Archive for February, 2013

How Chemicals Can Affect Child Brain Development

Last December, we had the pleasure of attending an annual symposium hosted by Mount Sinai Childrens Environmental Health Center (CEHC). The keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Wright who discussed how chemicals interfere with a child’s brain development. For those who couldn’t make it, fortunately the CEHC has posted the video for everyone to view and share.

We highly encourage you to watch the symposium, though it is quite long. Admittedly, Dr. Wright’s lecture gets technical, but it is still fascinating to hear. Here are some of the key takeaways from the lectures by the CEHC’s director, Dr. Phillip Landrigan, and the keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Wright.

  • It is now well established and widely accepted that chemical exposures can cause profound brain damage.
  • The critical windows of vulnerability: In the womb and during early brain development.
  • The world our children live in today is fundamentally different from the one that we grew up in. Over the last 50 years, 80,000 new chemicals are now found in everyday products and fewer than 20% of these chemicals have ever been tested for childhood toxicity.
  • Rates of childhood diseases and illnesses - like autism, ADHD, cancer, and obesity - are on the rise.
  • Even taking into account the weight difference between a child versus an adult, the per kg chemical dose that produces a measurable effect in a child is much smaller than an adult because the brain is developing and is therefore more vulnerable.
  • Chemical exposures can affect how the synapses in the brain function - by causing synapses to fire without any environmental stimuli or to block synapses from firing in spite of environmental stimuli or both (lead causes both).

7 Tips to Naturally Boost Your Immunity During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to illness during pregnancy because of their weaker immune system. This can be of particular concern during flu season – especially as severe as the one we are seeing this year. Here are several natural, drug- and chemical-free, and — yes! — even enjoyable tips for boosting your immune system and fighting off illness. Best of all, each tip we spotlight can also ease or improve your pregnancy experience.

1. Exercise

Feeling ill? Work it out? A recent study came to the conclusion that “the more physically fit and active you are, the less likely you are to suffer colds in the winter months.” Exercise also improves your pregnancy experience, as found in an NIH study ascertaining the impact of regular aerobic activity on fifty pregnant women.

2. Staying hydrated

Especially during sick season, preventing dehydration is a must. Poor hydration can weaken the immune system making it harder to expel icky mucus and cool down the body. Aim for close to 2.5L of water per day.

3. Proper sleep

Sleep deprivation has been associated with altered immune function, making the body more susceptible to illness. That said, we know sleep can be hard to come by during pregnancy. Some coping advice: exercise (as we previously recommended here) can help regulate sleep levels, as can sleeping on your left side — never on your back.

4. Laughter

We know it sounds silly, and that’s exactly the point. Several studies have suggested that a few chuckles a day can actually help keep sickness at bay.

We doubt that we’ve exhausted every possible natural antidote to illness that can better your pregnancy to boot. What do you personally practice to help you and your baby stay well?

5. Handwashing

Make sure to wash hands frequently, particularly when preparing foods and eating, after using the bathroom, being in public spaces like the subway or bus, or after being around other sick people. Washing your hands will help to limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. If you can’t make it to a sink, keep a natural hand sanitizer handy. Avoid antibacterial soaps and sanitizers with the potentially harmful chemical triclosan.

6. Vitamin C

In one study where participants were exposed to cold weather and extreme physical stress, participants who took Vitamin C were 50% less likely to get a cold. Vitamin C is not only good for boosting immunity but it also improves lung function in developing fetuses and newborns.

7. Garlic

Garlic has been noted for centuries for its strengths against bodily illness. It’s reputed to be a detoxifier, antibacterial, antibiotic, and antiseptic. If you’re anti-”garlic breath,” simply cook or season your favorite dishes with a few cloves. The spice’s pregnancy pros? It may help to prevent preeclampsia and help underweight fetuses to pack on the pounds before birth.