Lifestyle choices during pregnancy

At all stages of pregnancy, the ability to make informed dietary and lifestyle choices can have a positive influence on the health and wellbeing of mother and child. Under normal circumstances, the developing foetus depends upon placental efficiency to absorb a rich supply of nutrients from the maternal bloodstream. Because of this close dependence, there are certain situations which can potentially disrupt the normal course of foetal development. For example, there are a number of maternal illnesses and infections which must be avoided or treated promptly to reduce the risk of developmental abnormalities. Because several of these conditions exhibit minimal symptoms, it is beneficial for most pregnant women to undertake a periodic health assessment with their primary caregiver. Depending on individual circumstances, these assessments may require detailed medical history, physical evaluation, and a selection of diagnostic measures. All women should be counselled on the importance of seeking appropriate medical advice, particularly those in a higher risk category for infectious illnesses like hepatitis, and HIV.

On account of elevated physical and nutrient requirements, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women are subject to various levels of dietary imbalance and deficiency. In most instances, a mild nutrient deficiency will drain the mother’s resources rather than interfere with the developing foetus. Specific nutrient deficiencies and imbalances may, however, become more serious at critical stages of foetal development. For example, insufficient reserves of folic acid can interfere with development of the spinal cord and nervous system during the first trimester. Depending on diet, age, and general health, some women are advised to take a folic acid supplement several months prior to conception and during the first trimester which encompasses the critical early stages of spinal cord development. Minerals like iron and calcium are required constantly during pregnancy. During periods of intense demand, there is a potential for reserves to become depleted to a level which may affect maternal health and in serious cases, foetal development.

Another situation which will affect foetal development is the introduction of toxins crossing the placental barrier. Expectant mothers are warned of the risks associated with smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, and various forms of pharmaceutical medication. One of the poorly explained risk factors today, is the constant exposure to residual chemicals within the food chain. For the sake of better health and peace of mind, it is well worth considering options like organic produce which may assist in reducing the overall exposure to environmental toxins.

Dietary considerations during pregnancy must be focused on providing the nutrients required to promote optimum maternal health and to sustain the baby’s developmental progress. Under normal circumstances, the most effective means to ensure these outcomes is to create nutritious meals based on the key food groups. A well balanced diet should contain large quantities of organically grown fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly the leafy green and brightly coloured items like fresh beetroot, sweet potato, and tomatoes. Many fresh vegetables can be carefully washed and eaten raw in salads or juiced to provide the raw enzymes which provide an energy boost while facilitating internal cleansing and digestion. A similar effect is obtained from other ‘live’ foods such as sprouted beans and seeds.

Protein is required to build new life and to continually renew components which have become inefficient over time. The best sources of protein are seafood, lean organic meat, organic dairy products, soy products, and whole grains like barley, quinoa, and oats. Egg whites are an excellent source of protein, although these must be well cooked to eliminate the small but significant risk of salmonella.

Some sources recommend that fats and oils constitute around thirty percent of total calorie intake. This seems a little high, although the important point is to reduce the saturated animal fats and to increase the healthy varieties of monounsaturated oils. Obtain these from eating raw nuts, seeds, avocadoes and cold pressed vegetable oils. These beneficial oils are also obtained from many species of oceanic fish including sardines, mackerel, and cod.

Carbohydrates are required to provide energy on a daily basis. Choosing complex whole grains can help maintain normal blood sugar levels and bowel regularity.

It is better to avoid highly processed snack foods as these generally contain excessive amounts of salt and food additives. Too much salt can contribute to fluid retention and elevated blood pressure. Other substances to avoid are refined sugars, caffeine, non prescribed drugs or medications, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, soft cheeses, shellfish, processed meat products, and any foods which have not been freshly prepared or cooked at temperatures high enough to destroy bacteria.

Remember to drink at least twelve glasses of water each day. A plentiful supply of filtered drinking water should always be available.

