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Developed and funded by
Healthy Child
Educating and empowering
parents to have healthy children
free of chronic health disorders who realize their full neurological
potential
Preconception and Pregnancy Recommendations for a Healthy Child
2 | The Healthy Child Guide
The Healthy Child Guide provides an integrated set of recommenda-tions based on over 100 scientific studies on how to:
•Substantiallyreducetheriskofpregnancy/birthcomplications.
•Reducetheriskofmanymentalandphysicalhealthdisorders.
•Improveyourchild’sgrowthanddevelopment.
1) Eat Clean and Drink Pure Water •Consumepurewater(eitherfilteredorfromapure,
naturalsource).
2) Avoid Toxins •Eatorganic,wholefoodstoreducepesticideexposure.
•Consumethehighestqualityseafoodfromthecleanest naturalsource.
•Avoidcannedfoodsinordertoreduceexposuretochemicalssince the interiors of most food cans are coated with a protectiveliningcontainingbisphenol-A(BPA),anendocrine orhormonedisruptor.
•Avoidhouseholdcleaners,gardenpesticides,andherbicides.Considerusingnaturalhouseholdcareproductssuchaslemon,bakingsoda,andvinegar.
•Avoidthechemicals,lead,hormonedisruptorsandtoxins insomepersonalcareproducts.
3) Personalized Medical Testing and Treatment •Consumehighquality,carefullycalibratedprenatal
vitamins,seethevitaminsectionofthisguideforalist ofqualityvitaminsources.
•Consumehighqualityprobiotics,withbillionsofcolonyformingunits.
•Workwithyourmedicalcareprofessionalregardingyourpersonalnutritionandhealthneeds.
•Seekassessmentforappropriatemedicaltesting andtreatment.
4) Stress Reduction and Appropriate Exercise •Implementhealthhabitsthatreducedailypsychologicaland
physicalstress.
•ExercisedailyasrecommendedbytheAmericanCollegeofObstetriciansandGynecologists.
5) Cook Clean •Prepareandcookmealsathome(fromscratch)withwhole,
unprocessedingredients(preferablyorganicfoods,as muchaspossible).
•Cookwithfilteredorartesianspringwaterasmuchaspossible.
•Usecookware,foodwareanddrinkwaremadeofsteel, glassorceramics.Avoidnon-stickcookware.
WeinviteyoutoreadandfollowtherecommendationsofThe Healthy Child Guide to increase the probability of having a healthy pregnancyandahealthychild.
Sincerely,
ChrisWillhiteChairmanoftheBoard,NeurologicalHealthFoundation(NHF)
JamesAdams,Ph.D. ChairoftheScientificAdvisoryBoard,NeurologicalHealthFoundation(NHF)
The SoluTion
The ChallengeToday,approximately30%ofchildrenintheU.S.sufferfromseriousneurological,developmental,psychiatricandphysicalhealthproblems.ThisincludesADHD,autism,learningdisabilities,asthma,cerebralpalsy,cancerandotherseriousmedicalconditions.Inthepast20years,therehasbeenasubstantialincreaseinchildren’shealthconditions.
The Healthy Child Guide | 3
Statement of Scientific Policy –TheNeurologicalHealthFoundation(NHF)has developed The Healthy Child Guide to address the concerning increase in the number of children diagnosed with developmental neurological disabilities(autism,cognitivedisabilities,ADHD,etc.)aswellaschronichealthproblemsanddiseases(diabetes,rheumaticdiseases,asthma,childhoodleukemia,braincancer,foodallergies,etc.).TherecommendationsprovidedbytheNHFScientificAdvisoryBoardinThe Healthy Child Guide integrate current scientific research findings with an emphasis on behaviorsthatleadtobetterhealthoutcomesforparentsandchildren.NHFrecommendswhatis“standardofcare”accordingtotheAmericanAcademyofPediatrics(AAP)aswellastheAmericanCollegeofObstetriciansandGynecologists(ACOG)withanemphasisonhealthierchoices.
Disclaimer –TheinformationprovidedbyNHF,The Healthy Child Guide,TheNHFScientificAdvisoryBoardandourcontributorsisprovidedforeducationalpurposesonly. The information provided on our websites and in our digital media is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided byyourphysicianorhealthcareprovider. Astheindividualneedsofeverypersonvary,itisrecommendedyouconsultwithyourhealthcareproviderregardinganypersonalhealthcareissues.Thereisnoguaranteethat100%oftheparentswhofollowtheNHFScientificAdvisoryBoardrecommendations will be assured or guaranteed a healthy child without anyhealthissues;thus,workingconsistentlywithyourhealthcare providerisadvised.
Neurological Health Foundation (NHF)
is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to helping parents have healthy and happy
children.
SuPPoRT ReSeARCh Buildingonexistingscienceandclinicalpractice,NHFworkswithmedicaldoctors,professorsatmajoruniversities,nutritionists,neuroscientistsandotherresearchers.Theprofessionalsdevelopspecific,evidence-basedrecommendations that women or couples can follow to improve the odds of having a healthy and happy child free ofchronicneurologicalhealthdisorders.Tolearnmore,visitNHF’swebsiteatwww.neurologicalhealth.org.
The neurological health Foundation (nhF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization designated by the internal Revenue Code. Your tax-
deductible donation to nhF will fund programs that educate and empower parents to have healthier children free of chronic neurological illness.
Donate
Clickhere:
Watch “Introduction to The Neurological Health Foundation (Healthy Child Guide)”
TheNeurologicalHealthFoundation(NHF)isa501(c)(3)publiccharity committed to educating and empowering parents to have healthy children free of chronic health disorders who realize their full neurologicalpotential.Providingresearch-basednutritionandlifestyleguidelinesinTheHealthyChildGuide,NHFaimstoreduceneurologicalillnessesinchildren.Learnmoreatwww.neurologicalhealth.org.
4 | The Healthy Child Guide
Preface InmytwentyyearsasaPediatrician,Ihaveseenmanychanges inthehealthofourchildren.EarlyinmycareerasaPediatrician, mypatientappointmentswereprimarilyforschoolphysicals,colds,andflus.Thesechildrenweregenerallyhealthyandrecoveredquicklyfromtheirillnesses.However,children’shealthstatushasdeclinedovertime.Now,Ihaveaspecialtyclinicfullofchildrenwithchronicneurologicalandphysicalhealthproblems.Thesechildrensufferthroughouttheirliveswithillnessessuchasautism,ADHD,asthma,allergies,andchronicpain.Manyparentsgrowinguphadnot seen children with these chronic health problems and never expectedtoparentachildwithone.
Becauseofthedeclininghealthofourchildren,Ibeganresearchingpreventionoftheseillnesses.Theresearchrepeatedlysteeredmetowardriskfactorsfromthemotherthatinfluencedthehealthof herchild.Ibeganwritingandteachingwomenabouttheseriskfactorstotheirhealthbeforeconception.Ithasbeenwonderfulto see healthy pregnancies and healthy children come from this education.Bytakingchargeoftheirownhealth,Ihaveseenwomenbecomeempoweredknowingthattheyaredoingtheirbestfor thehealthoftheirfuturechild.
The Healthy Child Guide is based on the research and the clinical experienceoftheNeurologicalHealthFoundationScientificAdvisory Board,includingmanyhighlyregardedmedicalphysicians,nutrition-ists,andresearchscientists.TheGuideisastep-by-stepplanyouandyourpartnercanfollowtoimprovethehealthofyourchild. Thekeyisinthetiming.Beforeconceptionistheperfecttimetoimproveyourhealth.Improvedpreconceptionhealthhasbeenshown bymultipleresearchstudiestogreatlyimprovethehealthofachild.
Improving NutritionTheGuidefocusesonrecommendationsinseveralspecificareas.One of the recommendations focuses on nutrition which is the cornerstoneofhealthforallpeople.Individualsneedtohaveanaturalsourceofvitamins,minerals,andothernutrientstobehealthy.Ifyouaretryingtohaveahealthychild,youhavetofeedthischildhealthyfoodfromthebeginning.Manywomenarenothealthythemselvesandoftenhaveundiagnosednutritiondeficiencies.These may not cause overt health problems in an adult but can be devastatingtoagrowingchild.Manykeyorgansareformedearlyinpregnancybeforemostwomenknowtheyarepregnantsoawomanneedstohaveadequatestoresofalltheessentialnutrients.
Reducing Toxic ExposuresOurworldisfilledwithmanychemicalsinourfood,ourwater,andinproductsthatwecomeintocontactwitheveryday.Whileavoidingalltoxicexposuresmaybedifficult,therearemanystepsthatyoucantaketoavoidsomeofthemoretoxicchemicals.Educationis key.Knowingwhichchemicalstoavoidisalearningprocess.
HavingtherecommendationsinThe Healthy Child Guide as a resourcemakesthiseducationmucheasier.AllyouhavetodoisfollowTheGuide,avoidthedangerouschemicals,andfindhealthieralternativeswhicharebecomingincreasinglyavailable.
Personalized Medical Testing and TreatmentSinceallwomencomeintopregnancywithdifferenthealthissues,identifyingtheseissuesonanindividualbasisisimportant.Personalizedmedicaltestingisanotheroneoftherecommendationsin The Healthy Child Guide.Specializedtestingcanidentifyproblemstoaddressbeforepregnancy.Findingissuesbeforepregnancyhelpstoavoidproblemsduringpregnancyandwiththebabyafterbirth.
Reducing Stress and Appropriate ExerciseIdentifyingareasofstressisanothercomponentoftheGuide.Pregnancyisabiglifechangeandaphysicalstressonyourbody.Reducingstressandimprovingfitnessgoesalongwaytowardimprovingthehealthofyourpregnancy,whichnaturallyleadstoasaferdeliveryandahealthierchild.
Ultimately,yourhealthasawomandeterminesthehealthofyourchild.The Healthy Child Guidetakesawaythefearanduncertaintyofhowtobestaccomplishthis.Youcanimproveyourhealthbyimprovingyournutrition,identifyingspecifichealthproblems,reducingyourstress,andreducingyourtoxicexposures.Iencourageallwomentoimprovetheirhealthbeforepregnancy.Amother’sfirstgiftisthegiftofhealthtoherchild.Allchildrendeservethispreciousgift.
Sincerely,
DebbyHamilton,MD,MSPH,Pediatrician Authorof“PreventingAutism&ADHD:ControllingRisk FactorsBefore,During&AfterPregnancy” NHFScientificAdvisoryBoard
The Healthy Child Guide | 5
“We now have 5.5+ million
children who have been
diagnosed with Attention
Deficit hyperactivity Disorder
(ADhD) in the u.S. That is
nearly one in ten school age
children with an ADhD
diagnosis—a million more
children than in 2003.”
— national Center for health
Statistics, CDC.gov
“ Food allergies among
children increased
approximately 50%
between 1997 and 2011.”
— CDC 2013 Study
“ Following the recommenda-
tions in The Healthy Child
Guide will optimize the
chances of your child being
healthy at birth and through-
out childhood so your
family and your child can
be well and healthy and
have an excellent life.”
— Child neurologist and Chief Scientist, Prof. Richard Frye, MD, Ph.D. NHF Scientific Advisory Board
How the first nine months shape the rest of your lifeThe new science of fetal origins
Time,August2010
Author:AnnieMurphyPaul Cover:MerrickMorton/Columbia
6 | The Healthy Child Guide
INTRODUCTION 9 Rates of Pregnancy Complications and Childhood Health Disorders in the U.S.
10 Preconception Overview
12 Pregnancy Overview
ARTICLES14 Diet/Nutrition •Checklist
•Recommendations
•BasicNutritionDuringPreconceptionforMen
•PreconceptionandPrenatal
Supplements
28 Reducing Toxic Exposures •Checklist
•ReducingToxicExposures
•MedicalRecommendations
38 Exercise •Checklist
•ExerciseDuringPreconception
•ExerciseDuringPregnancy
•ExercisePostpartum
48 Helpful Websites
49 Scientific Advisory Board (Authors)
Table of Contents
NHF invites collaborative efforts on behalf of physicians, foundations,
community organizations and the public so that we may raise
awareness regarding the actions prospective and current parents
can take to increase the likelihood of birthing healthier children free
of neurological conditions.
