that you will ingest, that your body will absorb, and that could affect your life. If you stop and just listen to the words describing what makes food organic, why would you choose to eat anything else.The legal definition of organic food is food from plants and animals that is produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, artificial pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, growth hormones, feed additives or genetically modified organisms. We printed that and put in on our refrigerator and everything that wasn't organic was thrown out. It makes us sick to think about what we are eating when we have to dine out.
ReplyDeleteWe have a toddler and want to have more kids. Children are much more vulnerable to these chemicals and toxins than adults. Our son loves eating different fruits and vegetables. We figure if we have him eating good now, when he gets older he'll continue eating good and resist the junk food. But geez, organic mild is $5.99 a gallon and he goes through two of those in no time!! Ouch!! Another great thing about eating organic is you really help out independent local farmers. The food doesn't have to travel as far so you are getting fresh produce and fresh meats. Henry's buys a lot of their stuff from local farmers plus every Saturday there is farmers market in their parking lot. The best thing about eating organic is the food just tastes so much better. It's not just mental either. You know your food is healthier so you feel better and have more energy. In the end, just like you said, why take the risk!
I would like to join Ms. Shawna in thanking God for the praise report on your family's health. I also have been introduced to the organic "movement" by my oldest daughter. She's the type that does research on anything that affects her children, whether it's car seats, high chairs, toys, etc. She decided when she got pregnant with her first child that she and her husband would start eating better so that when the baby was born they would have established a pattern of good eating habits. She looked into organic products and started her first child on a path of healthier food choices from day one. When Rachel had her first birthday, that was the first time she had any sweets that weren't natural (fruit or vegetable). The look on her face when she tried the cake was priceless. However, at four years old now, she still gets very little (if any) processed or fried foods, and still loves her fruits and vegetables. Needless to say, she has rarely been ill and we thank God every day for her and her little brother and their positive start on life.
ReplyDeleteI have always wondered why processed foods are so much cheaper since they take longer and have more ingredients than natural or organic foods. I suppose since they can be mass-produced and last much longer than natural products, they can be sold at cheaper prices. Once I started looking at organic products, I clearly understood the meaning of the saying "Nothing good comes cheap"! My wife and I do shop organic for some things, but even at the military commissaries you don't save much at the register when it comes to organic products. I guess each individual has to decide what they consider too expensive.
Organic is better!
ReplyDeleteWhy would anyone want to eat food that has had poison sprayed on it?
Americans want cheap food.
America is getting bigger and bigger.
I do believe that Americans are deceived about food. What is allowed by the FDA to be considered food is really only dead garbage.
The price of organic food is not why people are fat. People are obese in this county because they eat processed food, it might be cheap, but in the long run it will cost a fortune. There will be trips to the doctor for many ailment associated with eating this type of food. Besides obesity, heart problems, tooth decay and cancers.
Besides being healthier for you, organic farming is helping the environment in numerous ways. The health of the soil, air, and water systems. It makes perfect sense. Organic farms rely on man power to weed, and pick the crops, so yes this does cost a bit more. Look at the savings in the long run.
I think it is interesting that the doctors all said eat organic; although the medical profession says there is no link. Is it a secret?
I think someone is getting money under the table!