SubscribeThe Body Restoration Plan
Recently I began reading The Body Restoration Plan by Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton. This is currently the first book to address the issue of "chemical calories" that occur everywhere in our environment, such as our air and water supply, food and drinks, and even cosmetics and household cleaning items.
The book begins by explaining about the rise of synthetic chemicals in our environment, which almost exactly parallel the obesity epidemic (the rise of both having occurred most in the past 20 years). Our genes haven't changed - so why are we getting fatter?
One reason she pointed out is that the foods we eat are contaminated. For instance, beef farmers who raise cattle often give them "growth-promoting" supplements to enhance weight gain and make feeding more efficient.
It's easy to imagine, with all the hamburgers and steaks that Americans consume, how these chemicals could affect us in turn.
She also mentions pesticides used on fruits and vegetables. Many are treated with chemicals called organophosphates, which have been used to promote growth in animals and are also found in low amounts in our foods.
She compiled a list of the 12 most contaminated foods - the "Dirty Dozen." They are:
- Butter, regular, salted
- Salmon, steaks or fillets
- Spinach, fresh or frozen
- Strawberries
- Cream cheese
- Raisins
- Red apples, unpeeled
- Dill cucumber pickles
- Summer squash, fresh or frozen
- Green peppers
- Collards, fresh or frozen
- Processed cheese, U.S.
There's no need to panic, however - there are things you can do to reduce the chemical calories in your own home, food and drink. Try buying organic products, even makeup and household cleaners; don't drink diet drinks, because they interfere with your body's natural pH; peel your fruits and vegetables; and take fiber before a high-chemical-calorie meal.
I really enjoyed this book, and plan to adopt these ideas into my way of living.
You can purchase this book on Amazon.
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It's easy to get paranoid about chemicals and pesticide residue etc... however it needs to be balanced out with the benefits of eating fruits, vegetables, and fish.
There are also many other factors that can be correlated against the rising obesity levels.
Biodiversity is the key here. If we are eating a wide range of different foods - then we won't "overdose" on a single item.
ReplyI tend to follow the rule that eating foods very high in antioxidants helps a lot in undoing most of the damage from other chemicals. People get so paranoid about pesticides and stuff on vegetable that they forget that the good outweighs the bad when it comes to fresh produce. And if you're worried about growth hormones, buy your meat locally from someone who raises beefers without using hormones.
ReplyI find it odd that it says to peel your fruits and vegetables and also take a fiber supplement ... the peel of fruits and veggies is where the fiber is. I'd prefer to just wash it and take my chances.
ReplyPlease...if people are getting fatter it's because they are eating more and doing less. And, to be sure, it's not because they are eating contaminated fruits and fish; they are stuffing their faces with fast food and refined, unhealthy meals. Period.
ReplyThis is pure poppycock. A calorie (kcal actually) is a unit of energy. "Chemical calories" is a phrase that makes no sense. Chemicals have the energy that they have. If you eat chemicals that can be burned by your body to produce energy (i.e. foods) in excess of your body's needs, then you'll gain weight.
Growth promoting chemicals given to animals act by promoting hunger. Hunger makes you eat more calories. That doesn't make the chemical a unit of energy in and of itself.
There are plenty of reasons to consume organic veggies and food products from animals that have been exposed to minimal chemicals, but this sounds like silly junk science.
ReplyHi guys...
ReplyI was not in any way trying to say that this is the ONLY cause of obesity...just wanted to present an alternate view that I found interesting. I will admit it's a strange idea - but I read the book and it seemed to be based on research.
Thanks for responding to this Claire. The phrase "chemical calories" is a conundrum. Is this a phrase the author used?
However there is some recent evidence as to the potential impact from chemical contaminants on weight gain issues. But in all honesty it must pale into comparison next to the simple issues of overeating and sedentary lifestyles.
ReplyYes, she did use the phrase "chemical calories."
ReplyI don't believe she meant that the food actually has more calories - just that the chemicals in them might lead, indirectly, to weight gain - i.e. if they make you hungry, you might eat more.
Great book. I've read this book cover to cover and, before you debunk any of the snippets or terms from the book, take the time to read the book. It is well researched and makes a lot of sense. Sound, scientific, medical, research-based information. All of it. Footnotes and citations are throughout which impressed me. Much care in thorough research was taken in writing this book. Kudos for an approach we can all try in the battle against pollution we all face, whether you're fat, skinny or somewhere inbetween. Read it!
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