The Healthy Child Guide | 7
HEALTHFULNUTRITION
REDUCE TOXINS
CONTINUEEXERCISE
The Healthy Child Guide | 7
SUPPORTRESEARCH
The neurological health Foundation (nhF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization
designated by the internal Revenue Code.
Your tax-deductible donation to nhF will fund programs that educate and empower
parents to have healthier children free of chronic neurological illness.
DonateClick here:
8 | The Healthy Child Guide8 | The Healthy Child Guide
In October of 2014, the EPA approved the use of Dow Chemical’s Enlist Duo herbicide, a blend of 2,4-D (a newly-
approved synthetic chemical derived from “Agent Orange”) and glyphosate intended for use on Dow’s
patented 2,4-D resistant (Enlist) genetically-engineered corn and soybeans. This was done despite the fact that use of
this herbicide (2,4-D) is associated with increased rates of immune system cancers, Parkinson’s disease, birth defects,
endocrine (hormone) disruption, reproductive problems and many other serious kinds of illness. Researchers at
Penn State have concluded that in soybeans alone, planting of crops resistant to 2,4-D would increase the amount of 2,4-D sprayed on American fields to 100 million pounds
per year—four times the current level.
NHF has taken the position that the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) needs more well defined and stricter standards on how chemicals are evaluated
rather than “safe until proven otherwise.” Click here to read more.
/neuRologiCAlheAlTh
/nhFheAlThYChilD
FolloW nhF: CliCk To See ouR ChAnnel:
The Healthy Child Guide | 9
RATeS oF PRegnAnCY ComPliCATionSInfertility (Women) | 6% Low Iron/Anemia | 20-40%*
Infertility (Men) | 6%* Caesarean Sections | 33%
Inability To Carry Baby To Term | 11% Still Births | 1%
Miscarriages | 15-20%* Low Birthweight | 8%
Gestational Diabetes | 9% Pre-Term Births | 11%
Preeclampsia | 2-8%* Post-Partum Depression | 13%*
RATeS oF ChilDhooD heAlTh DiSoRDeRSAutism | 1-2% Asthma | 9%
Birth Defect (heart, other) | 3% Childhood Obesity | 17%
ADHD | 11% Depression | 7%*
Learning Disabilities | 8% Bipolar | Rapidly rising diagnosis
SummARY PregnancycomplicationsandchildhoodhealthdisordersareverycommonintheU.S. The recommendations in The Healthy Child Guidewillhelpyoureducethoserisksandimprovethehealthanddevelopmentofyourchild.Learnmoreinthefollowingpages.
Data is from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) www.cdc.gov except for those marked with an asterisk which are from research articles.
Pregnancy Complications and Health Disorders have increased in the U.S. Infertility
6%
Miscarriages15-20%
LowIron20-40%
ADHD11%
Asthma9%
numbeR oF ChilDRen iDenTiFieD
WiTh AuTiSm
As reported March 2014 by Center for Disease Control and Prevention
10 | The Healthy Child Guide
1) Improve Nutrition and Diet •Eatahealthy,balanceddietrichinvegetables,fruits,protein,
andessentialfats.Eatingorganicwillhelpreduceyourexposuretopesticidesandherbicides.
•Avoidjunkfoodandhighly-processedfood.
•ChoosefoodfreeofAspartameandMSGDerivatives(flavorenhancers) since both have no nutritional value and are consideredtobe“excitotoxins.”
•Preparemealsathome“fromscratch”asmuchaspossiblewithafocusonwhole,organicfoodingredients;utilize stain-lesssteel,iron,glassandceramiccookwareasmuch as possible.
•Avoidcannedfoodsandcanneddrinks(whichmaybe linedwithBPA,anendocrinedisrupter).
•Seekpersonalizedmedicalcareandconsultationwithaknowledgeabledietitianornutritionist.
2) Optimal Prenatal Supplements •Prenatalsupplementsvarygreatlyinquality(somecalcium
supplementshavetraceamountsoflead).Seeourrecommendationsandreviews(page24).
•Starttakingaprenatalsupplementatleast3monthsbeforeyou become pregnant so your body has all the nutrients you needforthecriticalfirstfewweeks.
PreconceptionoveRvieWMuchofyourbaby’sinitialbraingrowthanddevelopmentoccursinthefirst12weeksofpregnancy,soitisimportanttoprepareyourbodyforahealthypregnancy3-6monthsbeforeyouconceive.
7 tips before you conceive
The Healthy Child Guide | 11
•Begintakingprobioticsduringpreconceptionphaseinordertoimprovegutbacteria. Seetherecommendations(includinganexplanationofhealthbenefitstobothmom andbaby)(page26).
3) Reduce Toxic Exposures •Avoid: Alcohol,smokingandrecreationaldrugs.
•Drink Clean Water:Seeourrecommendationsonthebestchoices(page 18).
•Clean Air:Airoutyourhomeonceperweek.
•Toxin-Free Home:Reducesourcesoftoxicchemicals.
•Personal Care:Minimizeyourexposuretotoxicchemicalsincertaincosmetics andpersonalcareproducts.Tolearnmore,werecommendcheckingout: http://www.healthychild.org/when-looking-good-is-bad-for-baby/
4) Medical Care •Requestpersonalizedmedicaltestingwithyourphysician.Seeourlistofsuggested
tests(page36).
•Discussallmedicationswithyourphysicianforsafetyduringpregnancy.
•Limitover-the-countermedicationsanddiscussthemwithyourphysician.
•Continueregulardentalcleaningandexams,butminimizedentalprocedures.
5) Stress Reduction and Appropriate Exercise •Discussyourpregnancyplanswithyourpartner,family,andfriendsandbuildastrong
supportsystem.
•Ensurethatyouareinahealthyrelationshipwithoutviolence.
•Continueorstartlifestylebehaviorsthatdecreasestresssuchaswalking,yoga, meditation,orprayer.
•Exercise daily:Dailywalkingorotherexercisewillhelptodecreasestressandimprovefitness.Werecommendbuildingupto150minutes/weekofmoderate-intensityaerobicactivityANDmusclestrengtheningactivitiestwoormoredaysperweek,or75minutes ofhigh-intensityactivity.
•Regular sleep habits: Get at least eight hours per night if possible; avoid caffeine and sleepmedications,insteadrelyonaregularbedtimeroutine,dailyexercise,andacompletelydark,quietroom.
6) Wait 18 Months After Previous Births •Afterapreviousbirth,waitatleast18months
beforeconceiving.Thissignificantlyreduces theriskofpregnancycomplicationsincluding pre-term birth and infant mortality because it allows your body time to recover and replenishitsnutritionalstores.
7) Wait Three Months After Oral Contraceptives •Waitthreemonthsafterstoppingoralcontraceptives
beforeconceiving.Thisallowstimeforhormone levels to normalize and restores healthy levels ofBvitaminsandzincthataredepletedbyoral contraceptivesandarecriticaltoahealthyconceptionandpregnancy.
Clickhere:
WeareexcitedyouareusingThe Healthy Child Guide! Our team is inviting the general publictoparticipatebyjoiningtheNHFCommunity.MembersoftheNHFCommunitywillgainexclusiveaccesstofreematerialwhich will include the following:
•WebinarshostedbytheexpertswhoformtheNHFScientificAdvisoryBoardaswellasCMEtrainingfor healthcareprofessionals.
•UpdatedPDFGuidespublishedbyNHF’s ScientificAdvisoryBoard.
•Localsupportgroupsofparents who are partnering withNHF.
•Invitationstoprovidetesti-monies and share real life stories about The Healthy Child Guide.
•Periodicalertsregardingrecent video postings to theNHFYouTubeChannel.
The Healthy Child Guide | 11
12 | The Healthy Child Guide
InadditiontotherecommendationsaboveforPreconception,werecommendthefollowingforahealthypregnancyandhealthybaby.
1) Medical Care ATTEND All PRENATAl CARE vISITS
•Collectpersonalandfamilymedicalhistorydata.
•Discussriskvs.benefitsofprescribedmedications (e.g.,antidepressants,acnemedicationswithretinoic acid,Accutane®).
•Attendchildbirthclasses,considernaturalchildbirth.
•Recheckironstatusatthethirdtrimester—40%ofwomenbecome anemic during the third trimester due to large productionofbloodforthefetusandplacenta.
•Doacompleteironpanel(serumiron,IBC, %saturationandserumferritin).
2) Continue a Healthy Diet (see Nutrition Section) •Iflow-income,applyforWICorSNAP(federalnutrition
programsforlow-incomefamilies).
•Eatfrequentsmalltomoderatemealsthroughoutthe daytostabilizeglucoselevelsofthefetus.Foodswith alowglycemicindex(lowsugar)arepreferred.
•Drinkplenty ofcleanwater. Waterhelps flushouttoxins. Also,lowfluidintake mayresultinlowamnioticfluid,whichreducesyourbaby’s abilitytomoveandthereforedecreasesmusclefunction.
•Consumeamoderateamountofsaltunlessyouhave highbloodpressure.Asyourpregnancyprogressesand bloodvolumeincreases,theneedforsaltincreases.Inadequatelevelscontributetotoxemia,highblood pressureandearlylaboranddelivery.
•Avoidconsumingheavymealsbeforebedtoavoid reflux-triggeredwaking.
•EatabalanceddiettofacilitateappropriateweightgainbasedonBMIatthestartofpregnancy. Anticipategainingapproximately25-35poundsduringthepregnancyifnormalweight.(About28-40poundsifunderweight,or20pounds ifyouarealittleoverweightbeforepregnancy).
•Eatorganicfoodsasmuchaspossible,toreduceexposuretotoxic,conventionalpesticidesandherbicides(cookmealsathomeandfromscratchasmuchasreasonablypossible).
PregnancyoveRvieW
7 tips after you conceive
SPeCiAl CASeS Gestational Diabetes Ifyouhadgestationaldiabetesinpreviouspregnancies,thefollowing may help:
•Aimtokeepyourcarbohydrateintakeunder60gramsperday.
•Filluponlowstarchvegetables,meats,eggs,nuts,andoils.
•Getanutritionevaluationforspecificdietand/orsupplementsand to determine the status of important nutrients in glucose control (zinc,chromium).Pregnancyincreasesthelossofchromium andglycemic(sugar-raising)dietsincreasethelossofzinc.
The Healthy Child Guide | 13
“ numerous scientific studies have confirmed a relationship between
exposure to organophosphate pesticides and synthetic herbicides
during pregnancy to lower birth weight as well as an increased
probability of ADhD. Therefore, the nhF Scientific Advisory board
recommends organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible.”
— Debby hamilton mD, mSPh, Pediatrician Author of “Preventing Autism & ADhD: Controlling Risk Factors before, During & After Pregnancy” nhF Scientific Advisory board
(Pregnancy Overview Recommendations, continued)
3) Continue to Reduce Toxic Exposures
•ContinuetoavoidalltoxinslistedinReducing Toxic Exposuresection(page28).
•Ultrasound:Althoughnotconclusive,thereisgrowingconcernaboutexcessiveuseofultra-soundsduringpregnancysinceitcancauseheatingoffetaltissue.Werecommendminimizingthenumberanddurationofultrasoundtesting.
4) Stress Reduction and Mood Improvement •Startorcontinuetherecommendationsaboveinthe
Preconception Overview.
5) Appropriate Exercise •Mosthealthywomenshouldparticipatein150
minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week(30minutesonmost,ifnotalldaysoftheweek).Ifyouhavenotpreviouslyexercised,youshouldslowlybuild up to thatlevel.Discussexercisewithyourphysician(page38).
6) Strive for 40 Weeks of Pregnancy •DonotscheduleC-sectionspriorto40weeks
unlessmedicallynecessary.
7) Give Colostrum •Colostrumistheinitialmilkproducedbymothers,
primarily during the first one to days days afterbirth,andapproximately25%of colostrum is composed of important immunoglobulins that regulate the infant’simmunesystem.
