In a perfect world, our conventionally grown vegetables and fruit would be free of all pesticides and toxins. More and more these toxic chemicals and pesticides are being linked to various diseases-many of them are chronic. And our children are being hurt most of all.

Years of studies and research have shown link of pesticides and a variety of modern health problems, including cancer. abnormal nervous system and brain growth, and hormone imbalance.

Children and women of child-bearing years are especially at risk of toxic overload. Pesticides, by origin, are unique chemicals and are toxic by design. Their sole purpose is to kill what we consider pests and are powerful contaminants to our environment. When ingested, sprayed pesticides convert into the female hormone estrogen and cause numerous health issues related to hormonal imbalance for both men and women, not to mention wildlife. Ever wonder why the fish are changing sex and young ladies are developing at a a much earlier rate than ever before? If you have a garden, as I do now, do not use pesticides to control your weeds or pests.

Here is a partial list of the most heavily sprayed food:

1. Strawberries
2. Bell peppers (green and red)
3. Spinach
4. Cherries (grown in the United States)
5. Peaches (grown in Chile)
6. Cantaloupe (grown in Mexico)
7. Celery
8. Apples
9. Apricots
10. Green beans
11. Grapes
12. Cucumbers
13. Lettuce
14. blueberries

The best way to avoid pesticides is to buy organic food. You will not to worry about chemicals and organic produce has more vitamins and essential enzymes anyway. Make sure you purchase organic milk and all dairy products because they are free of bovine growth hormone.

The same is true for organic meats and poultry. These animals are raised more humanely and munch on a pesticide-free diet. They are not given antibiotics or growth hormones. Replacing organic beef with buffalo meat is another option and it is less expensive as well. Remember, you really are what you eat...I know I don't want my children to ingest any more of these chemicals!

Let's face it though, organic food is expensive! If it's way over your budget, please just wash your fruits and veggies with a good veggie wash. You can purchase one at your local supermarket, or you can make your own with equal parts water and vinegar. Spray either one on your food and let soak for at least five minutes and then rinse well. You won't have the benefit of all the added vitamins and nutrients, but at least you can wash the harmful chemicals off.

Besides buying organically when you can, you will need to avoid food containers and packing that contaminate food with Bisphenol A (BPA for short). Bisphenol A is a synthetic estrogen used to harden plastics (think water and baby bottles) It is also found in the linings of cans.

Significant BPA was found in the bodies of 93 percent of the Americans tested by the Centers for Disease Control. Studies show that limited BPA exposure has been linked to endocrine system disfunction and a wide variety of disorders, including chromosomal and reproductive system abnormalities, different types of cancer, cardiovascular system problems, and adult-onset diabetes.

You can limit your exposure to BPA from plastic containers and canned foods by avoiding them as much as possible. BPA-free bottles are becoming very popular and can be bought in most baby stores. If are you using baby infant formula, choose a powdered version because it contains the least BPA. Try to avoid ready-to-eat formula, because it contains the highest level of BPA-I only wish I knew this when my oldest son was a baby...and we *wonder* just WHAT caused his Autism! Who knew?

***Bottom line--buy fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned (preferably organic) and choose your baby formula wisely.

It's better to use glass over plastics for food storage, but when you have no choice, plastics marked with a #1, 2, 4 and 5 don’t contain BPA and are generally safer for food. Never microwave plastics or fill them with hot liquids. Wash plastics by hand, if convenient and replace old, scratched water bottles and food containers.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Hub...Laura Phyllis