CLINICAL ECOLOGY

Clinical ecologists treat disorders that they believe arise from an individual's reaction to environmental factors. They are gradually developing methods of diagnosing and treating these conditions, which include allergies, toxic reactions to very small amounts of chemicals and behavioural problems. Ways to keep your immune system healthy, such as by minimizing your exposure to chemicals and eating the Optimum Diet (see previous post) are discussed throughout this post.

Pesticides And Herbicides
Most of the pesticides and herbicides in use today are less toxic than DDT and other chemicals that have been banned, but their use on food crops remains controversial. Residue levels in food are monitored, but only a small sample of food can be checked. While research shows that very low levels of residue appear to be safe, there is no research that has studied the cumulative and additive effects of these chemicals.

Unfortunately, a number of people have become phobic to the extent that they are failing to eat adequate amounts of fresh produce, which itself generates health risks. Considerable consumer pressure is fostering greater awareness of the problem, which will hopefully lead to changes in farming practice. In the meantime you can reduce your exposure to these chemicals by:

• Eating organic produce.
• Reducing your intake of food in which pesticides collect, such as animal fat.
• Removing pesticide residues by soaking non-organic food in water containing a mild additive-free soap or using one of the biodegradable cleansers now available commercially.
• Peeling the skin or removing the outer leaves of produce. This may, however, remove some nutrients as well.
• Encouraging your food retailers to use suppliers who restrict or avoid the use of chemical treatments for their crops and animals.

Cut down on pesticide intake by eating organic produce.