Conventional farming methods involve the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Strictly from a natural health perspective, why put these toxins in our already overburdened bodies when we have the choice not to? If you’re someone trying to improve your digestive health, consider that the liver must work to filter out these substances – which serve no purpose in the body, and consider the negative impact to your gut flora.

Yes, organic food costs more (though savvy shoppers will find that fresh produce items are sometimes the same price or even cheaper as their non-organic counterparts). Here’s some food for thought, said with so much kindness… you can pay farmers who grow nourishing food for you and your family, or the pharmaceutical companies who benefit from the toxic farming practices of modern industrial agriculture!

Here is a tiny sampling of research related to the dangers of industrial farming. One study labeled a large number of herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides as endocrine (hormone) disruptors.1 Further, epidemiological studies link pesticides to hormone-dependent cancers (i.e. breast cancer).2  A January, 2017 study found gut microbiota (the microbial landscape of the intestines) were negatively impacted by environmental pollutants, including pesticides and antibiotics.3 ,4

The same concerns about produce apply to meat consumption too. In addition to conventionally farmed animals grazing on plants contaminated with the same chemical cocktails used on our food, there is also the use of hormones and antibiotics.

There are proven benefits to opting for pasture-raised meats. Sustainable Table has a great evidence-based article, from which I took the following:

A growing body of research indicates that pasture-raised meat, eggs, and dairy products are better for consumers health than conventionally-raised, grain-fed foods. In addition to being lower in calories and total fat, pasture-raised foods have higher levels of vitamins, and a healthier balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats than conventional meat and dairy products.

Studies have shown that milk from pasture-fed cows has as much as five times the CLA (a type of fatty acid) as milk from grain-fed cows. iii And meat from pasture-fed cows has from 200 to 500 percent more CLA as a proportion of total fatty acids than meat from cows that eat a primarily grain-based diet. iv

Free-range chickens have 21% less total fat, 30% less saturated fat and 28% fewer calories than their factory-farmed counterparts. v Eggs from poultry raised on pasture have 10% less fat, 40% more vitamin A and 400% more omega-3’s. vi”  (Read the full article here)

Here are two helpful links to guide you in your organic purchases :

This is the Environmental Working Group’s List of the “Dirty Dozen”. If you can stick to buying these fruits and vegetables organically, you are greatly reducing your food induced toxic load. A helpful way to remember this list is to buy any thin-skinned fruits and veggies as organic (the ones whose skin you normally eat).

And an article for the budget-conscious (and who isn’t?!) – “Budget-Conscious Ways to Purchase Organic Foods

There is competing research concerning the nutrient profiles of organic versus conventionally grown produce. That said, the taste of fresh, organic produce is far superior to that of its conventionally farmed counterpart!


Bottom Line: Protect your microbiome and preserve your liver, buy organic!


1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3138025/

2: Ibid

3: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749116322321

4: http://lactobacto.com/2017/01/27/environmental-pollutants-and-gut-microbes/

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