Pesticides, Additives in Food: ‘Ruined by a Diet of Neurosis’

I don’t know whether to be angry with Dr. Plested for giving readers such terrible advice, or sad because a fellow physician shows such an abysmal lack of knowledge concerning the role environmental toxins play in the genesis of cancer, birth defects, and a wide array of other major health problems.

True, Dr. Plested is correct when he advises readers to avoid smoking and engage in some form of exercise, there is no denying that. He is, however, ill-informed when it comes to giving nutritional advice. Not only should people cut down on animal fats, they should cut them down drastically. Moderation in this situation, I believe, is inappropriate. Ninety-five percent of the pesticides and toxins consumed by Americans can be found in animal products since animals accumulate poisons in their tissue.

Although Dr. Plested ridicules organically grown food and pure distilled water, derisively calling them part of a “loony health craze” or “fad” diet, using pure food and water is the very approach needed to keep Americans healthy and fit. It can even clean out the clogged arteries which could unnecessarily lead to a bypass operation, Dr. Plested’s specialty. Following a run-of-the-mill, well-balanced diet--his recommendation--has been one of the factors causing bypass surgery to become a growth industry in the last 15 years.

According to the Arizona Republic, Americans eating chemical-laden meats have a risk of developing cancer 54 times greater than the government has led people to believe.

Most Americans are rightfully concerned about the safety of their food and water. Reassurances from government agencies and ill-informed doctors no longer impress them. To their credit they will demand a cleaner environment and will search out safe food in spite of derision from so-called experts.

JOSEPH D. WEISSMAN, M.D.

Torrance