Everyone's abuzz talking about the organic lifestyle. Magazines and books dedicated to the organic cause are popping up all over the place. But just purchasing produce at the grocery store marked with an organic sticker isn't all there is to it. The organic lifestyle is more than just what you eat. It is a state of mind.
Organic Lifestyle - More Than Just Veggies
Many thought that organic was just a fad, but it is becoming more popular with each passing year. We're living longer, but not necessarily better. The last 15-20 years of old age is still bringing with it health problems that largely come from lifestyle choices. Adopting an organic lifestyle means changing not only what we eat, but also how we think and conduct our everyday life.
When we get sick, instead of automatically reaching for an over the counter or prescription drug, many of us are doing what our great- grandparents did. Herbal remedies for common ailments like cold symptoms, allergies, upset stomach, and headaches have been around for centuries. Something as simple as using lemon juice at the first sign of a cold reduces or even eliminates the symptoms. Baking soda in a four ounce glass of water helps calm acid indigestion and upset stomach. Essential oils also have many uses in the family medicine kit. Even using organic body products is important, since what we put on our skin goes straight to our livers.
What about our homes? People are injured and even killed every year when they mix the wrong cleaning chemicals. The products that we purchase from the stores say that they are safe for septic systems or certain surfaces, but what about our bodies and our babies' lungs? Many cleaning products are caustic and can burn the skin or mucous membranes if we are not careful. Good old soap and water can do the job on most surfaces. Sprinkling crushed mint about will keep ants out of your house in the spring and summer months. Vinegar can be used to clean glass surfaces. Baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water can unclog a drain and clean it as well.
Food is just the beginning. Organically grown foods are better for our bodies, because we reduce the pesticide residue entering our digestive system. But we must also eliminate chemicals that are dangerous in our homes. Dipping a finger in the baking soda will give our child a bad taste in their mouth, but dipping a finger into some cleaning products can send them to the E.R.
It takes time and dedication to gradually change to a more organic lifestyle, but the rewards are worth it. Knowing that you are doing everything you can to keep your home and your family safe brings peace of mind.
