When I first began researching possible links between insertion of Genetically Modified Organisms into the food supply in the United States and various adverse health conditions, I was intrigued by the fact that generations born in 1995 and beyond seemed to have increased incidents of certain types of illness, such as cancer, diabetes, autism and more. It just so happens that around that same time, GMOs were introduced into the mainstream of agriculture throughout the nation. Coincidence? Perhaps, but not likely.
I’m currently reading a great book, written by a neuroscientist who wants to raise awareness to the idea that our minds affect our eating habits and by making healthier choices, we can improve the states of our overall well-beings. In the first chapter of the book, I came across a phrase that leaped off the page and etched itself into my brain forever: food-like products. Many products available in stores throughout the nation are not actual foods; rather, they are industrially manufactured “food-like products” that may not only be empty with regard to nutrients needed for good health but may, in many cases, have harmful effects on the bodies and minds of those who consume them.
As a Christian, I adamantly believe that God provided everything needed to sustain mankind when He created the world. As fallen people, we have tainted, corrupted and in many cases destroyed what God created.
As a society, many have also fallen under grave temptations toward power, monetary wealth, greed and pleasures of the flesh, which, according to some (and quite plausible in my mind) led to conventional agricultural and poisoning of those who breathe the air and eat the food produced (or use other products manufactured) in this nation.
As a Christian, I also believe that God is a God of balance. As His people, everything we do (including producing and eating food) is intended to affect our triune natures of body, mind and soul. Anyone who pursues a quest for good health will want to focus on all three aspects and make choices that provide the greatest potential to achieve the best overall results.
Food should be actual food, not food-like products. When you start noticing fine print on package labels that say things, such as “manufactured with natural flavors” or “tastes like real *insert food name here*” it might be a sign that if good health is your ultimate goal, you may want to make some different choices. I recently picked up a pack of chewing gum in a store and was about to place it on the conveyor belt with my other grocery items, until I noticed the fine print on the back of the package, which said, “Product of genetic engineering.” This prompted a quick survey of other gums and candies available at the checkout, all of which has similar wording on their packages.
The bottom line is that people are dying because of what they eat or don’t eat. Evidence suggests more than 80 percent of disease and illness existing in this nation today are directly related to lifestyle choices. A journey toward good health should include a thorough review of choices being made regarding what is being breathed, applied topically and consumed on a regular basis.
A good first step to improve overall health in mind, body and soul is to choose real food over food-like products, whenever possible.
Writer Bio: Judy Dudich
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
