Exploring the Profound Impact of the Environment on Our Well-being

How Our Health is Influenced by the Environments Around Us!

The environment plays a crucial role in shaping our health and well-being. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, every aspect of our environment can have a direct impact on our overall health. As we continue to witness the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, it becomes increasingly important to understand how these changes can affect our health in both the short and long term.  In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of environmental well-being and provide strategies for protecting our planet and promoting sustainability.

The relationship between the environment and health is complex and multifaceted. Factors such as air and water quality, access to green spaces, and exposure to pollutants can all influence our physical and mental well-being. For example, poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, while contaminated water sources can cause a range of illnesses. On the other hand, spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous health benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mood.

As we navigate the challenges of a changing environment, it is essential to prioritize actions that promote both environmental sustainability and human health. This can include supporting sustainable farming practices, reducing our carbon footprint, and advocating for policies that protect our natural resources. By taking care of our environment, we are also taking care of ourselves and future generations.

We are living in an age where the environment is regularly at the forefront of our minds. Over the past half-century, there has been a shift in how people interact with the environment. Natural disasters and other major environmental events have forced humans to find new ways to use the natural resources we have at hand. Rapidly expanding populations; changing weather patterns and less arable land to use means that people have to invent new ways to produce food and crops to keep up with demands and expectations. Usually when these stories are reported on, the focus is on the financial burden of a changing environment and the possibility of running out of some natural resources. However, human health may also be impacted by how the environment is used today and it’s possible we will not know the full effect until many years down the line.

Is GMO Safe?

The answer is probably yes but it may be too soon to say for sure. The term GMO entered everyday language many years ago and today most people have an idea of what it means. GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism and it refers to any organism whose genetic makeup has been altered using genetic engineering technology. Crops and plants are the organisms we most commonly hear have been genetically modified but mammals and fish can also be modified in this way. GMOs are not just used in food production; they are also used in the production of medications and in the research of medical treatments.

The GMO food industry is regulated but there are claims that not enough research has been done into the long-term effect of consuming GMOs. Some argue that GMOs in food are a necessary evil as without GMOs, it would not be possible to grow enough food to feed a growing global population. As it stands, we can only refer to GMO risks as potential risks. The transfer of non-human genes to humans and allergies are often cited as the main concerns about GMOs but there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. The public should rest assured that the produce they buy in a store has passed tests confirming it is fit for human consumption. In fact, people may be surprised to hear that they have been eating GMOs without incident for much longer than they realize. The public has no reason to be concerned about the impact of GMOs on their health so feel free to continue eating your favorite foods!

Free Range vs. Cage

The free range or cage debate has raged on for years and is unlikely to end anytime soon. The free-range farming method allows animals to spend time roaming outdoors and receive some sunshine and exercise, usually in a fenced-in enclosure. Caged, or battery farming, involves housing animals in rows of identical cages, offering the animals very little mobility or fresh air and sunlight.

Concerns about battery farming usually circle around the welfare of the animals. Chickens are the animals most commonly battery farmed and the effect this style of farming has on their health is well documented. Caged chickens often display extreme aggression and even cannibalism which is not seen in free-range chickens. Battery farming also impacts the environment. Battery farms often store animal waste in large open-air lagoons which are prone to leaks or spills which contaminate the surrounding land and water. The methane gas from animal waste is also contributing to air pollution and global warming.

Eating eggs from caged birds has an impact on human health too. Caged eggs have a lower nutritional value than free-range eggs. They contain more fat and cholesterol and lower levels of some vitamins and fatty acids. Caged chickens also ingest more antibiotics, pesticides, hormones, and the feces of other birds than chickens who are allowed outside. That’s pretty gross and probably not something you want to be consuming indirectly. Whenever possible, buy and eat only free-range eggs but be wary of labeling. Sometimes, brands will use misleading language on their egg cartons so what you are putting into your body may not be what you think it is.

Organic Fruit & Vegetables

Some people swear they can tell the difference between an organic piece of fruit and a non-organic piece. Is this really possible? The truth is most studies cannot prove that organically grown produce tastes better than non-organically grown produce. However, there is some evidence to support that organic food may be better for our health. The same factors that make organic farming good for the environment may also benefit human health. Organic farming was designed to limit pollution so organic farmers don’t use conventional farming pesticides or weed killers. Therefore, eating a non-organic piece of produce increases your chance of ingesting some of these chemicals.

Some research claims that organic produce contains a higher concentration of essential nutrients than non-organic produce. Organic food also contains more antioxidants which have been linked to a lower risk of developing cancer. If you are unable to buy organic produce when shopping, there are some foods that are clear of poisonous chemicals and safe to eat if they are non-organic. Examples include mushrooms, avocados, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and carrots. On the flip side, there are some foods that experts say we should only eat if they are organically grown. Softer foods like grapes, raspberries, strawberries, and spinach tend to absorb and hold on to greater amounts of pesticides than other foods.

Protecting Our Planet: Environmental Well-being and Sustainability

Environmental well-being is essential for our health and the health of our planet. To help you protect the environment, we've created a checklist of actionable steps:

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste.
• Conserve energy by turning off lights and electronics when not in use.
• Use environmentally-friendly transportation options like walking, biking, or public transit.
• Plant a garden or support local farmers by buying organic produce.
• Reduce water consumption by fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances.
• Advocate for environmental policies and initiatives in your community.
• Limit the use of single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives.
• Support businesses that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
• Educate yourself and others about environmental issues and solutions.
• Participate in local clean-up efforts in parks and natural areas.
• Practice mindfulness and appreciation for the natural world.
• Create a green space in your home or workplace with plants.
• Reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling or using eco-friendly products.
• Support conservation efforts and wildlife protection organizations.
• Get involved in environmental advocacy and activism in your community.

This checklist provides a comprehensive guide for incorporating holistic wellness practices into your daily life, covering various aspects of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental well-being. Feel free to customize it to fit your individual needs and preferences.

By prioritizing environmental well-being and incorporating these practices into your daily life, you'll contribute to a healthier planet and a brighter future for all.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the environment and health. Earth Day is a reminder to us all that there is nearly always something more we could be doing to protect our environment and our health. Please reach out below for further information on how you can improve your Deep Health. Jump on over to our products page and check out the mini-course which has more information on environmental health.