WHY I TELL ALL MY PATIENTS TO GET THEIR FOOD FROM A LOCAL FARMER

For many years now, I have advised patients, friends, and family to find a local farmer and get to know their practices. Most people live in proximity of at least one farm. Many farms are not certified organic due to the expense of certification; however, they often use organic practices. One farm I bought produce from several years ago was not certified organic. When this farmer discovered that the feed she was buying for her chickens was produced next to a farm planting GMO feed, she immediately switched suppliers to ensure there was no contamination from neighboring fields. This is an example of a good practice! As our food sources become more corrupted and polluted, in my opinion, this is the most important thing we can do for our health. If you can plant your own food, even better! The shorter the time from garden to table, the more nutrients remain in the food. The quality of food is unmatched when it comes straight from the farm to your table.

What’s so bad about corporate farming? A lot! The methods they use cause a decline in soil quality. The soil has decreased microbial diversity because they plant single crops (called monocrops), and because they replant in the same soil year after year, there is a loss of soil nutrients, especially minerals. Some minerals that have been known to be depleted include calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper, and zinc. For more specifics, see the article referenced at the end.

Why is it even more important to buy meat from a local farmer? At least corporate fruits and vegetables have some antioxidants that help quench the chemicals in them. Corporate meat, on the other hand, is lacking in vitamins, pumped with hormones and other chemicals, and inhumanely treated in many, if not most, cases. Grass-fed versus factory-farmed meat is typically higher in vitamin E, B vitamins (B3, B5, B6, and B12), as well as antioxidants and omega-3s. Many of us are also aware of the negative environmental impact of factory farming animals for consumption.

And don't be fooled by farm stands where you are unfamiliar with the farmers. Believe it or not, some stands simply buy from the local grocery store and sell it at the farm stand. And don't be fooled into thinking the food in the store is less expensive. In many cases, buying from a local farmer is no more expensive, particularly when you consider the quality of the food. In our society, a disconnect has been created, causing us to forget that the food that we eat has a direct relationship to our health or lack thereof. We are disconnected to the fundamental concept that food IS medicine. 

So where do you start? For myself, I contact the farmer and ask to meet. Every time I have done this; the farmer has been more than happy to show me around and explain their farming processes. If you would like to find the farms I use in Frederick, just send me an email or text. It does take a bit of time and effort, but it is worth knowing that the food you are eating to nourish your body, contains as many valuable nutrients as possible to better your health and so often bring joy into your life. 

This is a helpful article for looking at specific nutrient loss from factory farming: Bhardwaj, Raju Lal et al. “An Alarming Decline in the Nutritional Quality of Foods: The Biggest Challenge for Future Generations' Health.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 13,6 877. 14 Mar. 2024, doi:10.3390/foods13060877