•So,itisespeciallyimportant that the infant nurses from the mother for the first three days to develop a healthy immune system for the restoftheirlife.
The Healthy Child Guide | 13
The Call To Action and Need for Funding: nhF’s program, The Healthy Child Guide, will have an immediate and positive impact on thousands of families. Furthermore, our objective is to positively influence the births of over 1 million children through nhF’s programs and research.
DonateClick here:
“ A recent study performed by an miT senior research scientist, demonstrated there is a likely
correlation between glyphosate (Round-up Weed killer) and neurodevelopmental issues in
children. The reason why more research on glyphosate is needed is because this synthetic
chemical rids the human body of a host of ‘good bacteria’ and this has the potential to affect
the health of both pregnant mothers and children.”
— James Adams, Ph.D | Chair of the Scientific Advisory board | neurological health Foundation (nhF)
14 | The Healthy Child Guide
CONSUME:
___ Balanced Meals:50%vegetables,25%protein, 25%fruit/starch
___ Protein: 75gperdayduringfirsttrimester,90gperday during second and third trimesters
___ vegetables and Fruits: 7servingsperdayofawidevariety. 1serving=halfcup(4oz)ofmostvegetables/fruit, exceptforlettuce/leafygreenswhere1cup=1serving
___ Seafood:8-12ouncesperweekoflow-mercuryseafood (wild,notfarm-raised)
___ Clean Water: Tap water purified with a charcoal filter or uncontaminated spring water
___ Homemade Foods:Cookfromscratchwithwhole, organic food ingredients
___ High-Fiber Foods: 25gperdayoffiberreducesrisk of constipation
___ Organic Foods: Eat organic as much as possible to avoidharmfulconventionalpesticidesandherbicides. Throughlywashnon-organicfood.
AvOID:___ Alcohol
___ Fish with High Mercury(shark,swordfish)ormoderate mercury(tuna)
___ Avoid Aspartame and MSG Derivatives(flavorenhancers):Bothhavenonutritionalvalueandareconsideredbe“excitotoxins.”
___ Fish Skin
___ Raw or Undercooked Meat or Seafood
___ Fats in Non-Organic Meats
___ Charred/Blackened/Burned Food
___ Hydrogenated Fats, Partially Hydrogenated Fats, Transfats
___ Unpasteurized Foods
___ Soy/Tofu
___ Refined Sugars
___ Glycemic Foods:Refinedgrainsinbread,pasta,coldcereal,crackers,pretzels
___ Soda, Diet Soda
___ Excessive Caffeine:Morethan3cupsofcoffeeor5cupsoftea per day
___ Highly-Processed Foods
___ Deli Meats
___ Artificial Colors, Flavors, Sweeteners or Preservatives
___ Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)
Chec
klis
t
Diet and Nutrition ReCommenDATionS DuRing
PReConCePTion AnD PRegnAnCY
We recommend you print this page, post it on your refrigerator, and check it against your diet regularly.
Watch “Best to Avoid GMO Foods” for more advice from
board Certified Pediatrician, Dr. Nancy O’Hara
The Healthy Child Guide | 15
“ over the last 25 years, the
modern food supply has become
exposed to more and more unsafe
chemicals. Currently, the FDA has
standards that allow more than
10,000 different additives in food
that simply were not present 50
years ago when children were
much healthier on average.
not only is this increased
exposure an outcome of new
chemicals in foods, but is also
due to how drinks and food items
are packaged. The health impact
of these additives can have on
a developing child remains
largely unknown; only some of
these permitted substances have
ever been scientifically studied
for safety.
We’ve become accustomed to
gmo food ingredients, dyes,
flavors, synthetic sweeteners,
and chemical preservatives
(which can kill good gut bacteria).
We need to avoid the following:
growth hormones, livestock
antibiotics, hormone disrupters
such as Atrazine (a weed killer),
bPA, perfluorochemicals, and
synthetic pesticides/herbicides.”
— nancy o’hara, mD Pediatrician
To learn more about gmos,
click here.
The Healthy Child Guide | 15
“ eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits,
protein, and essential fats. eating organic will help reduce
your exposure to pesticides and herbicides. Prepare
meals at home ‘from scratch’ as much as possible.”
— vicki kobliner, mS RDn, CD-n Author and Registered Dietitian nutritionist nhF Scientific Advisory board
16 | The Healthy Child Guide
Thephrase,“Youarewhatyoueat”isnevermoreimportantthanjustbeforeandduringpregnancy. Atthisstageinyourlife,itisnotonlyyourhealththatisaffectedbyyourdietbutalsoyourbaby’s.Yourdietimpactsnotonlyhowyourchildgrowsanddevelopsduringpregnancy,butthelong-termhealthofyourchild.
ReCommenDATionS DuRing PReConCePTion AnD PRegnAnCY
Eat a rainbow everyday
Luckilyeatinganutritiousdietisnotdifficult.The Healthy Child Guidedescribeswhichfoods,inwhatamounts,arecriticaltoincludeinyourdiet.Equallyimportantinourworldoffastandprocessedfoodsarethosefoodstoavoid.
Readingingredientlabelstakesalittletimebutlearningspecificitemstoavoidwillquicklybecomesecondnature.Aftereducatingyourself,youwillrealizethatgoodnutritioncomesdowntoeating
whole,unprocessedorganic foods and avoiding any ingredient that you cannot identify easily as a true food.Theimprovementsin your health and the health of your child are well worth the time andefforttomakethesechanges.
(Nutrition Recommendations, continued)
Fetalgrowthanddevelopmentduringpregnancyisthemostimportantgrowthperiodinahumanlife.Nutrientsmovefromthemotherthroughtheplacentatothebaby.Ifyouasamotherdonotconsumeenoughhealthyfoods,thenyourbabyisnotreceivingenoughoftherightnutrients.Atthesametime,yourbabyisexposedtocertainchemicalsinthefoodandbeveragesyouconsume.Therefore,pregnancyisacriticaltimetopromotehealthyeating. Thefoodchoicesmadejustpriortopregnancyandduringpregnancycanimpactyourchild’slife-longgrowthanddevelopment.
What foods should i focus on eating during preconception and pregnancy?
Whenyouarepregnant,yourbodyrequiresahigheramountofnutrients.Ingeneral,werecommend a nutrient dense diet of healthy whole organic foods which includes a variety of proteins,vegetables,fruits,wholegrains,andessentialfats/oils.Tohelpguideyourdecisions astowhatisbestforyouandyourbaby,pleasebesuretoconsultwithyourhealthcareproviderand/oraregisteredorlicenseddietitian/nutritionisttohelpguideyourdecisionsas towhat’sbestforyouandyourbaby.
Our primary suggestion is to consume the following:
1) Balanced Meals Striveforabalancedmealwithhalfofyourplatecomprisedofvegetables,¼asprotein,and¼asfruitorstarches(wholefruit,healthyfats,wholegrainsorpotato). Atypicalmealmightbealeafygreenvegetablerichsaladwitholiveoildressing,abroiledpieceofchickenorfish,andsomefruitand/orasmallservingofpotatoes,quinoa,orrice.Homemadesoupsfilledwithvegetablesandchicken,beef,beansorotherprotein sourcesarealsoagreatchoice.
2) Protein Proteinsarethebuildingblocksforgrowthanddevelopment,andtheneedforproteinincreasessignificantlyduringthesecondandthirdtrimester.Goodsourcesofproteinincludeorganicpoultry,meats,eggs,beans,nuts,seeds,milkproducts,andlow-mercuryseafood(limitseafoodtotwotothreetimesperweek).
Thegoalforproteinintakeshouldbenolessthan75gramsperday,increasingtoward 90gramsinthesecondandthirdtrimesters.Proteinshouldbespreadoutovermeals andsnacks.Considerincludingsomeproteinateverymealandsnackinordertoprovidestableglucoselevelsandreducetheriskforgestationaldiabetes.
3) Organic vegetables/Fruits Eatatleast7servingsofvegetablesandfruitseachday,withtheemphasisonvegetables.Vegetablesandfruitsprovideimportantvitamins,minerals,andphytonutrients(thousandsofspecialchemicalsmadebyplantsthatmayhavenutritionalbenefit). Aservingisconsideredtobehalfacup(4oz.)forallfruitsandvegetablesexceptforlettuceandleafygreens,whichareacupperserving.Brightorange,deepred/purple,anddarkgreenvegetablesandfruitsshouldbeapartofyourdailydiet.“Eatarainboweveryday”canhelp remindyouoftheneedforavarieddiet,especiallywhenplanningforandduringpregnancy.
ExamplEs of protEin contEnt of food:
Chicken 3oz.= 28gofprotein
Steak3oz.=
26gof protein
Salmon—NorthAtlanticorfromAlaska (wildcaught,
not farm raised)
3oz.
Egg(1large) 6g
Pintobeans (1/2cup)
11g
Peanutbutter (1tbsp.)
7g
Milk (1cup,skim)
8g
Drinkandcookwithplentyofcleanwater.Werecommenda high end water filter as well as purchasing premium spring water(oftenrichinminerals)fromapuresource.
Youcanveryoftenfindalocaldistributor of premium artesian water who will deliver the water in5gallonglassjugs(alwaysleantowardglass).
This is well worth the investment beginning during preconception andduringpregnancy.
Clickhere to see #1 best seller,“Simply Scratch:120 Wholesome HomemadeRecipesMadeEasy”
Eat a rainbow everyday
The Healthy Child Guide | 17
18 | The Healthy Child Guide
4) Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids Consumptionoffoodshighinomega-3andomega-6essentialfattyacidsisnecessaryforthebraindevelopmentofyourbaby.Foodshighinthesefattyacidsinclude:fish/seafood, nutsandseeds,andcertainfruitsandvegetables(e.g.,avocados).Yourbaby’sbrain,cognition,visionandimmunitydependuponomega-3andomega-6essentialfattyacids.
5) Seafood Carefullyselectedseafoodistheprimarysourceofomega-3fattyacids.The FDA strongly recommends that pregnant women consume 8-12 ounces per week (two to three servings per week) of a variety of low-mercury seafood for optimal fetal development. Surprisingly,onemajorstudyfoundthatfishoilsupplementsarenotanadequatereplacementforeatingseafood.
Researchshowsusthatchildrenborntomotherswhoeatfish(fromacleannaturalsource)richinomega-3fattyacidsandlowinmercuryduringpregnancyhavebetter cognition and behaviorthanchildrenborntomotherswhoskipfishaltogether.Yet,mercuryandtheomega-3fattyacidlevelsinfishandseafoodvarywidely,asdoesthequalityoffishdependingonitssource.
You should completely avoid the fish highest in mercury(shark,swordfish)because oneservingduringapregnancyisenoughtosignificantlyincreasetheriskofneurological damagetoyourfetus.Wealsorecommendavoidingfishwithmoderateamountsof mercury,includingtuna.
Eatonly“wild-caught”seafood,andavoid“farmed”because“farmed”fisharelower inomega-3’s(duetobeingfedGMOcornorGMOsoyinsteadofalgae)andareoftenexposedtoantibioticsandotherchemicals. WestronglyrecommendavoidingfishfromChina,Indonesia,andCentral/SouthAmericabecauseofunsafefarmingpracticesandchemicalexposures(e.g.,PCBs,dioxins). Donoteattheskinofthefishbecauseittends toaccumulatecertainchemicals,suchasPCB’sandotherchlorinatedhydrocarbons.
6) Clean Water Drinkplentyofcleanwater.Thebestsourcesareusuallypurifieddrinkingwater,purifiedwithahigh-qualityfilterathomeornaturalspringwaterfromanuncontaminatedsource.
Storepuredrinkingwateringlass,stainlesssteelorceramic.Youcanflavorthewaterwithsmallamountsoforganicfruit(lemon,berries,etc.)forvariety.Avoidmostbottledwaterinplasticcontainersbecauseitisoftennobetterthantapwater(thechemicalsinplasticoftenbleedintowaterwhenleftinthesun);thesourceisoftenunknown.
