Is Our Food Really Food? - September 2011

Where will all of this madness end?

By David Dixon, Summerland, BC

It’s getting so complicated that it’s difficult to know what foods we should eat.  If we believe  “scientific evidence”, we can eat most anything, since much of our food supply has been “fortified”.  What this actually means is that most (if not all) of the naturally-occurring nutrients have been stripped from the food and replaced with synthetic alternatives.  Bread is a classic example, whereby a multitude of naturally-occurring nutrients have been removed - thanks to the processing methods - and replaced (for the most part) with synthetic alternatives. 

Is this healthy?  I say it is far from it. It seems everywhere we turn, there are new “super foods” staring us in the face.  Again, science tells us that this is not just healthy but sensible, as well.  I suggest that it may be sensible, but not for us; it makes more sense (and dollars) for the likes of those huge companies whose current situation doesn’t offer enough monetary return. This reminds me of an old saying:  “How much is enough?  Just a little bit more.”

Before this all gets better, it will likely get worse.  For example, a large corporation (unnamed for obvious reasons) would have us believe that its artificial products are healthy. (OUCH!) They cite from biased studies, showing that their ‘plastic’ products, when ingested, are not only safe but good for us. This, when the actual studies showed highly detrimental effects from ingesting such products.  Many of the so-called unbiased studies have been done with rodents and, while they do carry some similarities, do not always respond the same as humans.

Genetically modified “foods” offer us more examples of how science claims to know better than Nature – which it does not.  And, as if it isn’t sneaky enough, slipping genetically altered “food” into our supply, we are not made aware of which foods are altered.  Thus, our choice has been taken away from us...as usual. Our food isn’t real food anymore.

Not only are honest, hard-working farmers subjected to genetically-altered crops, they are held responsible – even sued - when winds carry them into their fields...like it was their fault.

Our foods are not like old healthy, natural foods; they are so altered and genetically changed that they are no longer healthy, when ingested. They are known to kill animals when eaten and I suggest that we humans are no exception. We are, in many ways, like finely-tuned race cars: Give us inferior fuel and you can expect far-from-superior results. In fact, we degenerate – or begin to break down – on a cellular level and before we know it, begin experiencing various ailments. Feeding us inferior quality foods will end up helping to cause an early demise.

Where will all of this madness end? Good question and perhaps nobody knows the answer to that for certain. One thing we can all know is that many of our so-called foods are little more than chemical packages.  Then, what do we consume that we know to be healthy and, therefore, safe?  We can start by looking into our own soil.  

Gardening has been around even longer than I have. Remember one thing though:  If the mineral or other nutrient is not in the soil, don’t expect it to suddenly appear in the plant. Plants rely on the soil to contain specific nutrients to offer up to them. So, if it ain’t in the soil, it ain’t gonna be in the plant; it is not something which can be fabricated out of thin air.

Farmers’ Markets are great sources of organic produce, and contribute to the local economy. Basically, it is a good idea to stay away from anything that is not grown locally. For example, mangoes, oranges, grapefruit and other citrus fruits are not locally grown and are not suggested as part of one’s diet. We have not been genetically accustomed to consuming these “foreign” products.

There are certain things to look for.  For example, while reading the ingredients list, make certain to shy away from corn or corn products since almost all of today’s corn crops have been modified.  Xylitol, fructose, even a lot of the Vitamin C products come from genetically modified corn. Even soy products (which would include miso and other fermented soy substances) are likely from GMO crops of soybeans. More suspect substances from which to refrain.

The list of Frankenfoods goes on and on... Suffice it to say that we would be better off consuming what is grown locally and staying away from so-called foods that have been packaged.  When they have been altered from the way Nature provided them, they can no longer support us in a healthy manner; they can very well contribute, however, to slowly bringing us to an earlier demise...cell by cell.

David's Bio: For over 40 years, Dave Dixon has been a devout Vegetarian. During this time frame, he has become certified as a Nutritional Consultant, worked as a Fitness Trainer, a certified Reflexologist, Deep Muscle Therapist as well as Quantum Biofeedback Practitioner in the South Okanagan area. Dave currently has a biofeedback practice in Summerland ~ 1-778-516-1198. - Email