Bipolar Diet - Does Organic Matter?

Hello everyone! I recently saw an episode of Dr. Oz where he explained how potatoes absorb the pesticides used on them, which we then in turn eat. He said something like a regular potato has eight times more pesticides than an organic potato. Ever since I watched this episode I have begun to purchase organic produce and canned goods. There are so many factors to consider when evaluating your diet, but this seemed like a sound choice. The groceries do cost more, but I figure my health is worth it.

I've found some studies that suggest pesticides used on our food supply do end up in our bodies causing neurodegenerative diseases including bipolar.

In the first study focuses on pesticides causing Parkinson’s Disease. However, it explains in the brain the dopamine transporter (DAT) is responsible for the reuptake of dopamine into presynaptic neurons, which terminates dopamine neurotransmission and thus plays a central role in the spatial and temporal buffering of released dopamine and its recycling. Human genetic variability in DAT, the gene encoding DAT has been associated with disorders and behaviors thought to be influenced by dopamine signaling such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorders, and smoking cessation. DAT gene deletion in the mouse results in hyperactivity, and when tyrosine hydroxylase is also inhibited, these animals show physical behaviors (e.g., akinesia, rigidity, tremor) that phenotypically resemble the motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Source

The second study explains the dopamine transporter (DAT) is the site of action of stimulants, and variations in the human DAT gene (DAT1) have been associated with susceptibility to several psychiatric disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder. Source

And a third study showed prevalence rates and the risk of having Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and suicide were significantly higher in districts with greater pesticide use as compared to those with lower pesticide use. The multivariate analyses showed that the population living in areas with high pesticide use had an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and suicide attempts and that males living in these areas had increased risks for polyneuropathies, affective disorders and suicide attempts. In conclusion, this study supports and extends previous findings and provides an indication that environmental exposure to pesticides may affect the human health by increasing the incidence of certain neurological disorders at the level of the general population. Source


So do we need to eat organic everything? Not according to Dr. Oz. There are some simple rules to follow when deciding what to purchase:

1. When the skin is thin. Fruits and vegetables with a thin skin that is difficult to remove or that you typically eat should definitely be organic. They have high levels of pesticides even after washing. Produce with thicker skins has a better barrier to pesticides, and when you throw the peel in the trash, the chemicals go with it. But be sure to give all fruits and veggies a good scrub down before eating or peeling them, because cutting them can bring any chemicals on the skin into the flesh.

Go Organic: Apples, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, pears, nectarines, peppers, celery, potatoes, and carrots

Save Your Cash: Avocados, eggplants, pineapples, bananas, corn, kiwi, mangoes, papaya, sweet peas, oranges, grapefruit, and squash

2. Go green with leafy greens. Can you imagine scrubbing every leaf of a head of romaine lettuce? It's too difficult with leafy greens to make sure you remove all of the chemicals, and greens are particularly susceptible to pests, so they are often grown with high levels of pesticides. Fortunately, other vegetables, such as broccoli, either don't retain pesticides very well or don't need a lot to begin with, so it's okay to go with conventionally grown varieties.

Go Organic: All lettuces and greens such as kale, collards, mustard, swiss chard, and spinach

Save Your Cash: Broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, cauliflower, eggplant, melons, and sweet potatoes

3. Milk it! Although much of the hormones and antibiotics used in conventional milk production are washed out before we drink it, the process isn't perfect and some make it through. Plus, there is evidence that organic milk has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep our hearts healthy. But be wary when you see fish touted as organic. Fish grow in the ocean, where it's impossible to know what (if any) pesticides they've encountered, so the USDA has no guidelines for certifying organic seafood.

Go Organic: Milk, yogurt, and cheese

Save Your Cash: Fish and other seafood
Source



I often shop at Meijer's and they do offer some organic choices. I know they offer organic berries and potatoes. They also have a canned line of food, Meijer Organics, which I use. Here are some interesting facts about Meijer's healthy options:

Meijer Organics
Introduced to the shelves in 2007, currently Meijer carries over 200 Meijer Organics products. These Meijer products have at least 95% or more organic ingredients while maintaining good flavor and taste. They must also be certified by the USDA. Meijer certified organic foods are derived using no antibiotics, growth hormones, conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.

Meijer Naturals
Meijer Naturals products are minimally processed and follow these guidelines:

• No Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s)
• No high fructose corn syrup, refined sugars, or artificial sweeteners
• No hydrogenated oils or trans fats
• No refined flours or milled grains
• No artificial food colorings, flavorings or preservatives

Meijer Homegrown
Meijer has teamed up with over 65 local growers and farmers in the five states where we live to provide you with the highest quality fresh produce. Unlike many other retailers, Meijer builds relationships directly with local farmers and inspects product quality before it hits our store shelves. Keep it close to home and get the best produce fresh from the family farm to the family table. There are many benefits to buying home grown including:

• Supports your local economy.
• Contributes to a Sustainable Environment: Home grown produce travels fewer miles, resulting in lower emissions from transportation.
• Home grown is often less expensive, adding to your financial bottom line!
• You get the freshest, best tasting and most nutritious produce available.

Meijer Ecowise
Meijer Ecowise is a brand that provides environmentally friendly products to individuals who want to make the earth a cleaner, healthier place for their family and future generations.
Meijer Ecowise products:

• Are nontoxic
• Involve no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients
• Feature recyclable packaging
• Shipped domestically within the U.S. and Canada

Meijer Ecowise is a key addition to the Meijer family of brands, giving customers a range of earth-friendly products that work well at an exceptional value. The distinctive offerings of the Meijer Ecowise brand reflect the core values of:

• Products that are better for our environment
• Effective items that meet most needs
• Quality equal to or better than national brand at a lower price

Have a great Wednesday! Hump Day!