7) Homemade Foods Processedfoods(pre-preparedsoups,dinners,etc.)oftencontainhighamountsofsugar,
salt,artificialcolors,flavors(AspartameandMSGderivatives),andpreservatives.Check ingredientlabels,andcookmealsathomewheneverpossible.Cookingmealsfromscratch isoftenmorenutritiousandyouknowwhattheactualingredientsare(whichisnotalwaysthecase).
What foods should i focus on eating during preconception and pregnancy?
Did you know you can have some of the best wild caught Alaskan seafood shipped directly to your house?
We recommend eating the fish that are lowest in mercury.
somE of thE most common arE:
WildSalmon
AtlanticMackerel
Sardines
Mussels
RainbowTrout
Forafurtherexplanation, we recommend reviewing EWG’sGuidetoSeafood.
The Healthy Child Guide | 19
Drink and cook with pure water (either filtered or from a pure, natural source).
(“What foods should I focus on eating during preconception and pregnancy?” continued)
8) High-Fiber Foods High-fiberdiets(25gperday)helpreduceriskofconstipation,acommon problemduringpregnancy(goodsourceincludesbeans,nuts,seeds, vegetables,fruits,wholegrains).
9) Organic Foods Eatorganicfoodsasmuchaspossible.Itisidealtoconsumeorganicfoodsto limitexposuretoharmfulpesticides,toxins,andadditives.Thisincludesorganic chicken(conventionalchickenisfedarsenictoreduceinfectionsandachieveapink-coloredmeat)andbeef(grass-fed/pasture-fedisbetterthancorn-fed),aswellasbeans,nuts,seeds,fruits,vegetables,andgrains.Organicfoodcanbesomewhat moreexpensive,butisespeciallyimportantduringpreconceptionandpregnancy. Costscanbereducedbycookingyourownfoodfromscratchinsteadofpurchasingprocessedfoods/meals.
Ifyoucannotaffordorganicfood,trynottopurchasefoodsthataremorelikelytohavehigherpesticideresidues—seethe“CleanFifteen” and “DirtyDozen” lists of fruits andvegetables.
Peelfruitsandvegetablestoremovepesticidesontheoutersurface.Ifyoucannotaffordorganicmeats,purchaseleanmeatstoavoidtoxinsthatconcentrateinfat.
Besuretowashallfruitandvegetables,eveniforganic.Thisincludesfruitsand vegetablesthatyoupeel,becausetoxinscanruboffontoyourhands.Repeated soakingincleanwarmwaterwithsmallamountsofnaturalvinegarandbaking sodahelpsremovemostpesticides.
WhatfoodsshouldIavoideating during my pregnancy?
Understanding what foods to avoid during pregnancy can help you make the healthiest choices for you and your baby.
1) Alcohol Therearenoknownsafeamountsofalcoholconsumptionduringpregnancy.Itisrecommended that women avoid alcohol completely when trying to conceive and throughoutpregnancyandnursing.
2) Fish High In Mercury Donoteatanyshark,swordfish,kingmackerel,ortilefish—asingleservinghasenoughmercurytoincreaseriskofneurologicaldamagetoinfants,accordingto theFDA.Wealsorecommendavoidingfishwithmoderatelevelsof The Healthy Child Guide | 19
mercurysuchastuna,becauseeatingalotoffishwithmoderate levels of mercury can result in a significant body burdenofmercury.Mercuryisatoxicmetalthatcandamageyourbaby’sbrain,lungs,kidneys,andpotentially,hearingandvision.ApproximatelyoneinsixwomenintheU.S.havehigh enough levels of mercury in their bodies to increase the riskofneurologicaldamagetotheirinfant,primarilyduetoconsumptionoffishwithmoderateorhighlevelsofmercury.
•Fishhighestinmercuryareshark,swordfish,kingmackerel,andtilefish
•Fishmoderatelyhighinmercury(alsoavoid):tuna,orangeroughy,mackerel,grouper,bluefish,sablefish
•Fishskin: Fishskinishighintoxins,soavoideatingit.
3) Raw Or Undercooked Meat Or Seafood Maycontaindangerousbacteriaorparasites.
4) Fats In Non-Organic Meats Manytoxicchemicalsareconcentratedinfats.Mostconven-tional meats contain synthetic hormones as well as trace amountsofantibiotics.
5) Charred/Blackened/Burnt Food Thecharred(burnt)portionsofovercookedfood(e.g.char-grilledmeats)containhighlevelsofpolyaromatichydrocarbons,manyofwhichcausebirthdefects,mutations,andcancer.
6) Hydrogenated Fats, Partially Hydrogenated Fats, Transfats Theseareunhealthyfatsthatshouldbeavoided.
7) Unpasteurized Foods Foodsthatareunpasteurized(softcheesessuchasbrieor rawmilk)arenotsafetoeatduringpregnancyandcould causeharmtoyourbaby.
8) Soy/Tofu Werecommendreducing/avoidingsoyproducts,including tofu,duringpregnancy.First,roughly80%ofsoyproducts areGMO(geneticallymodified),andthereisconcernby somescientistsandnutritionistsabouttheirsafety.Second,soy contains high amounts of genistein which is an endocrine disruptor(altershormonelevels).Althoughmoreresearchisneeded,westillrecommendreducing/avoidingsoyproductsandtofuduringpregnancy.
Forvegetarians,eatonly moderate amounts of organictofu,andrelyon otherproteinsourcessuchaslegumes/beans,nuts,seeds,eggs,milkproductsandorganicproteinpowders(e.g.whey,peaprotein)instead.
9) Refined Sugars Avoidrefinedsugarssuchassugar(sucrose),high-fructose cornsyrup(HFCS)aswellasfructose,cakes,candies,andsweetsbecausetheyprovideemptycalorieswithoutnutrients.HFCShasbeenfoundtobeevenmoredamagingthansugar.BecausesomeagaveincludesHFCS,wedonotrecommend itasasubstitute.Instead,usesmallamountsofnaturaljuice toflavorwaterortea.Intake of all refined sugars increases the loss of zinc and chromium which are critical to insulin structure and function. This is one of the ways that refined sugars cause glucose control problems which can lead to gestational diabetes.
10) Glycemic Foods Likerefinedsugars,glycemicfoodsdepleteimportantnutrientsandincreasetheriskforgestationaldiabetesinthemotherandriskfordiabetesinthechild.These“sugarraising”foods includerefinedgrains(breads,pastas,coldcereals,crackers,pretzels,bagels),juices,sweets,sodas,andalcohol.Theyoftenraiseglucoseassignificantlyasrefinedsugars.Refinedgrainswithoutthefiberareextremelyglycemic.Similarly,orange juiceishighlyglycemic,buteatingawholeorangeisnot.
11) Junk Food (cookies, chips, candy, desserts) These foods provide empty calories without nutrients and shouldbeavoided.SeeGlycemic Foodsabove.
12) Over-Consumption of Soda Onestudyof3,628womeninDenmarkfoundthatconsumptionof three sodas per day decreases the chance of conception by 50%.Regularsodashavehighlevelsofsugarand/orhighfruc-tose corn syrup which can result in a rapid rise and fall of blood sugar(glucose).Theyincreasetheriskfordiabetes,weightgain,cardiovasculardiseaseandhightriglycerides.Thereare healthieralternativestoconventionalsodapop.
20 | The Healthy Child Guide
WhatfoodsshouldIavoideating during my pregnancy?
The Healthy Child Guide | 21
13) Diet Soda Onemajorstudyof59,000Danishwomenfoundthatconsumingonedietsoda/day(containingAspartame) increasedtheriskofpretermdeliveryby38%,andconsuming fourservingsperdayincreasedtheriskby78%.Theycanalsoincreasetheriskfordiabetesandweightgain.Thus,werecommendavoidingdietsodalongterm,butespeciallyduringpregnancy,becausepretermbirthisoneofthemajorpregnancycomplications and can lead to life-long developmental problemsandinfantmortality.
14) Excessive Caffeine Limitedcaffeineissafeformostwomen,butavoidhighlevelsofcaffeine(morethan300mg,ormorethan3cupsofcoffeeor5cupsofteaperday).Somewomenmayhavelittleornotoleranceforcaffeineduringpregnancy(sleepdisturbances,tremors,anxiety,and/orhighbloodpressure).
15) Highly Processed Food Consumewholefoods(wholegrains,vegetables,fruits, nuts,seeds,beans, eggs,meatsand milkproductsetc., iftolerated).
16) Processed/Preserved Meats Manyprocessed delimeats(salami,bacon,hotdogs, etc.)containhighconcentrations of nitrate,whichisasuspectedcarcinogenandcancausemethemoglobinemiainbabies(bluebabysyndrome).
17) Artificial Colors/Flavors/Sweeteners/Preservatives Chemicaladditivesinfoodshavenotbeenwelltestedforpregnancy,butforpreschoolchildren,additiveshavebeenshowntobeacauseofdisruptionsinbehavior,learning, andemotions.
Infact,theAmericanAcademyofPediatricsacknowledgedthisandstated:“Apreservative-free,coloring-freedietisareasonableintervention.Theoverallfindingsareclear…weasskepticswholongdoubtedtheparentalclaimsofeffectsofvariousfoodsonbehavioradmit,wemighthavebeenwrong.”
So,werecommendavoidingartificialcolors,flavors,sweetenersandpreservatives,includingbutnotlimitedtoMSG,saccharin(sugartwin,Sweet’NLow®),aspartame(Equal®,NutraSweet®),andsucralose(Splenda®).
Instead,itisrecommendedthatpregnantwomenconsumeorganic,natural,homemadefoodswithminimalprocessing.Considerusingorganicjuice,maplesyrup,honey,coconutpalm sugar or molasses to flavor items instead of sugars and artificialsweeteners.
18) Genetically Modified Foods (GMO) ThesafetyofGMOfoodsisunclear,withsomeindependentresearchsuggestingtheymaybeunsafe.
ManyEuropeancountrieshavealreadybannedthem.WerecommendavoidingGMO’sonaprecautionaryprinciple. Someissuesareshownbelow:
•90%ofcorn,soybeans,andcanolaoilgrownintheU.S. areGMO.Foodslabeled“organic”arealsoGMO-free,soassumethatmostnon-organiccorn,soybeans,andcanola oilareGMO.
•MostGMOplantsaredesignedtobemoreresistanttopesticides,sohigherlevelsofpesticidesareoftenappliedtothem(resultingin“superweeds”thatareresistanttoherbicidesaltogether).
•SomeGMOcornisdesignedtoproduceapesticidecalledBt-toxin,whichcanhaveanegativeeffectonhumans.
•GMOcornisdesignedtohavehighersugarcontent.
“one major study…found that consuming one diet soda per day (containing Aspartame) increased the risk of
preterm delivery by 38%, and consuming four servings per day
increased the risk by 78%.”
(“What foods should I avoid eating during my pregnancy?” continued)
22 | The Healthy Child Guide
“…men are encouraged to follow similar recommendations as women in order to increase the quality of their sperm…”
22 | The Healthy Child Guide
The Healthy Child Guide | 23
Eating a healthy diet together encourages both parties to stay committedtonutritiouseatingandmakesthetransitioneasier forboth.Nutritionalsupplementsareimportanttospermhealth andsuccessfulconception.
The following can interfere with male fertility: •Beingage35andolder
•Toxicmetalexposureandaccumulation(lead,mercury,cadmium,excessivecopper).
•Harmfulchemicalexposures(organochlorinepesticides,BisphenolA,thalates,dioxins,endocrinedisrupters)
•Tobaccosmoking
•Alcoholconsumption
•UseofrecreationaldrugsincludingPCP,marijuana, cocaine,heroin,amphetamines,andsteroids
•Soyconsumption(decreasesspermcount)
•Overheatinginthegonadarea(holdingyourlaptop on your lap)
Our major dietary recommendations for men are to consume the following: •Abalancedorganicdietwithhalfofyourplatecomprisedof
vegetables,¼asprotein,and¼asfruits,healthyfatsand/orstarch(wholegrainsorpotato).
