I was thrilled to discover that Dr. Oz had led a discussion on autism –  its possible causes and solutions. Several physicians on the show agreed that the quality of food that we feed our children (and ourselves!) is influential in many cases.  Other topics covered are the role of vaccines, environment, and mother’s age.

One in every 110 children born in the US will be diagnosed with autism.  Please click on the image below to view  the discussion among Dr. Oz, a panel of experts and pediatricians, and an audience of families.

BPA, commonly found in plastics, is a potent hormone disruptor that is increasingly linked to health effects like brain and behavior changes, cancer, and reproductive system damages (Click on Plastics to read more.).  Furthermore, the CDC estimates that right now BPA is in the bodies of 93 percent of Americans, with higher levels in teens than in adults, and higher levels in children than in teens.

“Bisphenol A can easily pass through the placenta, where absorption and distribution in the fetus is rapid.”

– The Toxic Sandbox (2007) by Libby McDonald; page 86

Researchers at Duke University have shown that this early exposure affects the offspring’s epigenetics: it turns on and off different genes, resulting in the problems that we see.

Here’s the exciting part: They found that they could completely block BPA damage, even in the face of significant exposure, by giving pregnant animals extra folate (found mostly in green leafy vegetables – foliage – such as spinach) or extra genistein (found mostly in legumes such as soy). The amount of genistein given was comparable to what we would get in our diets if we ate soy foods regularly.

These nutrients switched the genes back the way they should be, and the BPA effect was completely nullified. The researchers describe this as compelling evidence that certain nutrients can counteract BPA when given during pregnancy.

Beyond this, the researchers propose that these nutrients could block the effects of chemical estrogen exposures, even if given later in childhood and possibly even in adulthood.

Click on Dr. Greene to read more about the latest research.

Related Content:

• Epigenetics
• Minimize Exposure to Environmental Toxins
• Neural Tube Defects
• Natural Childbirth: My Personal Experience
• Versatile Maternity Wear: 1 Lovely Piece Worn More Than 8 Ways!
• Planning on Breastfeeding?
• The S File’s Gift Guides: Health, Pregnancy, Household, and Parenting

Epigenetics is a relatively new field of science that is discovering that what happens in the womb can influence which genes are turned on and off.  What you eat, breathe, and even feel can affect the long-term health of your child…  you decide how your child’s genes are expressed, even as early as conception.

Did you know that what you eat can affect your future generations?  Scientists are finding that you’re not only what you eat, but potentially what your mother ate, and possibly even what your grandparents ate.

Click on More on Epigenetics to read more and read some key things to avoid while pregnant.

Green Leafy Vegetables and Soy.  We all knew that green leafy vegetables and organic, non-genetically modified soy was good for us but researchers at Duke University have found that folate and genistein completely block BPA damage, even in the face of significant exposure.  Click on Dr. Greene to read more.

Salt. Use iodized salt, especially while pregnant and nursing, and take iodine-containing prenatal vitamins. Iodine buffers against chemicals like perchlorate, which can disrupt your thyroid system and affect brain development during pregnancy and infancy.

Eat good fats. Omega-3 fatty acids can offset toxic effects of lead and mercury. They’re in fish, eggs, nuts, oils, and produce. Choose low-mercury fish like salmon, tilapia and pollock, rather than high-mercury tuna and swordfish, especially if you’re pregnant.

Avoid Perfluorochemicals. (The Environmental Working Group)

They’re found in carpets and on clothes, on fast-food wrappers, and on the inner lining of pet food bags. You might know them as Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster and Gore-Tex. They pollute water, are persistent in the environment, and remain in the human body for years. Companies that manufacture PFCs have agreed to phase out one variety, called PFOA, by 2015. Unfortunately, there’s no evidence that the chemcials being used to replace it are any safer.

PFCs are associated with smaller birth weight and size in newborn babies, elevated cholesterol, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, liver inflammation, and weaker immune defense against disease — all good reasons to reduce your exposure.

To Avoid PFCs:

• Forgo the optional stain retreatment on new carpets and furniture. Find products that haven’t been pre-treated, and if the couch you own is treated, get a cover for it.
• Choose clothing that doesn’t carry Teflon or Scotchgard tags. This includes fabric labeled stain- or water- repellent. When possible, opt for untreated cotton and wool.
• Avoid non-stick pans and kitchen utensils. Opt for stainless steel or cast iron instead.
• Cut back on greasy packaged and fast foods. These foods often come in treated wrappers.
• Use real plates instead of paper.
• Pop popcorn the old-fashioned way on the stovetop. Microwaveable popcorn bags are often coated with PFCs on the inside.
• Choose personal care products without “PTFE” or “perfluoro” in the ingredients. Use EWG’s Skin Deep at cosmeticdatabse.com to find safer choices.