In the absence of a specific deficiency, there may be no benefit from taking nutritional supplements. When required, a qualified naturopath or herbalist can usually prescribe natural substances like kelp or chlorophyll extracts in order to correct nutrient imbalances. Such options may not be suitable for every situation so it is vital to discuss these initially with the primary caregiver.

There are several lines of evidence which confirm the risks of foetal exposure to organophosphate pesticides. Residual traces of these highly toxic chemicals are found on many varieties of fruit and vegetables. They can also be detected in some conventionally raised meat and dairy items. The manufacture of agricultural pesticides is based on formulations which are frequently changed to disrupt insect resistance. At the present time there are approximately one thousand active ingredients registered for agricultural pesticide applications. Organophosphates are designed to inhibit the enzyme cholinesterase which modulates the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Following exposure, the insect’s nervous system is overstimulated by a rapid increase in acetylcholine. This results in uncoordinated motor behaviour, tremors, and convulsions, followed by death in most instances.

With the exception of chlorpyrifos and some older types of organophosphate, there is limited data concerning the effects of these chemicals on neurodevelopment of the human infant. In the absence of a robust model to describe the physiological effects of cumulative exposure in adults, there is much debate regarding potential effects in the developing foetus. It is widely understood that developmental neurological effects are likely to be expressed in terms of behaviour and that multiple regions of the brain may be involved (Colborn, 2006). Furthermore, behavioural deficits and other neurologic symptoms not apparent at the time of birth may emerge later in life. Young and colleagues (2005) were able to detect early changes in neurodevelopment among infants whose mothers were exposed to higher than average levels of the organophosphate pesticide, chlorpyrifos. Using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale, they assessed three hundred and eighty infants between three and sixty two days of age and reported a significant association between increasing concentrations of maternal organophosphate metabolites and higher numbers of abnormal reflexes in the infants.

Careful analysis of chlorpyrifos toxicity on neurodevelopment has shifted some assumptions about the developmental effects of organophosphates. For example, it is now widely accepted that these toxins alter the development of multiple brain regions. This is related to the finding that foetal sensitivity to chlorpyrifos is linked to increased sensitivity for cholinesterase inhibition (Slotkin, 2004). In most instances, the developmental effects of a single agent like chlorpyrifos will be confounded by interaction with other organophosphate pesticides and industrial toxins such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Bowers and colleagues (2004) reported that relatively low doses of organophosphate and PCBs in combination resulted in more severe neurodevelopmental consequences compared to higher doses of each substance in isolation.

Despite the frequent claims that low levels of pesticide exposure are inevitable and harmless, competent health professionals should be aware of potentially serious effects during sensitive periods of neurodevelopment. Even a small decrease in cumulative exposure can provide a wider margin of protection. For this reason, any dietary or lifestyle measures which can reduce the exposure to toxic chemicals is highly advantageous and strongly recommended.

Newborn health

While the majority of babies manage to avoid complicated health concerns during their early months of life, all newborns are susceptible to a range of preventable illnesses, environmental hazards, sleeping difficulties, and issues related to feeding and nutrition. For the sake of their long term wellbeing, newborn infants should be assessed by a paediatrician and screened for congenital and inherited indicators. Hospitals will usually provide this service as a routine component of their care delivery; however they may be required to seek exclusive permission from the infant’s parent or primary caregiver. In those instances where problems are detected, early treatments and counselling can alleviate many of the complications which might otherwise decrease the overall quality of life. For this reason alone, the right to withhold medical permission should never be exercised frivolously.

A similar rationale should be applied to the prescription of infant and childhood immunisation. The schedule of vaccinations recommended by health authorities offers a relatively safe and effective way to reduce the risk of contracting several childhood illnesses with potentially serious consequence. Because a small number of children may still acquire an illness, immunisation cannot be promoted as a means for ensuring full protection. There are also a number of minor side effects and some very rare cases of serious problems following vaccinations. When consulted by a concerned parent or caregiver, a good doctor or health nurse should be able to explain these issues with a degree of professional objectivity.

