IT ALL BEGINS IN THE SOIL
“It is increasingly recognized that the soil is an ecosystem with a myriad of interconnected parts, each influencing the other, and when all necessary parts are present and functioning (ie, the soil is healthy), human health also benefits.
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The above implies that human health begins in our soil.
This is why I named my first business Soil2Soul Functional Nutrition.
I wanted to emphasise the origins of human health.
The soil that our food grows in, which we then consume, and the pastures that our animals eat from are directly correlated to a functional body, or, in the alternative, a dysfunctional body.
This information can no longer be ignored, and those who dismiss it or tell you that “it doesn’t matter” and “organic means nothing” are ill-informed and would rather not acknowledge the damage that it is causing not only to their bodies but also to the world.
Buying from the major supermarkets is easier and quicker. It requires less time to research suppliers and understand how a particular product is grown. But produce should never be processed, sprayed, or genetically modified. Produce should be well-researched, as it is what nourishes your body every day.
I embarked on my own organic and whole foods lifestyle journey for the sake of my health. It was not easy, as I was simultaneously learning and unlearning everything I’d been taught about “grocery shopping.” Now, I refuse to give my money to major supermarket suppliers when there are small-scale farmers and ethical/regenerative butchers/fishmongers selling their products without chemicals.
It only required a bit of research and a lot of questions, and if I’m sincere, it all started with different Organic farmers ' markets around Sydney that I would shop at. I met some fantastic people there too, and their passion for the way their product was created/raised/grown is one of the many reasons why I will always advocate for this type of ‘grocery shopping.
Our modern environment, which includes air and water as well as soil, is unfortunately contaminated and depleted with thousands of chemicals, such as pesticides.
And before you say it, I know our bodies have a process for regular detoxification. However, when individuals live in crowded places, expose themselves to external toxins and heavy metals, do not move regularly, eat inorganic foods and processed sugars, and rely too much on medication, their bodies are at a greater risk of toxicity.
This risk is now higher than ever, and most of us are living the above life without really understanding what it's silently doing to our internal ecosystems.
In this situation, individuals should detoxify more regularly and opt for organic produce and regenerative proteins whenever possible. We will talk about the detoxification process and how to activate pathways in a later post.
Back to the soil!
Pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides (the list goes on, but to save your eyes, I’ll stop at three) are chemically manufactured in laboratories to destroy pests and insects. Herbicides, which are designed to kill weeds, are used by farmers to protect their crops [vegetables]. Inorganic farmers and those who don’t focus on regenerative practices employ these chemicals daily because they simplify their farming practices. As we know, farming is a challenging profession that often doesn’t receive the respect it deserves. However, when you add pests, insects, and herbicides that destroy crops, the method of farming becomes even more challenging. Therefore, farmers who don’t practice regenerative methods or organic farming will rely on these chemicals because they ease the process of farming:
Less arduous
A platform to yield more crops and therefore more income
Unfortunately, this results in soil contamination, which compromises our health, regardless of whether we “rinse” our vegetables or not. These chemicals can linger in the soil for years or even decades after being applied to crops. It is, in fact, a never-ending cycle of contamination. This occurs because many of the chemicals used are applied with a “boom spray,” also known as “spray drift.” Spray drift can be a significant concern, as it not only impacts the crops being sprayed but also travels to nearby properties, potentially affecting the health of their crops and the wellbeing of those not wearing protective gear.
Image of Spray Drifting sourced from the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 2018
Let’s take a look at what contaminated soil can do on a topical level to clearly highlight its potent implications:
Burns
Rashes
Blisters
Stinging eyes
Again, the above is just on a topical level. Now pause, and imagine what the internal implications are when consuming foods with these substances on them:
Cancers
Infertility
Birth Defects
Immunotoxicity
Reproductive harm
Disruption of hormones
Disruption of the endocrine system
Neurological and developmental toxicity
Some individuals are more susceptible to the impacts of pesticides than others. For example, infants and young children are known to be more susceptible than adults to the toxic effects of pesticides. This is because organs, nervous systems, and immune systems are still developing. Children are also less capable of detoxifying and excreting pesticides. Exposure during specific early development periods can cause permanent damage.
I also forgot to mention that in addition to impacting human health, these chemicals also destroy precious ecosystems within the soil, such as earthworms, nematodes, and springtails.
So, what simple steps can an individual take?
Buy organic. Unsure where to start? Google your local farmer's markets in your area and research whether there are any farms that you can shop directly from. Buying in season, regional, and from farmers’ markets where possible will provide you with access to fresher produce that has had a shorter journey from paddock to plate.
Be selective! If budget constrictions mean you can only afford some organic produce, always choose vegetables, as these are exposed to the most chemicals. Animals can detox some of the substances, but vegetables can’t. Always opt for cheaper cuts of regenerative and ethically produced proteins.
If you can’t buy organic, avoid the DIRTY DOZEN and opt for the CLEAN 15. NOTE: There are still vegetables that aren’t on the CLEAN 15 that I would consider essential to buy organic, such as root vegetables, which are covered in soil.
Use fresh whenever possible, then frozen.
Ensure you are washing your vegetables with water and apple cider vinegar or an organic vegetable wash. Soaking produce in a vinegar solution can help to inactivate or kill microorganisms, as the acidity (low pH) disrupts their metabolism.
Grow your food - start with a simple herb and vegetable patch. You don’t need large amounts of space either!
Join a food co-op. Food co-ops are not-for-profit organisations that you can become a member of. These groups sell clean food that doesn’t cost the earth, focusing on fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, as well as local produce grown right in the area where they operate.
Ideally, individuals would eat both organic, homegrown, local, and what’s in season; however, I understand that’s not always possible. Do the best you can do and arm yourself with the information you need to make the necessary and nourishing changes for your health.
It all starts with simple swaps. You don’t have to dive in straight away!
Chi vai piano, vai lontano (My Nonna) - who takes things slow, goes far.
“✌️, ❤️ & 🚫 pesticides.
In Health,”
