Chemicals appear in our food chain via fertilizers, pesticides and food additives. Reading labels and choosing organic sources are the two most common methods of avoiding food chemicals. Although some controversy exists regarding available nutrients in organic versus non-organic foods, the Association of Primary Care Groups and Trusts published a compelling study stating that organic foods may "lower the incidence of common conditions such as cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies and hyperactivity in children." These five popular diet plans highlight similar benefits.
Master Your Metabolism
Personal trainer Jillian Michaels addresses the role that food and environmental additives play in regard to hormones in this well-researched diet plan. The three-part plan recommends removing "anti-nutrients," adding foods that trigger fat-burning hormones and re-balancing lifestyle choices to boost energy levels. Her easy-to-remember lists of foods to focus on make the plan a snap to follow.
Fat Flush
As the largest organ in the human body, the liver is responsible for your metabolic rate, according to nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman. Her Fat Flush brand is built around detoxifying this organ through careful dietary choices and omissions. The plan encourages eating thermogenic spices, organic eggs and vegetables and grass-fed meats while eschewing vegetable shortening, artificial sweeteners and feed-lot meats.
Paleo Diet
Nutritional anthropologist Loren Cordain weaves an engaging theory about modern health woes and how to avoid them with his Paleo Diet, based on theories of what Paleolithic man ate. Since it was thousands of years later that food additives, pesticides and fertilizers became common-use items, Cordain declares, "simply say no," and base your diet on grass-fed meat, fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts and seeds.
Anti-Inflammation Diet
Persistent studies correlating a link between inflammation and arthritis, heart disease and other chronic ailments led naturopath Jessica Black to create her Anti-Inflammation diet. Her program lays out how to shop, cook and eat to prevent, or at least minimize, the potentially debilitating effects of inflammation. She offers substitutions for common products like canola oil, and her recipes are straightforward and quick to prepare.
Younger, Thinner You Diet
Dr. Eric Braverman explains the relationship between chemicals and the brain to help dieters decipher the needs of their metabolism with his Younger, Thinner You Diet. He postulates that obesity is a brain chemical imbalance and that, "Everyone can take years off their age by changing their brain chemistry." His plan centers on three components: choosing foods that increase dopamine, a metabolism switch; avoiding foods and supplements that age your organs; and personalizing your diet to address concerns like heart disease and achy joints.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?
- Medical News Today: Organic Foods In Relation To Nutrition And Health Key Facts
- "Master Your Metabolism"; Jillian Michaels; 2009
- "Fat Flush for Life"; by Ann Louise Gittleman, MS, CNS; 2009
- "The Paleo Diet"; Loren Cordain; 2002
- "The Anti-Inflammation Diet And Recipe Book: Protect Yourself And Your Family From Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Allergies - And More"; Jessica Black, N.D.; 2006