While the responsibility for ensuring infant health rests largely with primary caregivers, the importance of professional support from medical practitioners and community health specialists cannot be underestimated. For their own peace of mind, caregivers need to establish positive relationships with the professionals who deal in children’s health and wellbeing. This is not always as easy as it sounds. It is a fact that many doctors and associated health professionals are struggling with rising health costs, excessive workloads, and the bureaucratic inflexibility of regional health departments. A brief discussion with a medical intern will usually reverse the thinking of those who falsely identify medicine as a glamorous or privileged occupation. Given the undeniable challenges and constraints of their profession, the vast majority of certified health practitioners provide an excellent service which can be measured in terms of their expertise, efficiency, and dedication to client welfare.

Routine medical and developmental assessments are usually conducted by community health nurses, general medical practitioners, or allied health professionals specialising in childhood development. When complex problems or issues arise, infants can usually be referred to a consultant paediatric physician. The extended training and experience of these professionals provides a valuable resource for diagnosing and treating conditions which may lie beyond the expertise of general doctors, nurses, and other health workers.

In today’s economic climate, caregivers are often encouraged to pursue private health insurance as a means of funding the rising costs of private medical treatment. A standard private health policy will cover basic hospital, medical, and dental costs and may enable subscribers to select preferred physicians. It is also possible to obtain a comprehensive cover which includes additional benefits like access to a wider range of health specialists. This is likely to include initial assessment and subsequent treatments conducted by qualified dieticians, psychologists, physiotherapists, naturopaths, optometrists, and others. Understandably, the financial contributions required for a fully comprehensive level of medical insurance can be significant.     

One skill required by every caregiver, new or experienced, is the ability to maintain composure when dealing with acute childhood illness and injury. Despite widespread immunisation and careful hygiene, infants remain susceptible to numerous infectious ailments. These will often be transmitted through contact with other individuals, food, or contaminated objects. While most of the infectious illnesses cause temporary discomfort and can be effectively treated, it pays to be particularly vigilant during the first six months of life. This is the period when an infant’s immune response is developing rapidly yet remains considerably less efficient than those of older children.

Newborns also require adequate protection from physical injury and trauma. This involves a reasonable level of planning and preparation to ensure their surroundings are secure and clear of obvious danger. Particular attention must be directed toward vehicle safety and bedding, in addition to the potential hazards of  kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor environments, household pets, and other animals. One of the most difficult challenges in this area, at least for a few years, is the fact that what was safe yesterday is not necessarily so today. The natural intelligence of human infants continually motivates them to explore and interact with their surroundings in new and creative ways. While a constant checking and re-evaluation of physical surroundings can be exhausting, it is an important component of infant safety and wellbeing.

The main physical symptoms of acute illness in newborn infants include skin discolouration, localised or extensive rashes, swollen glands, elevated body temperature, convulsions, abnormal stools, or unusual discharge from the nose, eyes, or ears. All of these symptoms require medical assessment. Caregivers residing in both metropolitan and regional locations can telephone their child health advisory service for preliminary advice. When staffed by qualified personnel, these telephone services are an invaluable resource. They can offer helpful advice on comforting infants prior to medical assessment. In emergency situations they will often coordinate ambulances, or facilitate an immediate intervention as required.

While physical symptoms of an acute illness may on occasions need to be prioritised, competent medical professionals generally require some additional information to develop their evaluation and treatment. This relates to significant variations in behaviour or temperament during the onset of symptoms. For example, caregivers should attempt to accurately describe the amount or pitch of infant crying, sleeping and eating patterns, along with any noticeable shifts in attentiveness, responsiveness to sound and light, and general mood. Like most aspects of later development, the maintenance of health and wellbeing in newborn infants requires a considerable degree of composure and the ability to cooperate with health professionals. The medical knowledge and techniques applicable for infants are currently very sophisticated. For this reason alone, caregivers should not be overly concerned with this earliest period of childhood.  

