As several people have already amply stated in their suggestions, we live in a toxic world - our food, our environment, our water.  If every American knew exactly what this assault of toxicity on our bodies meant, they would all demand this stop NOW!

However most people believe that anything in small quantities won't hurt you.  However, the truth is, numerous amounts of toxins in small quantities do add up and what are at the root cause in the rise of chronic illness in this country. Our bodies are laden with toxins which causes the slow degradation of health, turning into cancers, heart disease, diabetes and stroke. For the first time in generations, life expectancy rates are going down. I don't expect my own parents to live as long as their parents did.

I would like to suggest a new agency tasked with examining all the chemicals now allowed in our food, water, cleaning products,  etc. and determine what is toxic and what is not.  No level of toxicity should be allowed in the name of taste.  We've lost sight of what food truly is, a means to live and nourish our bodies to survive.  Most of what we eat and drink is slowly killing us.

For example, so many of our teenagers are hooked on diet soft drinks which contain the chemical aspartame, which penetrates the blood brain barrier and kills neurons.  We should not allow chemicals such as these in our food supply.

Food companies can then be given time frames to eliminate the toxic chemicals from their foods or face significant fines.  Labels should contain itemized list of any toxic chemicals contained in the food.  This will educate the consumer.  An informed consumer will make healthier choices.

Drinking water in homes and businesses should have to pass a standard level of health, much higher than we have now.  I believe home owners should be entitled to one free test per year from the water department if they mail in a sample.  Results could be posted on-line by mailing address.  Individuals who install water purification systems should receive a break on health insurance in some way.

Mother Earth has given us all we need to live long and well. In the name of progress, we've managed to depart so far from what nature intended.  Its no wonder our bodies are rebelling.  Let's do what we can to restore our food and water supply towards a more pure and natural state.

Darlene Zwolinski, ND



- by Darlene Zwolinski