Jonathan:
I applaud your encouraging nutritional ways for folks to build blood cells, among other benefits to be had by supplying the body what it needs to do its work.
I also have done some research on the chlorine and fluoride issues, and agree that these are extremely toxic chemicals even in small doses (in our drinking water, the dose may be small, but it is repeated over and over and over every day, so the total dose we get over a period of months and years is huge...). "Natural" water, the way it was before we had huge municipal water systems incorporating chemical treatment to remove bacteria, etc., lacked these chemicals, and those of us old enough to remember will tell you it tasted, smelled, and felt different.
Also, your advice to thoroughly chew your food, drop your fork in between, and relax through your meal is really important. (American culture seems to specialize - even revel - in stress: rush, rush, rush, stuff it in, cram it down, do a million things really fast, get as little sleep as possible, and go out and do it again.) I confess I am often guilty of this. I work a twelve hour shift and only get 1/2 hour lunch. That includes meal preparation, eating, cleanup). I know I am not getting the nutrients I need, since I virtually inhale my meals more often than I care to admit. In order for our bodies to function normally, not to mention heal from surgery, trauma, or illness, we need proper nutrition
that can be absorbed maximally - so, like your mother [and Jonathan] said, put your napkin in your lap, sit straight at the table, and [slowly] chew your food!
Your blood cells (and others) will thank you.