First foods

The introduction of solid foods is an exciting period for caregivers and children alike. For a variety of reasons this venture should be approached in a methodical and investigative manner, with an underlying emphasis on the quality and purity of the foods being offered. There is a considerable body of scientific literature examining the optimum age for introducing solid foods. A preliminary review of this material will reveal many inconsistent conclusions and recommendations as provided to caregivers and health professionals over the years.

Current opinion indicates that babies should be given only breast milk or infant formula for the first six months of life. This period of time allows the digestive system to develop to a level where starches and protein compounds can be partially digested. Most importantly, by six months of age the risk of initiating an allergic response to particular foods is significantly reduced. Coinciding with these physiological factors, most babies are more likely to explore and accept a wider range of tastes and textures by the age of six months.

Organic baby food

It is important to begin with solid foods which are recognised for their purity and low irritant status. Paediatricians, community health nurses, and nutritionists can all provide valuable advice and lists of suitable infant foods. Most of these lists will contain items like rice cereal, lightly cooked pears, steamed and mashed vegetables, mashed banana, avocado, pureed chicken vegetable soups, and finely ground beef or lamb.

When solid foods are initially discussed between caregivers and child health professionals, the issue of organic certification frequently arises. In contrast to most of the standard produce which is currently available, organic food is grown and processed without the widespread use of synthetic chemicals and food additives. Organic production prevents the application of genetically engineered technologies along with the routine use of antibiotics and growth hormones in farmed animals.  On account of their relative purity, organically certified foods are appropriate for the human immune system during infancy and early childhood development. The unique advantages of organic food can be obtained with commercially manufactured products or with fresh produce that is prepared in the kitchen at home.

Between the ages of six and twelve months, most infants will continue to depend upon formula or breast milk as their primary source of nutrition. This is ideal since it enables solids to be introduced in a slow progression. It is advisable to introduce new foods carefully, testing them in small quantities then gradually increasing these over several days. A half teaspoon offered on the first day can be followed by a tablespoon on the second. In the absence of any noticeable problems, try offering several tablespoons of the same food on the third day. After conducting a three day trial period, it should be safe to increase the amount and frequency of each new food.

Food intolerance

It requires familiarity with an infant’s normal routine and some luck to accurately identify foods which may be causing or have the potential to cause problems. Inexperienced caregivers will often overlook the early, subtle signs of a progressive food intolerance or digestive disorder. With this in mind, it can be useful to keep a small diary recording the introduction of new foods along with a detailed checklist of the infant’s normal appearance and routine. One of the important indicators of potential dietary problems is significant vomiting, usually within an hour or two of food ingestion. When associated with the introduction of new foods, any swollen discolouration around the mouth or lips, body and facial rashes, or unformed stools causing noticeable redness around the bottom are further indicators of food related problems.

In rare cases, the intake of a new food can trigger a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. The symptoms usually occur suddenly, and include swelling of the throat, pallor, and loss of consciousness. Medical attention cannot be delayed and where the infant’s situation deteriorates rapidly, emergency resuscitation will be required. It is now accepted that the predisposition toward allergies is frequently inherited. For this reason, infants with a family history of food allergies, asthma, eczema, or migraine headaches are more susceptible to these problems. A consultation with a paediatric dietician can help to evaluate the categories of food which should be avoided on account of their elevated risk.

Preparing baby food

With the correct facilities and appropriate planning, the preparation of infant meals can be transformed into an efficient task, without the mess and waste which many individuals anticipate and dread. The initial and most important task is to secure quality ingredients. Depending on local availability, this may require weekly visits to the nearest farmer’s market or registration with an organic cooperative.

