There has been a lot of talk lately about going organic. That means eating only fresh fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides, herbicides or other repellents, as well as on land that is free of these toxins from previous use. Even meat and dairy are targets, with organic advocates citing the dangers of feeding animals non-organic feed and giving them dangerous hormones and antibiotics that eventually make its way into our food supply. If you have read about the Natural Fertility Diet you will know I am very passionate about eating organic for optimal fertility. I hope this article helps you to understand why it is so important.

So, what’s all the fuss about? Can non-organic foods really cause a myriad of health problems, not to mention infertility? The critics say yes! Our food is so full of this “junk” nowadays that every aspect of our health is being affected – even our ability to have children.

Wondering how important it is to go organic? Here are some startling facts to consider:

• Every time you eat a food that was grown using pesticides your body has to get rid of it and detoxify it from the body, adding extra stress and work for the liver.
• Meats and dairy that come from animals fed non-organic feed and that are given hormones and antibiotics to fatten them up and produce more, contain hormones that can disrupt your own internal hormone production. This imbalance can impede ovulation and even weaken egg health and sperm, making it difficult to get pregnant.
• Heating your foods in plastic containers can release dangerous xenoestrogens, which have been linked to reduced sperm counts worldwide and an increase in infertility.
• Even our water is not chemical free. Take a whiff. Smell that? While most people tolerate the smell of chemicals in their tap water, believing they make it safer to drink, it does not. Many of the toxins used to kill bacteria in our water may actually be harming us. Not only are we introducing excess toxins to our body, but we are allowing our water suppliers to kill off good bacteria nature has put in it for our own health and well being.
• Men who consume pesticides in their foods are 10 times more likely to have low sperm count! There are several common pesticides now undergoing closer scrutiny for the role they play in fertility problems plaguing the U.S. and Europe.

With all of the evidence pointing to the chemicals and toxins in our food and water supply, as a direct link to many cases of low sperm counts; weakened sperm; unviable eggs; weak endocrine systems; unresponsive reproductive systems; a failure to ovulate and even hormone imbalances in today’s society, doesn’t it make perfect sense to leave standard foodstuffs on the shelf and grab safer alternatives in the form of organic raw, unprocessed foods instead?

When choosing organic produce, meats and dairy, read the labels on the product. With very little regulation in regards to labeling these days, many products which claim to be “natural” but are not organic. The best way to ensure chemical-free foods is to buy them straight from the grower and meat processor in your area so that you know exactly what you are getting.