Don't Send Your Child to School with a Lunchbox Full of Death

School is starting and across the country loving parents are unwittingly packing slow death into their children's lunchboxes. The EPA would be in an uproar if our drinking water contained the proportionate nitrate level common in bologna and other processed meats. Nitrous amines are one of the most potent carcinogens on earth. They form metabolically from the ingestion of sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite, commonly used to preserve processed meats, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, even smoked fish such as lox.

The dangers of nitrates are well-known to farmers. Decades of heavy fertilizer use can allow nitrates to seep into the groundwater that feeds farm wells. In an examination of water samples from 3,351 farm wells, the US Geological Survey found 9% to exceed safe standards for nitrates, forcing them to be abandoned. The risk to farm families is great. Not only are nitrates a potent carcinogen, but high levels can cause fatal oxygen deprivation in infants.

When Ralph Nader crusaded against the use of nitrates in processed meats, the meat industry screamed botulism! Actually, it would cost millions of dollars to develop safe preservatives and retool the industry. Food industry clout in Washington once again won the day at the consumers' expense.

There are many safe alternatives to lunch meat. Whole food markets sell nitrate/nitrite-free processed meats. Sliced fresh-cooked turkey and roast beef, egg salad and PB&J are all healthful alternatives and provide excellent nutrition without the nitrate risk. Large daily doses of vitamin C (1 gram or more) can also counter the ill effects of nitrates.

And here's a thought for adults: Centuries ago saltpeter (sodium or potassium nitrate) was added to the diet of sailors on the high seas to reduce libido. Maybe you don't need that little blue pill; just stop eating bologna for lunch every day!

Alternative medicine authority Burton Goldberg wants you and your family to be and stay as healthy as possible. He recommends a healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, and regular exercise as the foundation for good health. Many alternative medicine practices can increase your ability to stay healthy in the midst of the daily environmental risks we face. Should you become ill, Dr. Goldberg advocates a multimodal approach to fighting disease that combines the best alternative and conventional treatments available to attack the problem on multiple fronts. Visit Dr. Goldberg's website (just click the post title) to find out more and live a longer and healthier life.