The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the environment and human health. Each year, the group gives us a “dirty dozen” list of fruits and vegetables. It also releases a “Clean 15” produce list.

First, I want to put a disclosure front and center. Several prominent organic marketers fund the Environmental Working Group.

The “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables

The Environmental Working Group’s annual Dirty Dozen report exclaims strawberries, spinach, and nectarines have the most pesticide residues. Here is the complete 2022 rundown:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Bell and hot peppers
8. Cherries
9. Peaches
10. Pears
11. Celery
12. Tomatoes

The EWG notes that a small amount of papaya, summer squash, and sweet corn sold in the United States is made from genetically modified seeds. Consider buying organic varieties of these crops if you want to dodge genetically modified produce.

The “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables — testing

The US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do the testing. They found 245 different pesticides and pesticide breakdown products on over 70 percent of non-organic produce.

Before performing a test, the USDA washes, scrubs, and peels them as a typical consumer would. It seems clear from the report that simple washing is not enough to remove all pesticides.

The “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables — Criticism

An industry group for growers of produce (both organic and non-organic) and some dieticians offer objections to the report, noting that the annual report raises an unnecessary alarm and may discourage folks from eating enough fruits and vegetables.

Listen to Teresa Thorne, Executive Director of the Alliance for Food and Farming:

“Ignore or discount the list.” Like others, she fears that if an organic fruit or vegetable costs more, as they often do, consumers will bypass produce altogether, especially low-income consumers. “Pick what’s best for you and your family,” she says.

Counters toxicologist Dr. Alexis Temkin of the Environmental Working Group: “All the residues found were within legal limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency. She adds that “although the levels are legal, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are safe.

On the other hand, the report provides information to help consumers make informed decisions about the produce they choose to purchase.

Before you turn away from buying that produce, remember that both organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables have pesticides of different sorts. There is a Pesticide Residue Calculator from toxicologists at the University of California, Riverside, that provides some comfort.

You can use the calculator to see that trace amounts of chemicals in conventionally grown produce don’t appear to be hazardous. One may consume 850 apples per day without suffering harm from pesticides. I am a bit sceptical about such claims, but the calculator provides another perspective.

I am a work in progress, trying to have about half of my plate filled with fruits and vegetables. That is the best move I’ve made in my diet in a long time. You too should think about getting those fruits and vegetables!

What is your approach?

The post The Best Diet Move I’ve Made appeared first on Medika Life.

Our pediatric office has many acne advice requests, as young people notice the skin blemishes in their HI-Def-selfie world.

There are a lot of myths about acne. Your grandmother will tell you its all in the diet. Believe it or not, acne is not caused by eating too much chocolate or greasy food.

Acne breakouts occur due to a combination of factors such as spikes in certain hormones, clogged pores in the skin, and common but mostly mild skin infections.

How can I fix Acne on my own?

The best way to prevent acne is to take care of your skin. Clean and healthy skin is more resistant to pimply outbreaks.

1. Wash your face. Use warm water and cleanser specifically designed for the face. Harsh soaps and scrubs may damage the skin and make acne worse.

2. Do not pick, squeeze, or pop pimples.

3. Avoid oil-based skin products and make-up. One easy trick is to choose a moisturizer with the words “non-comedogenic” on the label.

4. Try an over the counter medication.

5. Be skeptical of online and television advertising highlighting magic cures and overnight remedies.

PHOTO BY ANDRIANO_CZ ISTOCK BY GETTY

Don’t pop that pimple!

Pimples are so tempting. They stare at you in the mirror, almost begging to be popped. Don’t do it. Resist the urge to squeeze it until it bursts. Pimple popping is one of the worst things you can do as it damages the underlying skin.

Damaged skin can lead to scarring and worsen the skin’s appearance.

Acne medication can help

At the first sign of an acne breakout of acne is first noticed, you can try over the counter products like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. These products help to clean the skin and remove debris from pores.

It is always a good idea to start off trying a little of these products on small skin areas. Acne medication can cause skin irritation and, occasionally, an adverse reaction.

If these over the counter solutions do not yield positive results, schedule an evaluation with your pediatric healthcare provider for an assessment. There are multiple medications that your pediatrician can prescribe based on the type and severity of acne.

1. Retinoids-These medications help unclog pores.
2. Prescription strength salicylic acid– These medications remove dead layers of skin and unclog pores.
3. Antibiotics- Antibiotics improve acne by reducing inflammation and killing the bacteria, causing pimples.
4. Birth control pills-Some females benefit from oral contraceptive pills, which reduce the hormonal effects on acne.

A pediatric appointment either in person or by using telemedicine technology can provide a massive lift in self-esteem, allowing our youth to embrace the prom, graduation, or even their next Zoom gathering.

Blog Author: Dr. Agboola O. Fatiregun

The post Teenage Pimple Popping: Resist The Urge to Pop That Zit appeared first on Medika Life.