According to this alarming article by Dr. Mercola, 99% of women in the U.S. test positive for multiple chemicals- including banned ones. For the first time, a new study has counted all the chemicals to which a pregnant women is exposed. Turns out, more than 160 chemicals are showing up in 99-100 percent of pregnant women.
Below are Dr. Mercola’s tips to lower this toxic exposure:
How Can You Best Lower Your Toxic Load?
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you will want to pay particular attention to reducing your chemical exposure as much as possible. Here’s a starter list of practical measures you can take to protect yourself and your children from common toxic substances:
- Store your food in glass containers whenever possible, as it is the most inert container you can use.
- Only use natural cleaning products in your home. Most health food stores will have these available or you can search online for them.
- Buy and eat organic produce and free-range, organic foods to reduce your exposure to pesticides, GMOs and fertilizers. This also applies to milk, which is frequently contaminated with bovine growth hormone.
- Avoid conventional or farm-raised fish, which are often heavily contaminated with PCBs and mercury. Instead, supplement with a high-quality krill oil to get your beneficial omega-3 fats.
- Avoid processed foods, and artificial food additives of all kinds, including artificial sweeteners and MSG.
- Throw out your Teflon pots and pans and instead use safer materials like ceramic and glass.
- Have your tap water tested and, if contaminants are found, install an appropriate water filter on all your faucets (including those in your shower or bath).
- Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances.
- Switch to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics. Skin care products are notorious for containing a slew of dangerous chemicals, which was the major reason for creating my own USDA Certified Organic skin care line.
- When redoing your home, look for “green,” toxin-free alternatives in lieu of regular paint and vinyl floor coverings.
- Replace your vinyl shower curtain with one made of fabric or install glass shower doors.
- Limit your use of drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) as much as possible. Drugs are chemicals too, and they will leave residues and accumulate in your body over time.
- Avoid spraying pesticides around your home or insect repellants that contain DEET on your body. There are safe, effective and natural alternatives out there.
Finally, I encourage everyone with children or grandchildren to review Theo Colburn’s Our Stolen Future, which is one of the BEST resources on this topic.
To see the whole article by Dr.Mercola with info on each toxin, click here.
