Search Body Detox

Toxin Exposure in Infancy Affects Health for a Lifetime

by Dr. Stephen Sinatra

Published 02/04/09

How to Protect Yourself

I urge parents-to-be to take these 10 basic precautions to reduce exposure to environmental toxins and maximize their chances of having the healthiest baby possible. These steps are essential for family planning in today’s world, as well as for anyone who wants to stay healthy.

Detox for at least three months before trying to conceive. This helps increase the likelihood that the sperm and egg will be healthy, and that the fetus will have “clean” amniotic fluid to develop in. There are many intense detoxification programs available, and they can be located through local spas or nutritionally oriented doctors. You may also want to try a fruit-based detox drink on a routine basis. Obviously, cigarettes, alcohol, and recreational drugs should be totally eliminated as part of any detox program.
Drink pure water—enough that you have plentiful bowel and bladder excretion, the major evacuation routes for toxins. Water purifiers, especially whole-house water filtration systems, are the best. Above all, don’t drink from plastic bottles. Plastic bottles contain phthalates, which are compounds used in inks, adhesives, vinyl floor tiles, and paints. Phthalates make plastic more flexible, but they have the potential to cause male offspring to be more feminine and have abnormal reproductive organs. The chemicals may also cause early puberty in girls, and increased risk of miscarriage.
Eat organic food. Be sure your menu includes plenty of whole grains and vegetables—the dietary fiber in them acts like an intestinal broom and enhances bowel transit time. Avoid fresh-water fish, which tend to be contaminated by industrial chemicals. Wild salmon is one of your safest bets. Finally, do not eat microwaved food because microwaving decreases the nutrient value and can cause chemicals in prepackaged microwavable containers to leach into the food.
Be mindful of your surroundings. Minimize exposure to obvious chemical odors. For example, be the first customer at the beauty parlor, before it becomes polluted from various sprays, fragrances, and hair and nail treatments. At home, use an air purifier.
Exercise or do yoga regularly, so that you squeeze toxins out of muscle tissue and contribute to good elimination. Old-fashioned perspiration is an excellent way to rid the body of toxins.
Build your immune system. In addition to the supplements in my detox drink, be sure to take a comprehensive daily multivitamin with antioxidants, extra vitamin C (400–1,000 mg), the amino acid taurine (up to 2 g), and magnesium (500–800 mg).
Bathe with Epsom salts regularly. I recommend one to two times per month, and always after spending time in a chlorinated spa or pool. The salt binds to toxins in the skin, drawing them out.
Use natural cleaning products for dishes, floors, laundry, and general household cleaning. Do not use pesticides inside or outside of your house unless you are certain the chemicals are entirely safe.
Use natural cosmetics and personal care products (e.g., shampoo, sunscreen) as much as possible.
Avoid dental procedures that involve mercury-laden amalgams—that means new fillings and the removal of old ones. Should you need a filling during your detox period, insist that your dentist use the newer epoxy material.

Parents-to-be absolutely must educate themselves about the dangers of environmental toxicity. Dr. Rapp’s book is a good place to start. It can be purchased from the publisher by calling (800) 787-8780, or through Dr. Rapp’s Web site www.drrapp.com.

If possible, you may want to get an evaluation of the toxicity of your body from an environmental medical doctor. To find one, visit the Web site of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine at www.aaem.com.

Reference:

• Cone, M. Common chemicals pose danger for fetuses, scientists warn. Los Angeles Times, May 25, 2007, p. 1.

1 2 3 4