For nearly a decade I have researched the genetically engineered foods that have made their was into our food supply as untested and unregulated ingredients. In the process there has been a lot of evidence of Congressional corruption and the undermining of the regulatory Agencies cross my radar. It has made me a huge critic of Government assurances of safety.

While many of the individuals in these agencies are dedicated professionals the overall corruption by corporate interests has mad food and nutrition a virtual wild west of consumer risks.

We are left to fend for ourselves and while the internet and publications seem to offer valuable advice it is a Herculean task to try to figure out if it is a front group created by a slick PR campaign or a genuine consumer watchdog telling us that a particular treatment, food or supplement is beneficial.

In an effort to help consumers find some trusted sources as a starting point for determining the validity of whatever alth and nutrition advice they are getting I've put together a collection of sources that will help.

Remember that in all cases no one knows better than you when something isn't quite right with your body and the most expert and dedicated medical professional still relies on you to try to work with them in identifying what is helping your overall health or indicating a problem.

We are the best advocates for ourselves and armed with the best sources of information we can make the best choices for ourselves.

One area that many of us seem to forget when we think about healthful options in our diets is our body products. Technically we aren't swallowing these but they are absorbed through the skin and going into us just the same so rethinking how we think about those is an easy first step in a process of purifying.

One of my favorite references is the Environmental Working Group who researches and reports on every aspect of chemicals in our lives. They have put together a tremendously helpful database of personal care products called Skin Deep described in their own words.

Skin Deep pairs ingredients in more than 25,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind. Why did a small nonprofit take on such a big project? Because the FDA doesn't require companies to test their own products for safety.

Another are that is exploding with claims about health is herbs and botanicals. It is true that very many have long histories of safe and effective use but when the companies who market these become the primary source of information it is easy for claims to be exaggerated or hold little evidence of any basis in fact.

My first choice for checking on those claims is the world famous Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center who have the added benefit of traditional medical doctors to shed light on possible interactions with commonly prescribed classes of medications. Their Integrative Medicine Service is not the only source, nor is it exhaustive in the coverage, but it can be used as a wonderful guide to measure the other sources you encounter for accuracy and reliability of information.

Last is a bit of help in finding alternative medicine if or when you are considering a treatment route that goes against traditional Western medical models. Again, many practices from acupuncture to meditation have long histories of safe and effective use but they also have enough unknowns that the potential for making an error as a consumer.

Columbia University Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has resources to help you understand what options are viable. It also provides tools to understand what certifications you should look for in choosing a professional to work with in the event you seek a therapy for a medical condition.

As with the other suggestions, it is not the only source, or an answer to every situation, but a trusted group to begin a process of finding a way to balance life and health that works for you. Too often we as consumers let hope color our judgment and guide our choices and when it comes to our bodies we only get one. It is essential to be strong advocates by being well informed consumers.

As we educate ourselves, we in turn support those groups and products that are working for us and not just for the profits of an opportunistic marketer in a field with as many questions and claims as stars in the sky. As we learn and grow the network of organizations that are devoted to a more healthful lifestyle we help build a better future for all.

That's worth a smile on any day.  Positive energy, laughter and smiling is the best medicine; so no matter what we're looking to improve, share a smile and improve a life!!

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