The following is reprinted with permission from the Fall 2010 Wise Traditions Journal, a quarterly journal from the Weston A. Price Foundation. My journal came in the mail last week; I love reading it cover to cover. The main reason I became a member of the Weston A. Price Foundation was to receive the journal. It is chocked full of interesting information. Let me encourage you to become a member today. -Julie
Use of lead pipes and lead cooking vessels is given as one reason for the decline of ancient Rome. Ingestion of lead over time leads to brain and kidney damage, gastrointestinal symptoms, anemia, neurological symptoms, depressed sperm count and increased risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and impaired mental development. The Romans were largely unaware of the insidious effects of lead in their food, wine and water.
The plant-based, low-fat, low-salt diet enshrined in the USDA dietary guidelines is contributing to chronic disease, digestive disorders, infertility and increasing developmental problems in our children; yet few are aware of the relationship between these dictates and the steady decline in our health. If followed, these guidelines are a lead pipe cinch for increasing infertility, fatigue, learning disorders and all manner of illness, which sap the lifeblood of our society and will result in its inevitable decline. And the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines Committee is determined that they will be followed, focusing its attention on behavior modification techniques to ensure compliance and stipulating adherence in schools, hospitals, prisons and other institutions. The Committee admits that most people don adhere to their strictures, but prefers that we indulge in processed foods made with industrial fats, specifically, warning against eggs, bacon and cheese.
We at the Weston A. Price Foundation have been following the actions of the Committee as it moves relentlessly towards new 2010 guidelines that are even stricter than earlier versions - specifically with lower recommended levels of saturated fat and salt, two nutrients that are key to brain function. We have submitted testimony, listened to webinars, attended hearings and issued press releases. In fact, it was only due to the efforts of our publicist, Kimberly Hartke, that there was any media representation at all at recent hearings. To read testimony from those who oppose the guidelines, visit Kimberly's blog. WAPF is also developing a colorful poster and booklet describing the principles of healthy, nutrient-dense diets. Our alternative guidelines recommended four groups: animal foods including dairy; grains, legumes and nuts; fruits and vegetables; and healthy fats. We'll keep you posted on our progress and announce these materials with appropriate publicity.
Meanwhile, the best way to learn about the latest in nutrition science and to enjoy delicious healthy food is to attend Wise Traditions 2010, our 11th annual conference. We urge you not to delay in pre-registering; ticket sales are funning way ahead of last year and we'd hate to turn away any of our members for lack of space. Click here for details on our speakers.
Sally Fallon Morell, MA
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