Page 27 - Barefoot guide

WHAT WEAKENS OUR BODIES?

• Too many refined carbohydrates, sugar, fat, salt and alcohol can lead to or
worsen diabetes, obesity, hypertension and other illnesses.
• Toxins such as alcohol, nicotine and other drugs; pesticides and herbicides,
sprayed on crops or used around the home; excessive use of chemical
fertilisers; food additives, polluted water. These can lead to liver disease and
cancers. They kill our gut microbes, weakening our immune system.
• Some agrochemicals bind important nutrients such as calcium and some
micronutrients in the plants and make them unavailable to our bodies. This
leads to deficiencies even if you eat a variety of foods. These deficiencies
weaken your body and immune system.
• You need salt but too much salt can strain your kidneys and
cause hypertension.
• Cigarettes and air pollution can cause cancer and lung disease.
• Highly processed foods, like shop-baked biscuits and snacks, processed
meats, some tinned foods, contain a lot of harmful additives such as
preservatives, artificial colouring and flavouring which can weaken your
immune system and cause cancer. They are also heavy in salt and sugar, which
can cause hypertension and diabetes.

When I look at Nelima’s food diagram, I can
see that the food I gave her when she was
growing up helped her build a strong body.
I’ve always grown many different foods and
cooked with wild greens as well. But lately,
I’ve been lazy about cooking for myself. Like
many of our villagers, I’ve started eating too
much maize porridge and sugar. I’m so happy
that Nelima has come to help us to eat well.

JOYCE

CHAPTER 3: FINDING FOOD FOR STRONG BODIES 19