FAQ

These are the questions that are commonly asked after each of my Healthy Gut Presentations. Since many of you have similar questions, I thought it would be helpful to post them on my website:

1. Are organic foods necessary for good health?

No. The most important basis for a healthy diet is unprocessed food, which is food straight out of the ground and sold in the produce aisle of the grocery store. Organic is certainly a beneficial perk if it is affordable and a personal preference, but certainly not a necessity.

2. Are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) bad for you?  

This is a controversial question, and it is currently debated by scientists, environmentalists, and major health groups throughout the world. Interestingly, at present, 26 countries restrict or regulate the use of GMOs. The United States is not one of them. My recommendation is to avoid the ones containing Bt (Baccillus thuringiensis), which is a bacteria inserted into the plant genes of corn, cotton, canola, and soy plants. The oils from these plants are used in many processed foods which is another reason to avoid highly refined foods such a cereals, snacks, boxed meals and packaged breads. Many foods in the U.S. are labeled as non-GMO, and all organic foods are non-GMO, so look for these logos when shopping.

3. Should I eliminate wheat? / Is gluten-free healthier? 

Whole grain wheat is a nutritious addition to a hearty whole foods diet. Notice the key word is whole grain, not the over processed wheat of white bread and Ritz crackers. They have no nutritional benefits. A gluten-free diet is not by default a healthier option. In fact, most gluten-free baked goods bought in the grocery are lacking in nutrition and whole grains. White rice flour and potato starch are the primary ingredients. I would never recommend a gluten-free diet, unless you are sensitive to wheat or gluten. If you are gluten sensitive or celiac, making your own gluten-free baked goods is the best option, experimenting with alternative flours such as almond, coconut, or cassava flours, which have greater nutritional benefits.

4. What is the best way to wash produce?

• Be sure to start with clean hands and a sanitized sink.

5. How long should I keep leftovers in the refrigerator? 

No more than 3-4 days is the recommended time to store leftovers. When dealing with prepackaged food that has not been opened, utilize the Best Buy Date stamped on the container. Many packaged or canned foods recommend using within 7 days, once they have been opened. Additionally, food should not be left on the counter for more than 2 hours.

6. What are the best foods to eat, and which ones should I avoid?

Invariably, after every presentation, at least one person requests more information on this subject. There is an endless number of articles promoting specific vegetables or fruits for optimal brain health or vigorous heart health or gut healing, and they change from week to week depending on who is publishing the article. There is no specific food that is healthier than others. In fact, eating a wide variety of foods ensures that we are getting the nutrients needed for physical health and well-being. Eating fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains, such as whole wheat, oats, and brown rice is the right food, the real food, the healthy food. Avoid ready-made foods such as boxed meals, breakfast cereals, frozen meals, deli meats, red meat, packaged bread products, dairy, and of course, concentrated sweets, such as candy, cookies, and cakes.

7. What is the required daily intake of water? 

Water is essential to life, and it is used in every cell of our body. It is recommended that we consume 6-12 glasses of water per day. More specifically, the National Institute of Health states that women need 9 glasses per day and men need 12 glasses per day.