The Dirty Dozen

As most of you may know by now, the majority of our foods are contaminated with pesticides - a chemical compound used in efforts to kill pests, insects, fungi and weeds¹. Pesticides can include a series of antimicrobials, biopesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, disinfectants, insect growth regulators, molluscicides, repellants, rodenticides, and other powerful compounds².

There are many studies still being done on the effects of pesticides on humans. However, if these powerful compounds are killing off bacteria on the foods we are consuming, how do you believe they are interacting with the bacteria in your gut? Agencies such as the FDA, USDA and EPA control the amount of pesticide residue for our health and safety, however, low levels can still remain on some foods³. According to the US National Library of Medicine and Natural Institutes of Health⁴, "The numerous negative health effects that have been associated with chemical pesticides include, among other effects, dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological, carcinogenic, respiratory, reproductive, and endocrine effects."⁵ .

Here is what the Pesticide Action Network UK had to say⁹: "

The Environmental Working Group⁶ released an article showing the Dirty Dozen food list highlighting the fruits and vegetables most contaminated with pesticides⁷.

Here is a list of the foods that have found the highest percentage of pesticide residue:

A few tips to reduce pesticide residue⁸:

• Have your own garden
• Buy local and/or organic
• Wash and dry with a cloth
• Get rid of the outer layer (ex.: lettuce, cabbage)
• Peel fruits and vegetables when possible
• Scrub firm fruit or vegetables
• Trim fat on meats (pesticides could accumulate in the fat cells)

Remember, no method is 100% effective

I wanted to also present in this study a list of the Clean 15 Food List:

Personally, I always buy organic, especially the Dirty Dozen. Sometimes, I understand it is unavoidable such as at restaurant, friends, etc., but there are a lot of things you can do to reduce your exposure, as discussed above.

Throughout the site, I will continue to present studies like this, exploring certain toxicities you should be careful and aware of, and how they can best be approached,

Here are some other links discussing Pesticides:

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/pesticides/health_effects.html

https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a26873528/dirty-dozen-foods-2019/

https://www.algaecal.com/expert-insights/infographic-dirty-dozen-clean-fifteen/

http://www.pan-uk.org/key-issues/

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides: Maryse F. Bouchard, PhD, David C. Bellinger, PhD, Robert O. Wright, MD, MPH, Marc G. Weisskopf, PhD