•Awidevarietyofproteinsources,vegetables,andfruits
•Low-mercuryseafoodonetotwotimesperweek(page20).
•Healthyoilsandfats
•Purifiedwater
•Abalancedvitamin/mineralsupplementformenthat contains at least:
somE of thE most common arE:
100%oftheDaily Value for Vitamins
50-100%oftheDailyValue forOtherMinerals
200mgofCalcium 100mgofMagnesium
bASiC nuTRiTion DuRing PReConCePTion FoR men
Duringpreconception,menareencouragedtofollowsimilarrecommendationsas womeninordertoincreasethequalityoftheirsperm(enhancemotilityandreducerisk ofDNAdamage)toimprovethechanceofconceptionandthechancesforahealthy child.Thisisevenmoreimportantinmenwhoare40yearsorolder.
The Healthy Child Guide | 23
“Momsanddadswhocarefullyconsumethe right seafood from a pure natural source increase the odds of having a healthychild.”
— Stuart Freedenfeld, m.D. nhF Scientific Advisory board
24 | The Healthy Child Guide
What is a vitamin or mineral?
Vitamins and minerals are nutrients in healthy foods proven by manyresearchstudiestobeessentialforhumanhealth.Thelack ofthesenutrientsmaycausediseaseorevendeath.Yourbody doesnotproducethesenutrients,soyouneedtoconsumethemfromfoodorsupplements.Itisespeciallyimportantthatpregnantwomen consume sufficient nutrients to prevent birth defects and improvetheirbaby’sgrowthanddevelopment.Folateandironaretwovitamins/mineralswidelyknowntobeimportantforahealthypregnancy.Yet,therearemanyessentialvitaminsandmineralsthat are important to optimize your chances of having a healthy pregnancyandahealthybaby.
Muchofyourbaby’sinitialbraingrowthanddevelopmentoccursinthefirst12weeksofpregnancy(4-6weeksbeforemanywomenknowthattheyarepregnant).Ifyouhavetheabilitytoplanyourpregnancy,it’simportanttobegintakingprenatalsupplements onetosixmonthspriortoconception.Ifyouweren’tabletostart aprenatalsupplementbeforeyourpregnancy,starttakingapre-natalsupplementassoonasyoufindoutthatyou’repregnant. Thesooneryoubegin,thebetterthenutritionyourbabyreceives.
Duringpregnancyandlactationthereisasubstantialincreasefornutrientdemandonyourbody.Beforepregnancy,prenatal
vitamins and minerals help build your stores of nutrients to support conceptionandpregnancy.Duringpregnancythesesupplementshelpthepropergrowthanddevelopmentofyourbaby.
Vitamin/mineralsupplementsarethemostcommonlyrecommendedprenatalsupplements,butothersupplementsincludingessentialomega-3fattyacidsandprobioticsarealsoimportant.
Are all prenatal vitamin supplements the same?
No.Most“prenatal”supplementsdonotcontainallessentialvitaminsandmineralsyourbodyneeds,andthelevelofvitaminsandmineralsareoftentoolow.Prenatalsupplementsgenerallycontainfolicacid,mostvitamins,andsomeminerals,butthereisnostandard.Onecapsuleortabletcannotincludealloftherecommendednutrientsforpregnancy.Calcium,magnesium, and choline are macronutrients that are needed in large amounts andrequiretwotofourcapsules,somanymanufacturersincludeonlysmallamountsoftheseimportantnutrients.
AnyprenatalsupplementthatisonecapsuleortabletwillNOTcontainasignificantamountofcalcium,magnesium,orcholine.
PReConCePTion AnD PRenATAl SuPPlemenTS
Taking the right prenatal supplements
beginning preconception is paramount.
Dr. James Adams, ChairoftheNHFScientificAdvisoryBoard,discusseshispersonalmotivation for decreasing the incidenceofautism,ADHD and neurological conditions inchildren.
“Wearenowatthestateofscientificknowledgewherewecanreducetheriskofpretermbirths,miscarriage,developmental and neurological conditionsinchildren.TheNeurologicalHealthFoundationempowersparentstomakelifestyle changes that increase theoddsofhavingahealthy,happychild.”
What supplements do you recommend?
Werecommendthefollowinggenerallevelsofvitamins/minerals.Somepeoplemayneed moreorless,dependingontheirdietandhealth,sodiscusswithyourphysicianand/or dietitian/nutritionist.On the NHF website, www.neurologicalhealth.org we provide a comparison of several leading brands and our ratings of them.
Vitamin or minEral
nhf rEcommEndation commEnt
VitaminA 8000IU Mostlyasmixedcarotenoids
VitaminC 100mg
VitaminD3 3000IUToolowinmostsupplements,andespeciallyimpor-tantforwomenwhodon’tgetonetotwohoursof
sunlightexposureeachday
Vitamin E 50IU WerecommendVitaminEasmixed tocopherols,notonlyalpha-tocopherol
VitaminK 100mcg
Thiamin 15mg
Riboflavin 15mg
Niacin 50mg
VitaminB6 15mg
Folate 1000mcg
Westronglyrecommendfolinicor methyltetrahdyrofolateinsteadoffolicacid,which
is an artificial form of folate not found in nature and which some people cannot easily convert to
the active form
VitaminB12 250mcg Preferablymethylcobalamin
Biotin 300mcg
PantothenicAcid 50mg
Calcium 250mg Somepeopleneedmoreiftheydonotconsume milkproductsoradietrichinvegetables
Iron 30mg Moremaybeneededduringthethird trimester depending on testing
Iodine 150mcg
Magnesium 250mg
Zinc 20mg
Selenium 50mcg
Copper 1mg
Manganese 1mg
Chromium 150mcg
Molybdenum 40mcg
Potassium 100mg
Choline 250mg
Cholineisnotyetincludedinmostprenatalvitamins,but new research shows it is essential for
neurological development and it is now recommend-edbytheU.S.NationalAcademyofSciences
Inositol
Watch “We Can Greatly Reduce the Risk of Autism”
The Healthy Child Guide | 25
26 | The Healthy Child Guide
What tests should i do during my pregnancy to check if i
need extra vitamins/minerals?
ManywomenaredeficientinironandVitaminDwithoutknowingit,sowestronglyrecommendmeasuringtheselevelsandtakingsupplementstocorrectanydeficienciesifneeded.Iron should be tested at preconception and retested during the third trimester. Due to making many new red blood cells for their baby, 40% of women develop iron deficiency during the third trimester.
•VitaminDshouldbetestedbeforepregnancy(testfor 25hydroxyVitaminD3),andretestedafterstartingsupplementsifitwaslow.
•Homocysteinecanbemeasuredtotestforneeded extrafolateand/orVitaminB12.
•Youcandiscusswithyourdoctoriftestsforother nutrientsareneededinyourcase.
Discuss with your physician, nutritionist, or dieticianIfyouaretakingprescriptionmedications,askyourdoctoriftheyaffectyournutritionalneeds(somemedicationsdepletecertainvitaminsorminerals).
Omega-3 Fatty AcidsTheomega-3fattyacids—EPAandDHA—aresignificantly beneficialtoconception,fertilizationandfetaldevelopment. Thesefattyacidsarecriticaltobrainstructureandfunction, vision,cognition,immunity,hormonemetabolism,andskinhealth.Seafoodistheprimaryfoodsourceforomega3fattyacids,but theyarealsopresentinnutsandseeds,especiallyflaxseed.
Werecommendtwotothreeservingsoflow-mercuryseafoodperweekinsteadofsupplements.Seafoodappearstobethebestsourceofomega-3fattyacids.fyoucannottolerateseafood,adailyfishoilsupplementwith1000mgofomega3’s(producedusingasolvent-freemoleculardistillationandcontaininganantioxidant)shouldprovidesomebenefit.Peoplewhoeathydrogenatedoils/trans fattyacidsorhavedeficienciesinmagnesiumand/orVitaminB6 mayneedmoreomega-3fattyacids.
ProbioticsWerecommend10to20billionCFU(ColonyFormingUnits)ofamixtureofstrainsespeciallyincludingBifidusinfantisandotherBifidobacteriumspecies.Probioticsviafermentedfoodsandsupplementsprovidebeneficialbacteriawhichhelpwithdigestion.These“goodbacteria”improvesystemicimmunity,fooddigestionandnutrientabsorptioninthemother.Takingprobioticsduring pregnancyhasdemonstratedareductionintheriskofgestationaldiabetesandpre-eclampsia.
Somestudieshaveshownthatprobioticshavethepotentialtopreventinfantasthma,allergies,eczema,digestiveinfectionsandillnessesintheinfant.TheadditionofprobioticsisparticularlyimportantininfantsbornbyCaesareansection,sincetheyarenotexposedtothemother’sprotectiveflora(microbiome)duringanormalbirth.
At 12 weeks, 90% of a child’s gut bacteria are Bifidus infantis, but if a child is delivered by C-section then they are often lacking in this crucial bacteria. Thus,werecommendgivingaprobioticwithB.Infantalistoinfants,especiallythosebornbyC-section.
Thepotentialforimprovementissignificantwhentakingprobioticsand/orconsumingfermentedfoodsinordertooptimizethedigestivegutbacteria.
The Healthy Child Guide | 27
nhF recommends that women take probiotics beginning at preconception.
Watch “The Invistible Universe of The Human Microbiome”
TheNHFScientificAdvisoryBoardrecommendsinThe Healthy Child Guidethatbeginningatpreconceptionwomentakeprobioticstorestorehealthygutbacteria.Thishasbeenshowntohaveahealthyinfluence onboththemotherandthebaby.
Tolearnmore,watchthisvideoandpaycarefulattentionwhenthevideoreaches45secondsaswellas3minutesand30seconds.
CliCk To See nhF viDeoS:
“ Did you know that a mom can take steps to
improve her gut biome (‘healthy bacteria’) before
and during pregnancy as well as pass this health
benefit along to her child?”
— John green, m.D. nhF Scientific Advisory board
GENERAl TOxINS
___Avoidalcohol,smokingandrecreationaldrugs.
___ Avoid Toxic Chemicals: Pesticideswithinoroutsidethe home;certainpaints,stainsandvarnishes(selectVOC when possible); gasoline and similar crude oil products
___ Avoid New Plastics: Emit chemicals that are hazardous includingnewflooring,cushions,showercurtains,stryofoam(coffeecups,takeoutcontainers,etc.)
___Avoidasbestos,stainguardsandotherchemicalexposures.
HOME AND HOME ClEANING
___ Clean Air:AiroutyourhomeonceaweekforatleastseveralhoursanduseaHEPAfilter.Houseplantscanhelppurifyair aswell.
___ Cleaning Products:ChecktheEWGwebsite(www.ewg.org) forsafesuggestions,includingdo-it-yourselfrecipesthatare lessexpensive.
___ Dust:DustandvacuumregularlywithaHEPAfilterinyourvacuumcleaner.
___ lighting:Avoidcompactfluorescentlight(CFL)bulbsbecauseiftheybreaktheymayreleasemercuryintothehome.
___ Electronics: Limitexposuretoelectromagneticfield(EMF)includingWi-Fidevicessuchascellphonesandlaptops.
PERSONAl CARE
___ Natural, Organic or Toxin-Free Cosmetics:ThisIncludessunscreen,hairandnailproducts,antiperspirants,drycleaningandfragrances.
___Avoidanti-bacterialsoapsandhandsanitizers.
NUTRITION AND FOOD PREPARATIONS
___ Water:Drinkwaterpurifiedwithahigh-endfilterorfromuncontaminatedspringwater.Almostallcitieshaveadistributorofqualityspringwaterbrandsandmostcanbepurchasedin5-gallonglassjugswhichismoreeconomical intermsofcost.
___ Plastics: Avoidmicrowaving/heatingfoodinplastic.
___ Cookware:AvoidTeflon®andothernon-stickcoatingsandaluminum.Somegoodalternativestousearestainlesssteel, castiron,glass,ceramic,porcelain,orenamel.
