I know it’s not realistic to anticipate that with our busy and hurried lifestyles, our 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day will always be possible.

I also know that pesticides which are routinely added to crops that have become part of the food chain have reduced the nutritional value of what we eat, and those have become essential to many farming methods. As a consequence some of those farmed foods are considered bad for our long-term health.

Misuse may occur by farmers who are supposed to follow recommended rest periods between treatment of crops and the harvest. Based on trials, these rest periods, which are supposed to guarantee traces of remnants of chemicals used, are at either zero or below the levels set by the Government, are safe for human consumption.

Another concern is the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to enhance growth of livestock or to prevent infection. The quality of food that passes through the food chain now, may cause problems to our health in the longer term as they may contain these antibiotics.

That is one of the reasons I started eating organic food. I use a vegetable wash to clean fruit and vegetables. In addition I take antioxidant supplements to help me sustain my health in the longer term, because I also deal with Cerebral Palsy. I also know that because of what I deal with on a daily basis of living with Cerebral Palsy, means I have to look after myself.

Trying to stay healthy has become a way of life for me, one that I never stop to question, but one I hope will help with my long-term health.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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6 comments on “Staying healthy”

  1. I know Maria and I have begun to eat healthier since we have gained more knowledge of the effect of certain foods on the body. I just wish it wasn't so much more expensive to eat healthy.

    1. Yes it does seem to be that way, but the changes you make can be gradual. One or two changes are better than no changes at all.

  2. Everything you posted is so true. There is so much chemical usage out there it's unreal... and the side effects of even a tiny amount makes you wonder where these people that set the standards get their information from.

    I too have started eating healthier, mainly staying away from meat and animal foods and eating more of a plant diet.

    It's so much healthier for you and will possibly ward of certain diseases. especially heart and vascular disease. I wish the price of this type of "diet" weren't so expensive.

    1. You are right Lisa. Eating a more healthy diet Lisa should help ward off heart and vascular disease. Eating healthier and organic food is that little bit more expensive, but the health benefits are better. That would be my aim in the longer term.

  3. Eating healthy foods and exercises are the best.

    I only wish I knew more about foods and wish I was rich so that I could hire a Nutritionist, because I am always willing to do whatever it takes to get healthy.

    1. You are absolutely right Junior. Eating the correct foods and exercises are the best way to stay healthy. There are lots of other ways now of finding out about healthy foods, particularly on the internet. Thanks for posting.

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