Organic fruit, vegetables, and cereal grains, will provide the healthiest basis for introducing solids. Fruit and vegetables must generally be peeled, and separated to remove seeds and fibrous material. Once prepared, they can be lightly steamed or microwaved then blended to a smooth consistency. When sufficiently cooled, blended vegetables can be frozen in ice cube trays before being transferred to labelled freezer bags. This increases the efficiency of meal production and allows several weeks food to be prepared in advance.

Rice, oat, and wheat cereals can be purchased in a grade which is suitable for making infant porridge. The alternative is to purchase organic whole grains then process these in an electric food grinder. In the early stages, palatability of cereal foods can be increased with the addition of some breast milk or infant formula. Many fruit flavoured porridges are available ready prepared, in jars from the supermarket and convenience stores. Choosing from the packaged brands of organic baby food is one of the preferred options for caregivers who are unable to allocate the time required to prepare their own foods at home.

Infant formula

In the decades immediately following the Second World War, many developed nations participated in a trend which saw formulated products supplementing or replacing the traditional source of infant nutrition. Today, reputable health authorities are strongly in favour of breastfeeding. For the majority of infants, breast milk represents an ideal source of nutrition during the first twenty-four months of development. In situations where breastfeeding is not an option, there are formulated products which provide the nutrients essential for normal development. With so many brands and varieties of infant formula currently available, parents and caregivers may become overwhelmed in their attempts to choose a suitable product. Undoubtedly, there must always be a strict emphasis on quality and safety.

There are three main categories of infant formula. The first of these includes all of the standard products which are based on cow’s milk. These are readily available, and appear to be suitable for most infants. Major companies which manufacture standard formula are often recognised for their research contribution into fundamental aspects of infant nutrition and development.

The second category encompasses those products based on soy proteins. Increasingly popular, soy based formulas were originally developed for infants with an intolerance to the lactose proteins in cow’s milk.

The third category of infant formula includes all of the products which are based on elemental protein compounds such as the short chain peptides and amino acids. These are usually prescribed by medical specialists for infants with specific dietary issues. Elemental protein formulas may be required for premature babies and infants with symptoms of chronic malabsorption, allergy, and other forms of food intolerance.

Pesticides pose greater risk for infants

There is evidence to indicate a significantly increased risk of pesticide exposure during important developmental phases of infancy and early childhood. Due to immaturity of their organ systems, infants are less efficient in detoxifying a range of chemicals and environmental pollutants. Early exposure to harmful agricultural chemicals is suspected to contribute to a number of health epidemics affecting children. These include neurological, cognitive, and behavioural problems, certain types of leukaemia, and disorders of immune functioning.

Choosing an infant formula

When choosing infant formula, as with any processed food item, it is important to consider the quality and safety of the primary ingredients. Most manufacturers of infant formula employ stringent controls to maintain the recommended standards for purity and consistency. All of the reputable brands have consumer help lines and websites which can be accessed for legitimate product enquiries. One concern repeatedly raised on these and other forums is the question of pesticide residue within milk and soy constituents. For the majority of products, the manufacturing standards minimise or eliminate the risk of detectable pesticide contamination.

Despite their apparent safety, many parents and caregivers are influenced by the negative incidents which are occasionally experienced in developing countries. In this context, selecting an organically certified product is perceived by many individuals as providing an additional level of protection against pesticide contamination. Those households prepared to prioritise organic products are unlikely to accept uncertified alternatives when it comes to infant formula.

When developed as a complete source of infant nutrition, standard formula is expected to contain the appropriate spectrum and concentration of essential nutrients. In view of this, parents and caregivers are frequently concerned with the apparent variation in quantity of certain nutrients. A good example relates to the elemental mineral, iron. Necessary for normal physical and cognitive development, adequate iron absorption is critical during infancy. Because certain types of iron have been associated with constipation and stomach pains in a small percentage of infants, several of the major companies have developed preparations containing a form of iron which is effective at lower concentrations. Occasionally marketed as low-iron products, these are intended to provide an overall level of iron which is approximately equivalent to a standard formula.