___ Canned Food: Avoidorreducetheuseofcannedfoodsand buyorganicfreshorfrozeninstead.
___ Food Storage:Storefoodanddrinksinglassorceramiccontainerswithairtightlidsinsteadofplasticcontainers,baggiesorplasticwrap.
___ Pesticides: Eat organic food to avoid consuming synthetic pesticidesandherbicides.Ifeatingconventional(non-organic)produce,washandpeeltheskinsfirst.
PET CARE
___ Flea Collars/Shampoos:Useonlynaturalproducts.
___ Pet Stool:Avoidcontactwithcatlitterboxordog’sstool.
We recommend you print this page, post it on your refrigerator, and check it against your household toxins regularly.
Chec
klis
t
Toxins ReDuCing ToxiC exPoSuReS (Seepage30 for further details)
28 | The Healthy Child Guide
enDoCRine (hoRmone) DiSRuPToRS 1Wheneverpossible,storeallfoodanddrinksin
glasscontainersforbothpantryandfridge.
2Ifusingamicrowave,onlyheatfoodsorliquids in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic container (avoidingplastic,regardlessofwhatthe packagerecommends).
3Avoidnon-stickcookware(seepriorpagefora listofalternatives).
4Whenusingadishwasher,usephosphate-free and/orfragrant-freedetergents.
5Forhandwashingandgeneralhouseholdcleaning,avoid anti-bacterials.Instead,useeco-friendlyproductsandconsider non-toxicingredientssuchascastilesoap,lemonandvinegarorbasicsoapandwater.
6Choosemeatsthatarefresh,organicgrass-fedanimalswithoutantibioticsorgrowthhormones.Keepinmind,conventionally-raised(non-organic)animalsstoretoxinsin theirfat,whichthengetspassedontohumanswhenconsumed.
7Allorganicfoodhasamuchgreaterpossibilityofbeingfreeofhormone-disrupting chemicalsthanfoodsusingconventionalpesticidesandherbicides.
8Avoidcannedfoodsandcanneddrinks(whichmaybelinedwithBPA,anendocrine orhormonedisruptor).
The Healthy Child Guide | 29
use steel, cast iron, glass or ceramic
cookware
8 ways to avoid
endocrine (hormone) disruptors.
“ The human endocrine system is composed of glands and hormones that directly influenceseverymajororganin the body including but not limitedtosexualdevelopment/ characteristics,growthandbehavior.Hormonesarenaturally produced by the human body in minuscule amounts(partsperbillion)andtransmit messages instructing a vast array of cells on what todoandwhentodoit.
Endocrinedisruptors(a.k.a.hormone disruptors) are modern-day,syntheticchemicals that have been manufactured because oftheiruniqueproperties. They are used in common consumer products such aspersonalcareproducts,herbicides,pesticides, plastics,flameretardants, andhouseholdcleaners. Exposuretohormonedisrupting chemicals during fetal development has the potential to produce chronic health disorders in children such as neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases,cancer,immunedisorders as well as other unintendedconsequences.”
— Prof. Richard Frye, mD, Ph.D. Child neurologist and Chief Scientist nhF Scientific Advisory board
30 | The Healthy Child Guide
Onemajorstudyfoundover287toxicchemicalsinnewbornumbilicalcordblood, includingcarcinogens,neurotoxins,anddevelopmentaltoxins,allofwhichareharmfultoababy’sgrowthanddevelopment.Therearemanystudiesthatshowthatexposurestotoxicchemicalsduringpregnancycanbeveryharmfultoadevelopingfetus.
Toxins
30 | The Healthy Child Guide
in her pediatric practice, Dr. Debby hamilton is asked
almost daily about toxins in our food and environment.
understanding which toxins disrupt our cellular function,
immune system, hormone systems and neurotrans-
mitters can be complicated. The Healthy Child Guide
helps parents find up to date scientific information on
toxins in our food and environment. learn more at
www.neurologicalhealth.org.
Watch “Toxins in Our Envirornment”
The Healthy Child Guide | 31
ReDuCing ToxiC exPoSuReSYourfetusisexposedtoallofthetoxinsinyourfood,water,air,andpersonalcareproducts.Fetusesaregenerallymuchmoresusceptibletothesetoxinsbecausetheirbodyisrapidlydeveloping.Whileavoidingalltoxicexposuresmaybedifficult,therearemanystepsthatyoucantaketoreduceyourexposureandprotectyourbaby.Belowareourrecommendationsforyou.
Common Toxins to Avoid: •Alcohol
•Smoking
•Recreationaldrugs
•Toxicchemicals
•Gasolineandsimilarcrudeoilproducts.Typicalexposuresoccurduringvehiclerefueling.Havesomeoneelsefillyourgastankormoveawaywhileitisbeingfilled.Gasolineandsimilaroilproductsincludemanytoxicandcarcinogenicchemicals.Forexample,10-20%ofgasolineisbenzene,whichevaporateseasilyandisaknowncarcinogenthatalsocausesanemiaanddecreasedbloodplatelets.
CHECk HOUSEHOlD FOR THESE:
Water Quality •Comparetheapproximatequalityofyourlocalwatervs
national averages by entering your zip code at the upper-right corner of http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/home.Maximum
allowablecontaminantslevelsindrinkingwatercouldbe found by downloadingthisEPAPDF.
NOTE: By law, water utilities are required to provide reports to consumers. However,
this often equates to only one sample being analyzed every three months,
which may not reflect the daily variations in water quality.
•Inmostcases,usetapwaterpurified with an activated carbon filter(eitheronthetaporwithapitcherfilter).Avoidreverseosmosis since it removes roughly
98%ofessentialminerals (calcium,magnesium,etc).
Anactivatedcarbonfilter can remove most of the organic
contaminantsfoundintapwater,intapwater,whilepermittingessentialminerals
(calcium,magnesium,etc.)topassthrough.
NOTE: Remember to replace filters regularly; as once they are filled they become inactive.Naturalspringwaterfromanuncontaminatedsourcemayalsobesafe.Askyourlocalcitywatercompanytotest asample.
•Avoidbottledwaterinplasticbottles,sincetheywillslowlyreleasechemicalsintothewater(evenBPA-freeplasticsreleasesomeharmfulchemicals).
•Storewateringlassorstainlesssteel.
•Consideraddinganactivatedcarbonshowerfilterorminimizeprolonged showers to reduce inhalation of water disinfection by-productsreleasedduringhotshowers.
Clean Air Freshairisimportant.Airout your home at least one time per week.Indoorairqualityisgenerally muchworsethanoutside.Usea HEPAfiltertoremoveparticulates. Minimizeexposuretopolluted outsideair.Informationaboutthepermittedaircontaminantlevelscan be found at http://www3.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/criteria.html.
Houseplants ANASA-sponsoredstudyfoundthatmosthouseplantsareeffectiveatremovingharmfulchemicalssuchastrichloroethylene,benzene,andformaldehydefromtheair.
Cleaning Products ChecktheEWGwebsite(www.ewg.org)forsafesuggestions,includingdo-it-yourselfrecipesthatarelessexpensive.
Dust Keepdustlevelstoaminimumbycleaningweekly,preferablywithawetmopandaHEPA-filtervacuumcleaner.Manytoxins,suchasflame-retardantsandpesticideresidues,accumulateindust.Regularvacuumsoftenblowsomeofthedustbackintotheairwhereitmaybeinhaled.
Pesticides in Home or Outside Useonlynaturalproducts.Ifyouareleasing,doNOTallowyourlandlordtoexterminateindoors.Manypesticidecompaniesclaimthatpesticidesareplant-based,butmostareactuallysynthetically-derivedandhavebeenassociatedwithadversehealtheffects.
•Forpersonaluse,seeEWGreportonbugrepellentsat http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents
32 | The Healthy Child Guide
Paint/Stain/varnish •Pre-1978paintcontainslead,sodonotscrapeorsand(leaddustisverydangerous).
•Ifpainting,usepaintwithlowVOC(volatileorganiccompounds)andlimitexposure(havesomeoneelsepaint,airoutthehouse,stayawayuntilpaintodorisgone).
•AvoidbrilliantlycoloredorfluorescentpaintsbecausetheyoftencontainPCBs—chooselow-pigmentedpaintsorpaintsderivedfromnaturalminerals.
New Plastics Newplasticsemitchemicalsthatarehazardous,includingnewcarpet,plastic/vinylflooring,glueforcarpet/flooring,furniture(especiallyfoamcushions),plasticshowercurtains,styrofoam,etc.).Forsaferoptions,seewww.greenhomeguide.com.
OTHER CHEMICAl ExPOSURES, INClUDING:
Artificial Fragrances Usenatural/organiconesinstead,includingessentialoilsandplant-derivedfragrances.
Avoid Stain Guards on furniture
Asbestos Itisininsulation,vinylfloortilesandsheeting,roofingandsiding,texturedpaint,hotwaterpipecoating,oilandcoalfurnacegaskets.AsbestoscontinuestobeusedintheUnitedStates.Itcanstillbefoundinvinylfloortiles,discbrakepads,roofingfelts,sealanttapeandotherproducts.
lighting Compact Fluorescent light Bulbs (CFls):IfCFLbulbsbreaktheymayreleasemercuryintothehome.Somestatesforbidputtingtheminlandfills.NHFrecommendslightemittingdiodes(LED)insteadduetotheirefficiencyandsafety.
EMF (Electromagnetic Fields) Considerreducingexposuretoelectromagneticfields(EMF).Researchatthistimeisunclear,butitmaybehelpfultoreduceexposuretoEMF.Thisiseasytodoatnight,whenelectronicsincludingWi-Ficanbeturnedoff.Forcellphones,usespeakermodeorheadset.Avoid“bluetooth”setsastheseproducehighlevelsofEMF.Keeplaptopsondesksandawayfrompregnantbellies.MalesshouldalsoavoidexposuretoEMFsincludingavoidinguseofaWi-Ficonnectedlaptoponthelap.
Personal Care •Cosmetics:Usenaturalcosmeticsbecausemanycosmeticsareamajorsourceof
phthalates,bisphenolA,parabens,toxicmetals,andothertoxins—seetheEWG SkinDeepCosmeticsDatabaseatwww.ewg.orgforsafeones.Thisisespecially importantforlipsticksinceasignificantamountisingested,androughly60% oflipstickscontainlead.
• Sunscreen:Somesunscreensaremuchsaferthanothers;avoidnanoparticle zincoxide(regularzincoxideisokay).Seerecommendationsatwww.ewg.org.
•Antiperspirants:Usealuminum-free,paraben-freeantiperspirants.
ReDuCing ToxiC exPoSuReS
/neuRologiCAlheAlTh
/nhFheAlThYChilD
FOLLOW NHF:
The Healthy Child Guide | 33
•Dry Cleaning:Finddrycleanersthatdonotuse“PERC”(perchloroethylene)tocleanyourclothes.Thisisatoxicsubstancethatstaysinyourclothesfordays.IfyoucannotavoidPERC,airtheclothingoutwiththeplasticbagremoved,outsidethehousefor24-48hours.Considerpurchasingclothingthatdoesn’trequiredrycleaning.Avoidwrinkle-freeclothingwhichoftencontainsformaldehyde.
•Hair Treatments/Nail Treatments:Reduceoravoidadditionalchemicalexposures,especiallyduringpreconceptionandpregnancy.Thereareorganichairproductsand afeworganicnailproducts.
Cooking •Avoidmicrowaving/heatingfoodordrinksinplastic(includingstyrofoam)asthechemicals
intheplasticsdissolveintothefood.Usemicrowave-safeglassorceramicdishware.
• AvoidTeflon®/non-stickcoatingsandaluminum.Insteadusestainlesssteel,castiron,glass,ceramic,porcelain,orenamel.
•Avoidorreduceusingcannedfoodandinsteadbuyorganicfreshorfrozenfoods.BPA(BisphenolA)isusedinmostcannedfoodliningandleachesintofoods.
•Storefoodinglassorceramiccontainerswithairtightlids.
