The online health-centered “crunch” community has always had an anti-government bent. It makes sense, since it’s made up of trad wives who want legal raw milk, health buffs who hate chemicals and junk food, moms who are concerned about vaccines, hippies who want to use natural products, and other groups that tend to go against their status. That’s true. ah. Individual responsibility to make choices that benefit both people and the planet has often been a community link between vastly different accounts and motivations.
And then there’s Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and him. make america healthy again (MAHA) Agenda. Many of the same toothless influencers who were championing personal responsibility and making informed choices for their families suddenly turned into a federal government that made choices for every family in America. He started praising the government.
As a candidate for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), RFK Jr. there is a chance He’s using the federal government’s power to restrict things he thinks are making Americans sick, including seed oils, junk food, vaccines and chemicals. Most of the Crunch community would support him doing so. Erin Carroll is a health-conscious influencer. Maha applaudedproposed that the federal government should work to ban GMOs, pesticides, herbicides, and fluoride in tap water. “Imagine a health care system led by someone who truly puts our well-being above corporate profits.” I wrote Carly Shankman, another online crunchy influencer, supports RFK Jr.
But many in the tough world continue to insist that the federal government shouldn’t take away choices from people. “I’m a granola guy, but I’m also a rational, science-minded person. They’re going to have to pry vaccines and pasteurized milk from my cold hands.” lashed out Reddit users on one channel describe themselves as “almost a place for hippies.”
The disagreement over MAHA within the health-focused community proves that two things can be true at the same time. Yes, many things are bad for our health. No, it is not a good idea to ask the federal government to remove these options.
As the typical toothy person among my friends and family, I live with the tension between these two things every day. My house is as pesticide-free as possible, and absolutely no chemicals are allowed, including ingredients called “fragrances”. I don’t use perfume, I make homemade detergent, and I haven’t lit a candle in years. I filter my water and diligently read the ingredient list on everything I buy at the grocery store.
Some people live this way as a preventative measure, but I adopted this lifestyle when I desperately needed treatment. A few years ago, my health deteriorated rapidly, and in addition to several other health issues, I developed severe chemical allergies that made my daily life miserable. I often turned to crunchy influencers for product swaps and brand ideas. It took years and thousands of dollars, but I finally have a home and lifestyle that allows me to stay healthy.
“Over the past 50 years or so, more than 80,000 chemicals have been introduced into our environment, the vast majority of which have not been tested for the first time to determine whether they are safe for human contact. “There was no real difference,” writes author Darin Olien. deadly convenience. The crunch community is right to ask about the effects of these chemicals.
Water quality is also a common and legitimate concern. “Receiving a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.” I will write Environmental Working Group (EWG). EWG tap water database You can find out the level of drinking water contamination in your area by searching using your postal code. I check the database every time I move to a new area and am often shocked to find high levels of chemicals and disinfectants in the water that comes out of my taps.
Legitimate health concerns should not be ignored, but regulations already exist. And as certification Innovative digital tools make it easier than ever to make informed decisions and remove many harmful substances from our lives without increased regulation. global certifier Oeko-tex Easily identify if the clothing, blankets, or towels you purchase have been chemically treated. E.W.G. skin deep database Easily access information about how the ingredients in your personal care products can affect your health. There are also some government certifications that Americans already know and trust, such as the organic label when purchasing at the grocery store.
You may think that worrying about this is a waste of time. If you grew up on Red Dye 40, you’re in great shape!The United States has the safest water supply in the world, so why add a water filter?How I can help my health You are completely free to think it’s stupid to worry about these things, just as you are free to make choices. There’s no need to involve RFK Jr. to make decisions for either of us.
Healthy decision making is not one-size-fits-all. They are trade-offs, and only we can decide what risks to take. I choose to clean without using standard household disinfectants. That’s because I’m wary of the effects disinfectants have on me. My friend is bleaching her countertops because she’s concerned about the risk of germs. I get vaccinated because I think the benefits outweigh the risks. I have family members who are against it. I use little to no sunscreen (only certain brands) because I’m concerned about carcinogenic chemicals. Some people wear sunscreen because they’re worried that the sun will cause skin cancer.
It is your right to get rid of all the candles and clean your house with only vinegar, and it is your neighbor’s right to fill the house with fragrance and eat food with red dye all day long. America is a nation of individuals, and we are free to decide what trade-offs we make to live healthy lives. Instead of asking RFK Jr. to join you, make an informed choice for yourself and your family and leave your neighbors alone.