Prenatal Nutrition: Its Importance

Please note that this section contains my personal notes from my readings on this topic.

It is important to realize that the diet a woman eats during her pregnancy and even before her pregnancy effects the adult health of her future offspring.  For example, a recent study shows a strong association in children who develop brain tumors with the mother’s consumption of hot dogs during pregnancy.  Scientific evidence suggests that cigarette smoking during pregnancy is associated with testicular cancer in sons 35- to 50- years later.

– Disease-Proof Your Child (2005) by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D.; page 105

From Disease-Proof Your Child (2005) by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D.; page 108: The real concerns are not microwave ovens, cell phones, and hair dryers.  The things we know to be really risky for you and your unborn children are:

• Caffeine
• Nicotine, including secondhand smoke
• Alcohol
• Medications, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs
• Herbs and high-dose supplements, vitamin A
• Fish, mollusks and shellfish, sushi (raw fish)
• Hot tubs and saunas
• Radiation
• Household cleaner, paint thinners
• Cat litter (because of an infectious disease called toxoplasmosis caused by a parasite found in cat feces)
• Raw milk and cheese
• Soft cheeses and blue-veined cheeses such as feta, Roquefort, and Brie
• Artificial colors, nitrates, and MSG
• Deli meats, luncheon meats, hot dogs, and undercooked meats