The Middle Ground

Something that I struggle to communicate with my patients is the ability to find the middle ground in their lifestyle changes. For example, I was explaining to one patient the difference in herbs and OTC or prescription drugs. I was explaining that aspirin is actually willow bark, which is completely legitimate to take but only when needed. I was explaining the difference in OTC aspirin and the willow bark found in a natural market. Aspirin, is processed, synthesized and made as cheaply as possible. We are trying to give our bodies a more holistic form that would be found in nature, just as when it was discovered. Everyone reacts differently, but for the most part, your body will react more positively and more efficiently when you take something that is in its natural form. This is something that you should NEVER bargain with. Natural is natural is natural people. (On a side note: Then, I was explaining to this particular patient when it is necessary to take an aspirin. Listen to your body. Does your head hurt because of lack of sleep? Stress? Hormones? Dehydration? Lack of blood supply? Allergies? Why are you covering up your symptom with an aspirin? Don't you think you should work on resolving that issue? Your body can take care of itself people. You just have to figure out why it's hurting and help it!)

Later, I was talking with a patient about the benefit of eating organic. Most people are concerned about how costly organic foods can be, and trust me, as a starving student, I understand that. I think everyone has a different area where they draw the line on this one. Do you eat organic simply to get a higher percentage of nutrients from your foods or is it to reduce the number of pesticides/antibiotics you consume or maybe to eliminate any possible neurotoxins or high fructose corn syrup or bad preservatives? Have you also thought about your cleaning items? Does it not concern you when you clean your bathroom that your throat and eyes burn? Or when you mop your floor your children and pets shouldn't be near it or they will get sick? What about hand soaps? Do you realize that by using "antibacterial" that you are actually making it harder to kill the bacteria a few generations down the colonizing line? Did you know that it is actually the friction of the action of hand washing that kills more germs than it is the actual soap? Now, obviously these are all areas of concern when shopping. However, you have to really try to be money conscious if you are pinching your pennies. There is a give and take on this one guys! Plan ahead and do the best you can and after a while, you will figure out where to cut corners. When you really think about it, this is your life. Wouldn't you rather spend money preserving it than on the bills it will take fighting when something bad comes along?

Suggestions for pinching your pennies and still avoiding bad stuff:
-Read the labels on things! Obviously avoid the things in the paragraph above, but more importantly if it has di- mono- bi- and then some big words...probably not good and therefore not worth your money.
-A great all purpose cleaner that kills just as well as the strong smelling harsh stuff: vinegar and water. When all else fails, try to think about what your grandparents used for cooking and cleaning. They went through the Great Depression and couldn't afford the chemical stuff found in stores.
-Find your local organic farmers! Especially if you have an extra freezer. You can place an order for half of an organic cow and eat on that through the whole year. Same thing with chickens, eggs, milk and fruits and veggies (although I'd avoid milk altogether unless it's raw and even then, I'd try to find goat milk. Their protein is more like the human form and doesn't cause as many allergens.)
-Use coupons. Even natural markets have weekly ad specials; you just have to find them.
-Buy online. This one was new to me but Mike found most of the products we use for half of the cost when you buy directly from the wholesaler. A really great site is www.luckyvitamins.com.

Good luck and don't skimp on the good stuff!