“The youngest generation of Americans is being raised on food products and do not even know what real food is,” said Nancy Deville, author of the new book, “Death by Supermarket: The Fattening, Dumbing Down and Poisoning of America.”

In this age of increasing cases of type 2 diabetes, allergies, asthma, neurological disorders and obesity among children, Deville shuns the idea of taking “baby steps” toward a solution. Rather, she advocates drastic, “revolutionary” measures to rescue children from this “dire emergency.”

“I’ve been asked to tone my message down, but I just say no, because somebody has to be the voice of reason,” said Deville in a phone interview from her Boston home.

First, purge the pantry. Throw out all the processed food — meaning anything that wasn’t “picked, gathered, milked, hunted or fished.” Don’t eat it first, she added; just pitch it.

Second, feed your children whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods rich in fat, cholesterol and protein. Don’t fret over fat and cholesterol. “Children’s bodies need fats to develop their endocrine systems. ... Children’s brains need cholesterol to develop, and amino acids to make happy brain neurotransmitters,” she said.

Third, cut out sugar. “(Dental) cavities are a direct result of eating sugar. ... Sugar is what is causing obesity,” she said.

To be prepared for combat in today’s “toxic food wasteland,” keep healthy snacks at hand, she said.
“Have containers of whole, organic (or if your state allows it ‘raw’) milk, cut-up carrots, bell peppers, apple slices, celery with organic peanut butter, turkey, ham and cheese ‘roll ups,’ raisins and other fruit, organic whole yogurt with homemade granola, homemade popcorn and other real food snacks at home an in the car.”

Deville is a best-selling investigative health and medical author. For information, visit www.nancydeville.com

— Betsy Bethel

The Eyes Have Had It

With the heat and the furnace on, dust particles and dry environments can cause your family’s eyes to become irritated, itchy and dry. The cold temperature and wind also create a condition of dryness that causes your eyes to react.

Dr. Robert Latkany, author of “The Dry Eye Remedy” (Hatherleigh Press) suggests five simple things you and your family can do to be more comfortable this winter season:

1. Catch some Zsss: A deep sleep of at least eight hours bathes the eye, replenishes the tear film, and soothes the ocular surface. So go ahead and hibernate this winter!

2. Load up on Omega-3s: Soybeans, wheat germ, walnuts, flaxseed and canola oil are rich in omega-3s, but if you prefer a pill, try fish oil supplements.

3. Exercise: Besides keeping you trim and limber, exercise reduces toxins and boosts the health of your ocular surface.

4. Stay hydrated: Six to eight glasses of water a day helps wash away toxins and promotes healthy vision.

5. Don’t worry, be happy: Spend time with friends and family. There is evidence that social interaction, alongside diet and exercise, lowers stress and inflammation.