•Avoidpesticidesbyeatingorganicfood.Ifeatingconventional(non-organic)food,washandpeeltheskins.Repeatedsoakingincleanwarmwaterwithsmallamountsofnaturalvinegarandbakingsodahelpsremovemostpesticides. SeeEWGforthe“DirtyDozenPlus”foodswiththemostpesticidesandthe“CleanFifteen”with the least pesticides http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php.
Pet Care •Flea Collars/Shampoos:Useonlynaturalproducts.
•Avoidcontactwithcatlitterordog’sstool.
CliCk To See ouR ChAnnel:
“ embrace beauty products
that contain whole, organic
ingredients. Reduce
exposure to synthetic
chemicals in personal
care products before
and during pregnancy.”
— Pamela J. lein, Ph.D. Professor of neurotoxicology and vice-Chair at university of California, Davis nhF Scientific Advisory board
“This is especially important for lipstick since a significant amount is ingested, and
roughly 60% of lipsticks contain lead.”
Medications •Discussallmedicationsyouaretakingwithyourphysician
andaskaboutsafetyduringpregnancy.Somemedicationslikeacnemedicationswithretinoicacid(Accutane®) should absolutelybeavoided.Minimizeuseofothermedications suchasantibioticsandpsychoactivemedications.
•Minimizeover-the-countermedications(discussallwith yourphysicianandreduce/avoidifpossible).
•Minimizeuseofacetaminophen(inTylenol® and other products).AcetaminophenhasbeenlinkedtoincreasedriskofhavingachildwithADHD,developmentalproblems(communication,grossmotorskills,behaviorissues), andpossiblylinkedtoanincreasedriskofhavingachild withautism.
•Avoidotherover-the-counterpainmedicationsduringpregnancy,especiallyduringthethirdtrimester,includingaspirinandnon-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrugs(NSAID) likeibuprofen(Advil®,Motrin®),naproxen(Aleve®).Talk toyourdoctorcarefullyaboutpaincontrolduringpregnancy.
Individualized Testing and Treatment at Preconception Werecommendyouaskyourphysiciantoconductthefollowingteststocheckforhiddenhealthproblems.Itisbesttodothispriortoconception,butotherwisedoitassoonaspossibleduringyourpregnancy.Also,priortoconception,askyourphysicianaboutrelevanttestsforthefatherbasedonhishealthstatus.
We recommend the following evaluations:
•Completegynecologicalexam,includingPAPsmearforHPV(humanpapillomavirus),preconceptiontestingforCMV andGroupBStreptococcus
•Checkallmedications,over-the-countermedications,andsupplements(includingyourprenatalsupplement)with yourOb/Gyn.
•Bloodtests
•CompleteBloodCount(CBC)
•BloodtypeandRh
•BloodChemistryPanel(glucose,electrolytes, kidneyandliverfunction)
•Sexually-transmitteddiseases,toxoplasmosis,HSV,HIV
•ImmunitytoRubellaandChickenPox—ifvaccination isneeded,werecommendgettingvaccinatedprior to pregnancy
•CRP(C-ReactiveProtein)
•Glucose(fasting)andHbA1C
•VitaminDas25(OH)D
•Ironpanel(serumiron,IBC,%saturation,serumferritin)
•Thyroid(TSHormoreextensivethyroidpanel)
•Homocysteine(totalfastingplasma;giveextraVitaminB12andfolinicacidifindicated)
•Toxicmetals(urinerecommended,buthaircanbedoneifhairisuntreatedbychemicals)—elevatedlevelsmaysuggestongoingexposuretotoxins;reducingexposureasdiscussedinothersections(organicfood,purewater,etc.)maybehelpful
•Visualcheckofstool—shouldbemedium/darkbrown,formed,atleastonceaday—ifnot,discusswithyourphysicianandconsider a probiotic since half your stool is intestinal bacteria
•Nutritionistconsulttoimprovediet
Additional tests to consider for high-risk groups •Geneticabnormalities—consultageneticcounselor,medical
geneticist,orbiochemicalgeneticsspecialist
•OxidativeStressPanel(urinaryisoprostanes,ratioofreduced:oxidizedglutathione)
•EssentialFattyAcids(especiallyiflowseafood/fishoilconsumption)
•OrganicAcids(urine)foridentifyingcellularenzymeandnutrient functions
•Plasmacarnitinepanel—(especiallyiflowbeefconsumption)—fasting
•PlasmaAminoAcids(especiallyiflowproteinconsumption andpre-albuminislow)—fasting
•Methylmalonicacidinurine(forVitaminB12—first morning urine
•Formimino-glutaricacid(FIGLU)inurine(forfolatestatus)—first morning urine
•CRP(C-ReactiveProtein)tocheckforinflammation
Dental Recommendations •Continuepreventivedentalcleaningsandexaminations
everythreetosixmonthsdependingonyouroralhealth.
•Avoidplacementorremovalofmercuryamalgamfillings(mercuryisamajorneurotoxin);instead,askforporcelain,gold,orBPA-freecomposites.
•Avoidplacementofrootcanals(duetochemicalexposuresfromtheingredients).
meDiCAl ReCommenDATionS
34 | The Healthy Child Guide
The Healthy Child Guide | 35The Healthy Child Guide | 35
Drinkingandcookingwithpurewaterincreasesthelikelihoodyouandthedevelopingbabywillnotbeexposedtoexcessfluoride.Youshouldalsoconsidernotwhiteningyourteethbeforeandduringpregnancy.
36 | The Healthy Child Guide
•Minimizeanesthesia—useonlyifneeded.Localanesthesia isusuallypreferredovergeneral.
•Ifantibioticsareneeded,discusswiththedentistthosethataresafeduringpregnancy(categoryB(notC,D,orX))andhavenotcausedyouanyreactionsinthepast.
Medical Care During Pregnancy •Attendallprenatalcarevisits
•Collectpersonalandfamilymedicalhistorydata
•Discussriskvs.benefitsofprescribedmedicationsandconsider discontinuing some
•Attendchildbirthclasses,considernaturalchildbirth
• Recheck iron status at third trimester—40% of women become anemic during third trimester due to large production of blood for fetus and placenta.
•Doacompleteironpanel(serumiron,IBC,%saturationandserum ferritin)
Additional Tests That May Be Recommended •Amniocentesis,ChorionicVillusSampling,orbloodtest(for
Downsyndrome,CysticFibrosis,SpinaBifida)—butbeawareoftherisksofsomeoftheseprocedures.
•BiophysicalProfile
•Firsttrimesterscreen(Chromosomalabnormalities)
•QuadScreen(maternal)
“Discuss risk vs benefits of prescribed medications.”
meDiCAl ReCommenDATionS
The Healthy Child Guide | 37
Attendall pre-natal
visits.
“ i have literally taught hundreds of young women on the importance of preparing the body to
become pregnant. eating healthy and avoiding toxins beginning at preconception are especially
critical since the first few weeks are when the fetus is most vulnerable.”
— Dr. Debby hamilton mD, mSPh, Pediatrician Author of “Preventing Autism & ADhD: Controlling Risk Factors before, During & After Pregnancy” nhF Scientific Advisory board
The Healthy Child Guide | 37
38 | The Healthy Child Guide
PRECONCEPTION
Trytoachievethefollowinggoals(graduallyincreaseyouractivitylevel to achieve them)
___150minutesperweekofmoderate-intensityaerobicactivity (suchasfastwalkingorswimming)ANDmusclestrengtheningactivities(suchascircuittraining/high-intensityaerobics,resistancetraining/strengthtraining,oryoga)ontwoor moredaysaweek,OR
___75minutesperweekofvigorous-intensityaerobicactivity(suchasjogging)ANDmusclestrengtheningactivitieson twoormoredaysaweek,OR
___Anequivalentmixofmoderateandvigorousintensityactivityand muscle strengthening activities on two or more days aweek.
PREGNANCY
Trytoachieve150minutesperweekofmoderate-intensityaerobicactivityANDmusclestrengtheningactivitiesontwoormoredaysaweek.Graduallyincreaseyouractivityleveltothisifyouarenotatthislevel.
POSTPARTUM
Discusswithyourphysicianwhenyoushouldstartexercising again.Graduallyincreaseyourexerciseleveltoreachthegoals listedinthetwoprevioussections.
cUrrEnt lEVEl of ExErcisE
MINUTESPERDAY DAYSPERWEEK
YoUr Goal for ExErcisE
MINUTESPERDAY DAYSPERWEEK
Chec
klis
t
Exercise SeT YouR FiTneSS goAlS noW
We recommend you print this page, post it on your refrigerator, and check it against your exercise regimen regularly.
The neurological health Foundation (nhF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization designated by the internal Revenue Code. Your tax-deductible donation to nhF will fund programs that educate and empower parents to have healthier children free of chronic neurological illness.
DonateClick here:
The Healthy Child Guide | 39
Listento your body.
The Healthy Child Guide | 39
Sunlight spurs the body to make vitamin D. however, due to the risk of skin cancer, nhF recommends a small amount of sun exposure without sunscreen to help the body produce vitamin D.
40 | The Healthy Child Guide
“…regular physical activity should be a major part of a woman’s life prior to pregnancy.”
40 | The Healthy Child Guide
The Healthy Child Guide | 41
Everyoneknowsthatexerciseisimportantforgoodhealth.This istruebefore,during,andafterpregnancy.Pregnancyisaphysicalstressonthebodyandexercisealleviatessomeofthephysicaldiscomfortsofpregnancyandmakeslabormucheasier.Being activebeforepregnancyalsohelpsbringyoutoahealthierweight,which is associated with improved rates of conception and healthierpregnancyanddeliveryoutcomes.
Beingpregnantandbecomingamotheraresomeofthebiggestchangesyouwillencounterinyourlifetime.Havinganexerciseroutine during this time is an important step toward alleviating thatstress.
Forthemother,regularphysicalactivityparticipation(150minutesperweekofmoderate-intensityphysicalactivity)maydecreaseriskforchronicdiseaseincludingstroke,breastcancer,diabetes,andhighbloodpressure.Regularphysicalactivityalsohelpsmothersmanagetheirweight,contributestohealthybones,andreducessymptomsassociatedwithdepressionandanxiety.Forthebaby,regularphysicalactivityimprovesbaby’sbirthweightandstressresponse.Therefore,regularphysicalactivityparticipationshould beamajorpartofawoman’slifepriortopregnancy.
Besuretospeaktoyourphysicianabouttheimportanceof exerciseaspartofyourpreconceptionhealth.
how much physical activity do i need to do to achieve a healthy
weight for my pregnancy?
AccordingtotheCentersforDiseaseControl,itisrecommended that one should participate in either:
1) �150minutesperweekofmoderate-intensityaerobicactivity ANDmusclestrengtheningactivitiesontwoormoredays aweek,OR
2) �75minutesperweekofvigorous-intensityaerobicactivityANDmusclestrengtheningactivitiesontwoormoredaysaweek,OR
3) ��Anequivalentmixofmoderateandvigorousintensityactivityandmusclestrengtheningactivitiesontwoormoredaysaweek
Somewomenmayneedmoreandotherslessactivitydependingondiet,genetics,anddailyleisureactivity.Toloseweightandkeepitoffyou will need a high amount of physical activity and a reduction in caloricconsumption(eatinganddrinking).Tomanageweightlong-termrequiresbothregularphysicalactivityandahealthyeatingplan.
how should i get started?
Tips To Getting Started Include (But Not limited To): 1) ��Set Goals For Physical Activity.Short-termgoalsshouldbeset
toachievealong-termweightloss/weightmanagementgoal,yetshouldbeachievableandmanageable.Forexample,“Iwillexercise30minutesforthreedayseachweek”.Oncethisisachievedregularly,anothergoalcanbesettoincreasethetimeor number of days until the appropriate amount of activity is achieved.Considerkeepingachecklisttoencourageyourself.
2) �� Take Opportunities to Reduce Your Sitting Time.Examplesofthismaybeusingasitting/standingworkingstationandalternatesittingandstandingduringyourworkdayevery30minutes.Additionally,parkfartherfromyourdestinationtowalk,orusepublictransportation.Useofpublictransportationencouragesmoredailyactivity.
