The Next Generation

This may be unusual to admit, especially for a man, but I have a burden for children who struggle with less-than-vibrant health. I find it saddening to know that some children are born with a toxin load that is not their fault, or of their own making. Many conditions from heavy metal poisoning to poor digestion to

As a child and young adult, I was always the sick kid. I’m told I needed oxygen at birth and had a poor sucking reflex. As a young child, I had allergies—at least that’s what it was diagnosed as. Doctors told us I would grow out of it, but instead they kept worsening as I entered my teens. Not until I was grown and married did I learn about compromised immune systems or liver overload, which we now know was significant portion of my problem, not to mention a significant parasite load. I don’t know anything other than being underweight and the subsequent lack of energy many skinny people deal with (don’t laugh if you carry extra weight around:). Being perpetually underweight can be as disturbing as being overweight).

While my parents were concerned during my growing-up years, to be fair, they didn’t have the resources we have today, and thus the problem continued. But I was fortunate. First, I married a girl who does not believe in resigning herself to an existing problem. Esther, the queen of my life, fought and researched and prayed for my health—or lack thereof— like no one had ever done before. And we were shown avenues to explore—and solutions. At the lowest point of my physical health in the summer of 2015 when I was dealing with digestive problems that had morphed into leaky gut as well as acute liver overload, we were connected to the Vermeesch’s at Genesis Performance Chiropractic, as well as Dr. Kevin Turner at Restorative Wellness, both who were instrumental in my finding improved health and resilience. At that point we were already in the business of producing great food, but sad to say, it was more of a business venture to us than a lifestyle or an instrument with which to heal ourselves. But in the past several years of studying and learning, of reading various sources such as the Weston A. Price Foundation, we are more convinced than ever that true nutrition from real food—or the absence thereof, determines the physical basis of the body—in both humans and animals—and turns genetic potential off or on. This is known as epigenetics.

As parents, creating a future for the next generation may well be our most important responsibility. I’m not talking about creating a college fund or making sure your kids are not deprived of the best education (which may be important by themselves).  Each generation plays a fundamental part in the physical resilience and health of the following generations and the decisions we make, or don’t make, could be our greatest contribution to our family.

Unknown to most people, food is evolving. With the introduction of a host of processed convenience—not to mention genetically modified—foods in the last 20 years, today’s generation is predicted to be the first not to outlive their parents. Whether or not that happens, the fact remains that the food choices of our parents (unless they were very health conscious) will likely not work for the current generation. Those who are the quickest to adapt and change—which is to say educate themselves—will have an advantage.

While food trends continue to come and go, true nutrition in status quo food continues to decrease  at unprecedented rates. This is largely due to the soils of the world being made to produce artificially via chemical and fossil amendments rather than being helped to heal themselves via good animal management (manure) and mineral reintroduction, as well as the constant increase of artificial ingredients and preservatives.  Who will suffer most as we continue to burn the life out of our food-producing soils?  If I may answer my own question; the growing generation who desperately needs great food to build durable physical structure.

It’s all about the next generation. This is a responsibility that should not be ignored or taken lightly.   Unfortunately, I see far too many parents procrastinating and taking the “stick your head in the sand” approach to management.  Ignorance may be bliss – but it is a very poor management strategy, and knowledge is responsibility. Your children and grandchildren are depending on you. And that’s the View from the Country.