Another concern which has been raised recently is the inclusion of certain lipids believed to be beneficial for neurological and sensory function. Docosahexaenoic and Arachidonic Acid (DHA & AHA) have been included in several new products with subtle claims that these essential fatty acids will be advantageous for integral aspects of infant development. In truth, there is mixed evidence as to whether their inclusion makes any significant difference to a standard formula which already contains an appropriate balance of lipid compounds. Individuals seeking an objective evaluation on the listed ingredients of any formula product should consult a paediatric dietician.

Powdered formula is acceptable for most infants and can be purchased from pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Each product will provide directions for preparing the concentrations and quantities required for infants within the relevant age categories. For safety and convenience, it is important to follow these carefully and avoid any temptation to use approximate measures. Incorrectly prepared formula may result in feeding difficulty and specific health problems like malnourishment, dehydration, and gastrointestinal inflammation.

For similar reasons, bottles and other feeding implements must be thoroughly washed and sterilised between feeds. With their simplicity and convenience, many individuals are now opting for the pre-prepared formula products. These tend to be expensive but reduce the likelihood of measurement error, wastage, and mess.

Childhood nutrition - your best investment

Once children are weaned from breast milk or infant formula, the variety of solid foods should be increased to ensure the balanced intake of nutrients essential for normal development. The easiest way to ensure optimum nutrition is to focus on the five healthy food groups. Fresh fruit and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, lean protein, dairy produce, and monounsaturated vegetable oils. Plenty of fresh water assists the immune system and vital organs to function efficiently, particularly the kidneys, which develop a heavier workload in the older child. In addition to increasing the body’s access to useful nutrients, optimum health and wellbeing depends upon restricting the intake of harmful substances.

Avoiding poor quality food sources

While sugar in its natural form is not considered harmful, excessive quantities of highly refined sweeteners are major contributors to obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, and may also be associated with several of the psychological disorders of childhood. Many of the cereals, drinks, and snack foods marketed to children are notorious for their refined sugar and food additive content. And these are not the only culprits. Residual traces of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals are routinely detected in many fresh and processed foods today.

Choosing organically certified foods can reduce the physical concentration of these toxic substances and thereby protect the immature organs and rapidly dividing cells of childhood. Individualised nutrition programs can be established by a paediatric dietician. These are particularly useful for children with allergies, food sensitivity, diabetes, and immune system disorders. Caregivers worried about their child’s development and those considering vegetarian diets for younger children should also seek this type of intervention.

Emphasise fresh fruit and vegetables

Fruit and vegetables should play an important role in the childhood menu. The bright colours and sweetness of fresh produce are naturally appealing to most children and the health benefits will be significant. Fruit and vegetables are the main source of antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and the various plant compounds which support efficient digestion and cell functioning. It is possible to reduce childhood exposure to pesticides by purchasing organically grown produce. Once children master chewing, it is nutritionally sensible to include raw vegetables, in salads, sandwiches, and as a snack between meals. To retain maximum taste and nutritional qualities, vegetables can be prepared as a traditional stir-fry or lightly steamed dish.

In the absence of allergy and other medical conditions, healthy children should be encouraged to eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. This may include the tropical fruits and less common vegetables like kale, choko, Japanese radish, and Asian greens.

Grains and cereals

Grains and cereals are the ideal source of sustained energy for active children. They also provide many of the B group vitamins, minerals, and essential oils required for normal development. Whole and minimally refined grains are occasionally dismissed as being too coarse and fibrous for young children. When properly soaked and prepared, this should be less of a problem. When purchasing grains and cereals, there are two important factors to consider. Because they keep for long periods of time, the freshness of grains is frequently overlooked. When exposed to air and moisture, grains rapidly spoil, losing much of their nutrient value. For this reason it is important to purchase grains from suppliers with a significant turnover.

Conventionally grown grains are routinely sprayed with pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. Because these accumulate in the germinal layers of the seed, it makes a lot of sense to choose organically certified when purchasing whole grains.

