According to the Office of Disease Progression and Health Promotion, arthritis is currently reported by 54.4 million U.S. adults. That is a very sobering statistic.
I have had arthritis for almost 28 years. I’ve tried painkillers, physical therapy, cortisone, opioids, ultrasound, massage, and a TENS machine. Since I am almost 70 years old, there has been a progression of pain in my back and hips that I experience every day.
I am always on the lookout for new alternative methods of controlling pain. One popular approach is eating organic food.
What is so great about eating organic foods? I’ve always avoided organic foods in the grocery store, thinking they wouldn’t taste as good and be much more expensive than regular items.
How Organic Food is Grown
Some farmers use pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, that leave residue on fruits, vegetables, and grains. These chemicals may cause inflammation in the body, and that may cause more arthritis pain.
Here are some benefits of buying organic food:
- No pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones
- Can be more nutrient-rich
- Generally fresher in taste
- Better for the environment
Of course, there always has to be a downside to everything.
Drawbacks of Buying Organic Foods
- It’s more expensive. Groceries are sky-high these days and if you have a pinched pocketbook, you may have to cut out other foods that you enjoy to get the health benefits of organic.
- The fruit has a more rustic appearance. When you don’t use pesticides, more insects will be attracted to those fruity smells and may leave marks on the skin.
- Shorter shelf life. Fewer pesticides mean that you need to use the product as soon as possible.
Meat, Eggs, and Dairy
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “To qualify as organic, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products must come from animals that have been given no antibiotics or growth hormones.”
Livestock are fed all organic, hormone, and GMO-free feed. Disease prevention is accomplished by using natural methods such as a healthy diet, clean housing, and rotational grazing.
Where to Buy Organic Food on a Budget
Club Stores
You’ll pay $50 or more a year to join a warehouse club store such as Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club. But you can recoup the annual fee with the savings you’ll get by buying warehouse clubs’ discounted bulk items, especially organic fare.
Some club stores will issue a one-day pass so you can browse before you commit to a membership.
Read labels to see which products are organic and if you have a freezer for storage, you can save by buying in bulk. One drawback is that these products may have a shorter shelf life, so keep that in mind.
Farmer’s Market
I enjoy shopping at the Farmer’s Market. I noticed that a few of the booths had banners that stated they were selling organic fruits and vegetables.
Do some comparison shopping of your own at your local farmers market to see how its prices stack up. You may find that the prices are lower than at the supermarket.
Walmart
According to Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman, “We don’t think people should have to pay more to put organic on the table.” Walmart stocks over 1,000 organic grocery items, including their signature Great Value line.
Trader Joe’s
If you have a Trader Joe’s in your area, you may be able to find some good organic bargains. Fruits and vegetables, beef, yogurt, and coffee are among its top deals.
Final Thoughts
Buying organic foods can strain your budget, so consider your family’s needs and lifestyle to make choices that will give you the most benefits.
