Today, early in the 21st century, good nutrition is more important than ever. Our manufactured farming methods with their dependence on NPK fertilizers using only three nutritional ingredients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) yield foods that are nutritionally deficient when compared to the same foods at the beginning of the 20th century. Some of the effects of our society not meeting the nutritional needs of its population are explored in the following article by Dr. Chris Jackson, "Effects of Undernutrition and Malnutrition on Behavior".
Download this Article on Nutrition and Behavior by Dr. Jackson.
Diet and nutrition choices can be difficult to navigate in today's world of processed "franken-foods". Not sure what we mean by "franken-foods"? Here are some of the culprits. Many mass-produced fast foods include neurotoxins monosodium glutamate (MSG) and synthetic sweeteners such as aspartame (Nutrasweet or Equal), which is also a neurotoxin, sucralose (Splenda), and saccharine (Sweet n' Low). In addition to neurotoxins and synthetic sweeteners, more additives include various artificial colors such as red 40, blue 1, and yellow 5, and preservatives such as sodium benzoate, BHT, and many more. Of course, there are many preferable natural plant-derived flavors, sweeteners, and colors available, so why pollute our food? Although, one so-called "natural" FDA-approved red color, a known allergen, is extracted by crushing red insects (Dactylopius coccus) and labeled as Cochineal Extract or Carmine. Carmine is present in many foods, including many yogurts and bottled drinks, even some labeled 100 % juice! Sure, if you include beetle juice!
Genetic modification of food and irradiation practices are highly suspect, and chemical additives like MSG and artificial colors, like caffeine in soda and energy drinks, may be linked to childhood hyperactivity. Pesticides used on our food supplies have hormonally disrupting, developmentally toxic, carcinogenic, and neurotoxic effects and are especially toxic when combined, so going organic is better. We also need water in a pure form, yet municipal water often contains toxins like chlorine and fluoride, and warm plastic bottles often leach chemical estrogens. Food is often subjected to chemical preservation and heated above 115 degrees F, losing its enzymes and nutritional value and creating health issues.
Dr. Jackson has also written an article on the effects of caffeine on health and behavior.
Download this Article on Caffeine by Dr. Chris Jackson
Call (727) 329-9637 for an appointment.
Dr. Christopher Jackson, Ph.D., D.O.M., A.P. (FL), is team doctor on an exciting project, the 30 day health-improving pizza diet with Matt McClellan, owner of "Tour de Pizza", illustrating that pizza is a more natural choice than fast food, with fresher ingredients than the highly processed fast foods. Segments have appeared on Channel 13 FOX News, the Channel 10 News,and the Morning Show. The accomplishments of the 30 day pizza diet were praised by Jared of Subway diet fame on Channel 13 Good Day Tampa Bay.
A video slide show was created by St. Petersburg Times staff, based on work by reporter Dalia Colón and photographer Luis Santana, who also documented Matt's progress in the initial article and follow-up article in the St. Petersburg Times, and in the Tampa Bay Times newspaper. The implication is not that everyone should be on a pizza diet, but the 30 day pizza diet results showed that it is a better choice overall than many fast foods. Unlike many fast foods, fresh pizza usually does not have the additives that are used by the food industry to enhance flavor and food appearance, and to extend shelf life. Every day of the 30 day pizza diet is packed with fresh enzyme-packed nutrition.
