Why you should eat more plants, preferably organic and non-GMO

Humans are not meant to eat processed foods. For those of us with IBS, the more we eat processed foods, the more that concept becomes clear. Highly processed foods often contain hidden IBS triggers like high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, wheat-based thickeners and coatings, garlic and onion powder described as “spices,” and just plain non-food colors, preservatives, flavor and texture enhancers, and other chemicals of all kinds.

Why do we do this when eating more plants can help decrease your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes? Why do we do this when eating more plants can help you maintain optimal weight and bowel function? Because it’s “easier” and we have been trained by the food industry to demand efficiency with our food. But is it really easier if it leaves you feeling terrible, overweight, and suffering needlessly from life-altering illness? I think not!

That’s where the plants come in. A carrot is a fully self-contained snack. And it has one ingredient: carrot! The same is true for a tangerine. And a tangerine even comes in its own wrapper! When you eat plants, each of the foods you put in your mouth is real, nutritious, food full of vitamins, flavor, and fiber. And devoid of all the added ingredients and chemicals that make you feel sick.

Why eat organic and non-GMO?

Because we have even found ways to expose plants to harmful chemicals! Nearly all genetically modified crops worldwide are engineered to be grown with glyphosate-based herbicides such as Roundup. (There’s a ton of published research on this topic. Please reference this article for more depth on this subject.) Once contaminated with glyphosate, plants are no longer strictly a source of nutrients and fiber. They become a vehicle for us to consume a potentially harmful environmental toxin. If it kills bugs, it probably isn’t good for you either!

Research shows us that exposure to glyphosate has a negative impact on gut biome and this is potentially especially bad for those of us with IBS. More research must be done to determine the effect of the changes in the gut biome but suffice it to say, we don’t expect it to be good news. Even worse, animals that eat the plants that have been sprayed with glyphosate-based herbicides, store some of that in their tissue. So, when we eat meat, we also want to choose grass-fed and organic options to avoid the glyphosate trigger.

The regulations for organic produce and non-GMO labeling aren’t perfect, but they’re a lot better than nothing. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive to buy organic and non-GMO but it’s a lot LESS expensive than dealing with the health consequences of eating genetically-modified food that is potentially chemically-contaminated.

So…my challenge to you? Make it your habit to eat more organic, non-GMO plants. Eat grass-fed non-GMO meat. And give your gut (and your liver) a break from processing poison out of your food. Your body will thank you!