Palm Beach Health Center

I was mid-lather in the shower when it hit me, the realization that I had no idea what I was putting on my body. I just knew it couldn’t be real strawberries and rainbows. It was chemicals. And I had been putting them on myself every single day for 40-plus years. That’s when I stopped and became organic.So maybe your organic epiphany happened in a less lathered way, but here are some reasons why you may want to switch, along with five easy tips on how to begin.According to a slew of reports, going organic is simply healthier for your body. Studies have shown that organic food may have higher levels of antioxidants. The chemicals and pesticides in nonorganic foods have been shown to cause a reduction in fertility, may harm your immune system and the added hormones could be a cause for weight gain. Genetically modified foods have yet to be fully tested, so the potential effects are still unknown. Dr. Mehmet Oz notes on his site: “Eating organic protects you from potentially harmful chemicals such as pesticides.”Joanna Runciman, who runs ActualOrganics.com, offers five easy ways to get started down the organics path:

1. Consider it a tasting party: “Try it, even if you haven’t in the past, notes Runciman. "Don’t assume you won’t like these foods...(like broccoli and kale). Give them a go and see! Broccoli and kale are rich in the vital nutrients our bodies use to maintain health.”
2. Skip synthetic household cleaners: You live in your house and breathe the air all day and touch everything. Wouldn’t it be better if all that was cleaned naturally? Runciman adds: “Remember that what we use in our home gets washed down the drain and ends up in our water supply. We need pure water, so please don’t pollute it!”
3. One is the magic number: Pass by the brightly colored boxes and boxed meals that have a dozen or more ingredients and focus on whole foods that are made with one or two real ingredients, like fruits, vegetables, organic meats and beans. “Nature doesn’t make labels; stick to freshly grown foods,” quips Runciman.
4. Check the mirror: Your bathroom is covered in non-organic products, from your soaps and shampoos to your makeup and deodorants. It's a simple trip to Amazon or Whole Foods to start making some different choices that will make huge differences in your health.
5. Be prepared: Take healthy options with you wherever you go: to work, driving the kids around, running errands, etc. “Carrots, peeled and chopped,” Runciman suggests, “or some sunflower seeds, dates, an organic apple for example. That way when you feel hungry in the day you won’t be tempted to eat processed foods from the vending machine!”

Going organic isn’t difficult, and it doesn’t always have to expensive. You can start slowly and simply finish what you have in the house while replacing with healthier, safer versions over time.Paula Sirois, a Florida-based writer and certified holistic health counselor, offers these tips for www.PalmBeachHealthCenter.com