Protein sources

Protein is essential for the normal growth and repair of cells throughout the body. On account of their rapid physical growth and brain development, children require a substantial protein component which can be obtained from a variety of plant and animal sources. While protein foods must be incorporated during the process of weaning, there are various opinions and precautions against the introduction of items which may contribute to certain types of allergy and intolerance. For example, the lactose protein in cow’s milk and gluten from wheat products are significant allergens to a relatively small number of children. At the present time health professionals recommend that the introduction of protein foods should be gradual, and closely supervised. It is a good idea to avoid processed meat products containing additives or produce raised on intensive units with the potential use of antibiotics, growth hormones, and adulterated feed. The effort to obtain organically raised meat should be weighed against the security of avoiding these potentially harmful contaminants.

Good oils

The relationship between the different types of edible oils and childhood nutrition is now subject to a better understanding than was previously the case. Infants and young children require a substantial proportion of their total calorie intake to be based on a range of healthy lipids (fats and oils). Dieticians and other health professionals emphasise the importance of monounsaturated oils and fatty acids for normal development of the brain and nervous system. At the same time, there is a need to restrict the intake of some highly saturated fats which can elevate blood cholesterol. Providing there is maternal access to a properly balanced diet, healthy fats are obtained naturally from breast milk. Alternative sources include cold pressed organic oils, avocadoes, and coldwater species of fish such as cod, mackerel, and sardines.

A dietician or health nurse can provide good information about the foods which should be avoided due to their unhealthy fat content. While some foods are obviously fatty, like fried chicken or donuts, there is a substantial range of processed foods with high levels of saturated fat that might not appear obvious. These include some of the commercially popular cereals, sauces, dips, and frozen dinners. Most of these are high in salt and food additives, which make them incompatible with a healthy childhood.

Water, water, water

From an early age, children should be encouraged to drink several cups of fresh water each day. Water is necessary for all aspects of physiological function, particularly the elimination of toxins and waste. When alternative drinks are readily available, children may refuse plain water. Try to avoid the temptation to provide sweetened cordials and juices. While these may contain small amounts of vitamin C, the high sugar content can disturb the appetite for healthier foods and contribute to dental decay. A good compromise is to add a squeeze of lemon juice to plain water.

Children that become accustomed to eating good quality food at an early age are more likely to carry these habits into adulthood. Much of today’s research into adult onset degenerative illness identifies childhood nutrition as playing a crucial role in establishing and maintaining health during later stages of life. So, make the effort. It might be the best investment in your child’s future you ever make.

Caring for baby naturally

The quality of the childhood environment plays a significant role in physical and psychological development. There are many philosophies to describe characteristics of the optimum childhood environment, including those which seek to influence the choice of foods, clothing, and personal care items. Over recent years, the organic movement has contributed a broad range of concepts and practical solutions. The emphasis on soil protection, water quality, and sustainable production are the foundation principles of organic agriculture. When fully adopted, there are direct consequences on the quality and safety of the food and other resources which infants and children encounter on a routine basis.

At this moment in history, economically advanced societies are preparing to install cleaner and more efficient forms of manufacturing, agriculture, transport, and other services. In the meantime, many individuals are confronted with elevated levels of synthetic chemicals and other pollutants in their food, air, and water. This situation creates a serious demand for products which are perceived to be natural. Unfortunately, the term ‘natural’ can be loosely applied in opportunistic marketing campaigns. Natural is one of those concepts which everyone believes they agree upon, but rarely do in practice. By choosing to buy organic produce, the consumer is protected by the certification and evaluation process which imposes a set of standards for human safety and environmental sustainability. This enables anyone to read the certification standards and evaluate the integrity of the product on their own terms.

With their long-term interests in agricultural technologies and conventional food production, a number of the chemical and biotechnology corporations now allocate considerable sums of money promoting the safety and sustainability of their latest products and practices. Several of their new generation pesticides are designed to break down to less harmful substances within a fixed period of time. Despite these assurances, history demonstrates that the understanding of complex biological risks can take many years to attain.

