Introduction to Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the laws of similars: "like cures like." Chosen remedies are infinitely small doses of a substance that at larger doses would produce similar symptoms of the illness. This is contrary to much of conventional or "allopathic" medicine which uses a substances (such as an antibiotic) that produce "different" symptoms than the illness at hand.

Think of homeopathy as a gentle nudge to the body to return to a healthy, balanced state.  Within each of us is a natural tendency towards health. Our bodies are built to maintain balance -- a concept known as "homeostasis."  Imbalances may present with specific physical and emotional symptoms, providing clues to how a person is trying to return to a state of balance.  Remedies are then individualized for each person based on the precise details of the illness. 

Homeopathic remedies are created from a starting substance by a series of dilutions and vigorous shaking (succussions) between dilutions.  The "potency" of a remedy describes how many sequential dilutions and succussions have been done.  Remarkably, in potencies of 12c or greater, it is unlikely that a single molecule of the original substance remains.  The water molecules used in the dilutions hold an imprint of the original substance, possibly by the structures of the molecules, the electromagnetic properties, and other interactions that belong in the realm of quantum physics.  Water (H2O) is a fascinating and unique molecule whose properties make life here on Earth possible.  (I like to think of how no two snowflakes are completely alike to truly appreciate the gift of water.)  Because the body is about 70-80% water, consider that an alteration in the body's water charateristics may potentially have a large impact on the whole.

Need more?  I would highly recommend reading Dana Ullman's article on nanopharmacology and how homeopathy works.  I also like Kellie Kirkpatrick's brief discussion of homeopathy and the vital force.

Get away from the TV, get into the real world

As you may have heard, Baby Einstein is no Einstein.  As a matter of fact, no video, TV show, or computer game can match the brilliance of the real world itself.  Just step out into nature to engage all your senses. Nature on TV is still no comparison to the sights, sounds, smell, taste, and touch of our world outdoors. Take a look at this brief Patriot Ledger article I wrote a couple of years ago.

For those of you upset by the Baby Einstein debacle, Disney is offering a free refund. See this NY Times article. Here's to Turn of the TV week.

Should we eat organic?

Pesticides are designed to be toxic in order to kill off living organisms, such as insects, plants and fungi that are considered "pests." Various pesticides are recognized by the government to disrupt the nervous system, to cause cancer, to alter the hormonal system, and adversely affect the eyes, skin, and lungs.

Although the government does have regulations, these regulations are too lax too protect the most vulnerable of us -- our infants and children, as well as developing fetuses.  Companies will argue that the amount of pesticides found in food products are negligible. However, there is insufficient research to prove that these already known toxins are NOT harmful to our infants and children.  Shouldn't we be more careful now rather than pay the price of our children's health later?

So, does it make sense to avoid pesticides?  In short, yes. But you don't have to break the bank to do so. Try to shop from your local farm stand or look for local produce at the grocery store.  First, local produce may have fewer pesticides, if any, as conventional products.  Smaller farms are not always able to afford the cost and time of becoming certified organic.  Second, you may find local produce fresher and therefore packed with more nutrients.   Third, local produce consumes less petroleum which benefits our health from a more global environmental perspective as well.

When possible, avoid buying conventional produce listed in the "Dirty Dozen." According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), by choosing organic for these fruits and veggies, you can reduce most of your pesticide consumption:

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Imported Nectarines
7. Imported Grapes
8. Sweet bell peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Domestic Blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/ Collard Greens

The "Clean 15" are the least contaminated with pesticides. Choose local, conventional or organic for these fruits and veggies:

1. Onions
2. Corn*  (*Buy non-GMO, See "Food Allergies on the Rise")
3. Pineapples
4. Avocados
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet peas
7. Mangoes
8. Eggplant
9. Domestic Canteloupe
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushroom

You can visit the EWG site for a handy guide that you can print out or download. You might also want to check out this CNN article on pesticide residue.

Don't fret if all that is available is conventional produce.  Just rinse it off as best you can. It's a good idea to rinse off all produce well as even organic produce can have trace pesticides.