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| Organic Food, Fish/Soda and Candy/Fats, Plastics: Reducing Chemical Exposures when Pregnant, Planning a Pregnancy, or Breastfeeding |
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Traditionally farmed food often contains pesticides and hormones. Although research is varied with respect to the specific effects on pregnancy and the developing fetus when these chemicals are consumed at relatively low levels, studies using non-human animals have consistently shown these chemicals to cause problems in pregnancy, in the developing fetus, and in young animals. As such, the most conservative approach is to try to avoid these chemicals as much as possible by purchasing more organic produce, dairy, meats, and food products. Living the Science Resources and Recommendations: Organic Food and Drink By Grouping:
Books with More Information about Toxins in Food and Drink and about Avoiding Them by Consuming Organic Food and Drink:
Organic Food and Drink: By Food Category:
Baby Formula, Baby Food, Toddler Food, Snack Food, Cereal, Bread, Pasta, Sauce, Dairy, Meat, Juice, Coffee, Spices, Baking Goods, Candy, Organic Cooking Oil. By Food Type:
Gourmet, Italian, Asian, Indian, Mexican. By Organic Food Brand:
"Earth’s Best", "Annies", "Amy’s", "Horizon", "Newman’s Own", "Nature’s Path" , "Pacific Natural Foods", "Late July", "Muir Glen", "Health Valley", "Farmer’s Market Foods", "CLIF" , "Calbee", "Yummy Earth", "Bob’s Red Mill", "Envirokidz", "Fruitabu", "Navitas" , "Let’s Do Organic", "Raw Revolution" , "Happy Bellies", "Bearitos", "Zen Soy", "Fruit Blooms", "Simply Organic". 7. Going organic is just a start: pay attention to your choices in fish, packaged meats, soda, candy and fats.
Pregnancy is a perfect time to alter your choices in food. Chances are you will want to eat more than you ever have and as such, why not take the opportunity to make all those choices the safer ones. This enhanced appetite generally continues while you are breastfeeding. With respect to fish, first and foremost fish really is good for you while pregnant despite the mercury risks. The key is to eat at least but no more than two small servings per week and make sure that you are making wise fish choices. This means choosing fish that was caught in the wild (not farmed) and choosing small to medium non-bottom feeder fish. Basically this means avoiding king mackeral, shark, swardfisg, tilefish, and other very large fish that eat other smaller fish. Canned tuna can be tricky so if you like it you may want to find some of the “low mercury” brands (see resources below). Packaged meats should be limited if they contain sodium nitrates given their association with some types of cancer. Many companies now offer “nitrate free” meats and as such, these represent the safer choice. Many sodas and candy often contain specific color additives that have also been shown to cause some types of cancer in animal studies. The best choices here are natural sodas and candies that specifically say “no artificial color additives used” (again, see resources below if you have trouble finding choices at your local store or if you just want to stock up). Finally, with respect to food choices an important thing to pay attention to is what types of fat you are eating. Trans-fats are artificial fats that make oil more solid and increase its shelf-life – they are also associated with substantially increased risks of heart disease and increased cholesterol levels. The good news is that even fast food restaurants are starting to phase out trans-fat use, still, typical supermarket shelves are stocked with many foods loaded with this stuff. The best advice is to look at labels and pick those with zero trans-fats. Living the Science Resources and Recommendations: Fish, Packaged Food, Soda, Candy and Fats
Books With More Information About Eating Safe Fish Book With More Information About Organic Food Tuna with Certified Low Levels of Mercury
8. Start thinking about plastic. Books With More Information About Chemicals and Health Glass Storage Containers with Lids |