Pregnancy, environmental poisons and the American College of Gynecologists
RootCause Dispatch #3
The topic of pregnancy optimization is an important one at the RootCause Journal. Babies are the most innocent victims of poor nutrition or prenatal toxin exposure that can set the child up for a lifetime of chronic health issues and poor fertility. And when it comes to xeno-estrogens, the possibility exists for trans-generational negative effects on reproductive function.
So it was encouraging to learn that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists just released an updated statement on how women can reduce exposure to environmental toxins before and during pregnancy. It it reads extremely well.
The statement is extensively researched and provides actionable advice on avoiding the major xeno-estrogens and other important toxins including heavy metals and Per-/polypfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). You may remember we briefly covered optimal nutrition, PFAS in cosmetics and xenoestogens in pregnancy in some earlier threads…
The recognition of environmental toxins by ACOG is a massive step in the right direction. Its influential for a number of reasons
toxin avoidance is no longer a fringe topic
compels mainstream practitioners (GPs + Obgyns) to take notice
gives much needed attention to a seriously under-recognised and under-addressed problem
nudges other countries to issue similar guidance
But it will definitely take time for guidelines such as these to permeate down to everyday clinical practice. Most doctors are set in their ways and don’t even realize there is a problem
Thankfully, the steps to prevent exposure to many of these chemicals are simple, straight forward and actionable. If you and your partner are pregnant or considering pregnancy then you can start today:
avoid consumption of large fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel (mercury)
avoid heating food in plastic containers (pthalates, bisphenols)
avoid fast food (PFAS, phthalates) [+ highly oxidized seed oils]
avoid non-stick cookware (PFAS)
avoid personal care products including sunscreens with fragrances (phthalates, parabens, oxybenzone)
avoid off-the-shelf cosmetics (PFAS, especially waterpoof/durable lipsticks and mascaras)
Instead
prepare meals at home
store food in glass, ceramic or stainless steel
buy organic produce (preferably direct from farmer)
opt for cast iron, stainless steel or enameled cast-iron cookware
use soaps, shampoos and body care products that do not contain the above chemicals
And check out Real Food For Pregnancy by Lily Nichols for the ultimate nutrition guide.
The Rest Is Up To You…
-RCMD
July 25th 2021