Environmental factors and health

A number of the health problems affecting infants and children today are clearly linked to environmental factors. On account of their complex interactions, it is difficult for researchers to clearly define the impact of each potential contributor. Studies investigating the health effects of pesticide exposure on human infants and children have focused primarily on the broad indicators of neurological health, such as cognitive reasoning, motor skills, and behavioural assessment. Robin Whyatt and colleagues (2006) conducted a longitudinal study comparing these indicators in groups of infants with different levels of exposure to the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos. At thirty-six months, infants with the highest level of chlorpyrifos exposure were several times more likely to display deficits in their cognitive reasoning and motor skills. Due to the relative immaturity of their excretory organs and immune capabilities, babies and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to any form of chemical insult.

Upon reaching a later stage of physiological maturity, the human body appears to become more efficient in eliminating a restricted range of toxic substances. This assumption is extrapolated from clinical evidence and toxicology studies on laboratory animals at various stages of development. A recent study by Chensheng Lu and colleagues (2006) demonstrates the potential for an organic diet to rapidly lower the concentration of organophosphate pesticide metabolites in a sample of older children, between the ages of three and eleven. The trial was conducted over a period of two weeks, enabling metabolite concentrations to be measured for three days prior to a five day intervention diet consisting of organic food. Participants then returned to their conventional diets and pesticide metabolites were measured over the final week of the trial. During the intervention phase of the trial, metabolite concentrations were significantly lower than baseline measurements. When the conventional diet was resumed, pesticide metabolite concentrations increased once again. For example, the average chlorpyrifos metabolite concentration shifted from one part per billion on the organic diet to approximately six parts per billion on a standard diet. Based on these results, researchers attributed lower pesticide metabolite concentrations to the experimental diet based on organic foods. The authors raised the possibility that children provided with an organic diet would have a lower risk of the neurological consequences associated with organophosphate exposure.

Increased choice

As the quantity of organically certified products designed for infants and children increases, caregivers must decide which of these will provide the clearest advantage in terms of protecting their child’s health and wellbeing. Clearly, there should be a focus on early food and any products which make direct contact with the skin. There are several brands of packaged infant food and infant formula which contain only organically certified ingredients. These tend to be popular and in many locations may need to be ordered several weeks in advance. Caregivers on a modest budget are frequently unable to purchase as many organic foods as they would like. Under these circumstances, the best advice is to concentrate on organic meat and dairy products. These can usually be purchased in small quantities.

Agricultural surveys conducted in the United States and Australia, indicate that avocadoes, bananas, pineapples, peas, broccoli, and cauliflower are among the safest varieties of fresh produce. In terms of pesticide contamination, these items have a lower risk rating compared with other varieties of conventionally grown fruit and vegetables. The high risk category included strawberries, root vegetables, and the summer stone fruits. Because they are more likely to contain significant levels of residual contamination, there is a greater incentive and benefit from choosing organically certified. On account of the widely distributed data, information from agricultural surveys can only be used as an approximate guide. Results can also vary from season to season, depending on methods of agricultural production and the overall distribution of produce samples.

Caring for young skin

Gentle lotions and skincare products have emerged as one of the growth products in organic baby care. Those who investigate the labels on conventional baby lotions may be disturbed by the ingredients. Many of them contain petroleum-derived oils and synthetic fragrances which increase the body’s chemical load. While a healthy skin barrier should prevent excessive absorption of these substances, the safest alternative is to source manufactured products with organically certified ingredients. These are subject to a rigorous standard of dermatological hygiene. There are increasing numbers of caregivers who purchase infant clothing and bedding items manufactured exclusively from organically certified fabrics. The main advantage of purchasing fabrics made from organically grown cotton and flax is their positive environmental contribution. The secondary advantage is their low irritant status.