3) ��Engage In Activity with Others and/or Engage a Support Network.Takethetimetofindotherwomenlikeyoutowalktogetherorparticipateingroupexercise.Thiswillhelpyoustaymotivatedandaccountableforyouractivity.
Formoretips,see Staying Motivated (page44.)
Does exercise help reduce my stress?
Theexerciserecommendationsabovearethebestwaytolessenstressasyouprepareforpregnancy.Regularphysicalactivityiseffectiveforreducingfatigue,improvingalertnessandenhancingoverallcognitivefunction.Exercisemakesyoufeelenergizedandhealthy,andevenfiveminuteshasanti-anxietyeffects.Ifyouareespeciallyconcernedwithyourstresslevels,makesuretoshare thiswithyourphysician.Additionally,considermoremindful activitiessuchasyoga,Qigong,orTaiChi.
ExerciseDuRing PReConCePTion
Askyourhealthcareprovideraboutwarningsignsthatyoushouldbeawareoffordiscontin-uingphysicalactivity.Themoreyoucommunicatewithyourhealthcareprovider,theeasieritwillbetoassuretheyareabletogiveyouthebestprenatalcare.
Should all women participate in physical activity during pregnancy?
Researchsuggeststhatparticipationinphysicalactivityduringpregnancyhasminimalrisksandissafeforboththemotherandbaby.However,somewomenmayhaveconditionsinwhichphysicalactivityisunsafe.Communicatewithyourhealthcareprovideraboutphysicalactivityparticipation.
What are the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy?
Benefitsinclude:improvingormaintainingcardiorespiratoryfitness,healthyweightgain,alleviationofpregnancydiscomfort(constipation,backaches,varicoseveins),preventionofgestationaldiabetesand/orpreeclampsia,reducedstress,bettersleep,andeasierlabor anddelivery.
What are the recommended guidelines for physical activity?
1) �Healthywomenshouldparticipatein150minutesperweekofmoderate-intensityphysicalactivity(30minutesonmost,ifnotalldaysoftheweek).
2) �IfyouWERENOTregularlyactivepriortopregnancy,beginslowlybuildupto10minutes,then15minutes.Continueuntilyouhaveworkedupto30minutesdaily.RefertotheCDCfor more tips at www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/pregnancy.html
3) �IfyouWEREregularlyactivepriortopregnancyyoushouldcontinueyourphysicalactivityregimenandworkwithyourhealthcareprovidertoadjustphysicalactivityasthepregnancyprogresses.Seeexercisestoavoidbelow.
DuRing PRegnAnCY
Itisimportanttocheckwithyourhealthcareprovider,andreceivetheir“OK”,beforeyoubeginaphysicalactivityprogramduringpregnancy.Youshouldalwayscommunicatewithyourhealthcareprovideraboutyouractivityincludingexercisehistory,goals,andperceivedbenefits.
42 | The Healthy Child Guide
4) �A Good Rule of Thumb:Makesurethattheintensityoftheactivityallowsyouto maintainaconversation(equivalenttoabriskwalk).Ifyoucan’thaveaconversation youareprobablyworkingtoohard.Asyourpregnancyprogressesyouractivityintensitylevelinwhichyoucankeepaconversationmaydecrease.Again,workwithyour healthcareprovidertoadjustyourphysicalactivityasthepregnancyprogresses.
What exercises are safe during pregnancy?
safE prEGnancY ExErcisEs:
Walking Yoga
Swimming/AquaAerobicsStrengthtraining(lightweightswith morerepetition).Heavyweightlifting
isNOTrecommended.
Rowing Stretching
Stationarybicycle
Other activities may be safe if the activity was performed regularly prior to the pregnancy (e.g.,running)butcheckwithyourhealthcareprofessional
Activity to Avoid During Pregnancy: •Avoidphysicalactivitiesthatforceyoutolieflatonyourback
•Avoidcontactsportsandactivitiesthatposeahighriskoffalling
•Avoidoutdoorcycling,downhillskiing,gymnastics,andhorsebackriding
•Onlyparticipateintennismoderately,and,ifyouplayedbeforeyourpregnancy
Other Tips: •Listentoyourbody
•Drinklotsofpurewater
•Wearcomfortableclothingandshoes
Changes in Your Body During Pregnancy That May Affect Your Physical Activity Participation: • Breathing: Youneedmoreoxygenwhenyou’repregnant,especiallyinyoursecond
andthirdtrimesters.Yourgrowingbellyputspressureonyourlungs,makingthemworkharderinasmallerspace.Youmayevenfindyourselffeelingshortofbreathattimes.
•Heart Rate: Yourheartworksharderandbeatsquickerduringpregnancytogetoxygentoyourbaby.Youmayhavelessenergyforexercise.
•Balance: Yoursenseofbalancewillchangeasyourpregnancyprogresses.Youmaynoticethatyouloseyourbalancemoreeasily.
• Joints: Yourhormonesareathighlevelsduringpregnancy.Thiscanmakethetissuesinyourbodymorerelaxedandathigherriskforinjury.Trytoavoidanymovementsthatmaystrainorhurtyourjoints.
Drinklots of
pure water.
The Healthy Child Guide | 43
44 | The Healthy Child Guide
Staying MotivatedYou’remorelikelytomaintainphysicalactivity(before,during, or after pregnancy) if you consider these simple tips:
1) � Stop the Excuses
Planaheadsoyoudon’tmakeexcusesforphysicalactivity.Schedulephysicalactivityintoyourdailyschedule(i.e., schedule a meeting with yourself everyday to be active) and makeitpartofyourlifestyle(i.e.,alwaystakethestairsor parkfartherfromyourdestination).
2) � Give Up on Guilt
Makeyourselfapriority.Oncethebabyarrivesitwillbemoredifficulttomaketimeforyourself.Rememberthatyourhealthaffectsyourchildrenandphysicalactivityispartofyourhealth.
3) � Set Goals
Makesuretosetgoalsthatyoucanattain.Ifyouarejust startingphysicalactivity,setsmallergoals.Asyouattainyourgoals you will feel more confident in your ability to participate inphysicalactivity.
4) � Conduct an Environmental Inventory
Makesureyourenvironmentisconducivetophysicalactivity.What“items”inyourenvironmentwillmotivateyouand enableyoutobeactive?Forexample,packyourwalkingshoes inyourbageachdaybeforeyougotoworkormakesureyouhavemusicwithyoutolistentoduringyouractivity.
5) � Gather Support
Talktoyourpartneraboutsupportingyourdesiretobeactiveduringthepregnancy.Maybeyourpartnercanjoinyouinphysicalactivity.Physicalactivitycanbemoreenjoyableif youhaveafriendorfamilymembertoparticipatewithyou.
6) � Go on a Date with Physical Activity Until You “Find the One”
Findanactivitythatyoutrulyenjoyandthatissafeduringpregnancy.Ifyouarenewtophysicalactivityyoumayhaveto try a few different types before you discover the activity you enjoymost.
7) Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Yourtoleranceforphysicalactivitywillprobablydecreaseasyourpregnancyprogresses.Itisoktorest;however,evenlowintensityphysicalactivity(i.e.,slowwalkthroughthepark) willhelpyoutofeellessfatigue,swelling,backache,and othersymptomsofpregnancy.
8) � listen to Your Body. Stop Exercising if You Notice:
•Dizziness
•Headache
•Shortnessofbreath
•Chestpain
•Abdominalpain
•Vaginalbleeding
•Ifyoursignsandsymptomscontinueafteryoustop exercising,contactyourhealthcareprovider.
DuRing PRegnAnCY
Packing your bag each day before you go to work will help you from putting off getting some exercise.
44 | The Healthy Child Guide
What is the benefit of physical activity postpartum?
Beginningorreturningtoregularphysicalactivityparticipationhasmanybenefitsincluding:weightloss(returntopre-pregnancyweight),improvementsincardiovascularfitness,restoremusclestrength,restoreabdominalandcoremuscles(e.g.,pelvicfloormusculature),reduce lowerbackpain,boostenergy,improvemood,relievestress,andprevention/recoveryfrompostpartumdepression.
i am worried i may have postpartum depression. Will physical activity help me with this?
One of the most important reasons to participate in physical activity during postpartum is the beneficialeffectonmood,stress,andanxiety.Additionally,physicalactivityhelpswomentoreturntopre-pregnancyweight,whichhasbeneficialeffectsonself-esteemandbodyimage,furtherenhancingmoodandimprovingfeelingsofanxietyanddepression.
Keepinmindthatifyouarehavingsymptomsofdepression,itmaybehardertobemotivatedtobeactive.Speaktoyourphysicianaboutthewayyouarefeeling.AlsorefertoStaying Motivated (mentionedonthepriorpage)forstrategiestohelpyoufeelmoremotivatedtobeactive.
Will physical activity impact breastfeeding?
Researchstudiessuggestthatwomenwhoareactiveproducethesameamountofmilkaswomenwhodon’texercise.Thismeansthatmeetingmoderatelevelsofphysicalactivityrecommendationpostpartum(inadditiontodrinkingwaterbeforeandafteryourexercise) willhelptoensureyouareproducingthemilkyouneedtosupportthehealthygrowth ofyourbaby.
Itisbesttoavoidvigorousactivityuntilfiveorsixmonthsafterbirth,toallowyourbody toadjusttoprovidingenoughmilkforyourbaby,andtogiveyourbodytimetorecover.
PoSTPARTum
Exerciseisimportantbeforeandduringpregnancy butalsoveryimportantpostpartum.Speakwithyour physician about the best time for you to start or return tophysicalactivitypost-partum.
After birth,avoid vigorousactivity for 5-6
months.
BEnEfits:
Pre-pregnancyWeight
CardiovascularFitness
RestoreMuscleStrength
RestoreAbdominal andCoreMuscles
ReduceBackPain
BoostEnergy
ImproveMood
RelieveStress
PreventionorRecovery fromPostpartum
Depression
The Healthy Child Guide | 45
46 | The Healthy Child Guide46 | The Healthy Child Guide
“ Following the recommendations in nhF’s Healthy Child Guide
is making the law of quality averages work in your favor.
one healthy habit from The guide is great...but when you
put all of them into practice, the benefits to you and your
child increase exponentially.”
— Prof. Richard Frye, mD, Ph.D. Child neurologist and Chief Scientist nhF Scientific Advisory board
The Healthy Child Guide | 47
When is the best time to start or return to physical activity postpartum?
Formanyyears,physicianshaverecommendedthatwomenwaituntiltheyaresixweekspostpartumtostartorreturntomoderatephysicalactivity.Morerecentresearchsuggeststhatwomenmay notneedtowait,andcaninsteadreturnslowlytoactivityassoon astheyfeelready.
IfyouhadaC-sectionoranycomplicationsaphysicianmayalterrecommendations for when you should start or return to physical activity.Itisalwaysbesttotalktoyourphysicianaboutwhenisthebesttimeforyoutostart/returntophysicalactivity.
how can i start or return to physical activity in the postpartum
considering my responsibilities with my new baby?
Fatigue,stress,lackoftime,andgettingusedtonewresponsibilitiesallmayplayaroleintheinabilitytobephysicallyactivepostpartum.However,physicalactivitywillhelpwithfatigueandstress.
Additionally,therearewaystoincorporatephysicalactivitywith yournewbabysothatyouhavetimetobeactive.
Here are some examples:
1) Useastrollerandgoforawalkwithbaby.
2) Joinanewmothersexercisegroup(e.g.,strollerstrides)to meet other women who are trying to be active and share similargoals.
3) Scheduleanapduringbaby’snaptime.
4) Participateinactivitywithyourbaby.Forexample,useyour babyasaweightandholdthebabywhileyoudosquatsorlungesorraisethebabyupanddowntoexerciseyourshoulders.
5) Purchasein-home,indoorexerciseequipmentsothatyou canbeflexibleanduseanyopportunitytobeactiveas comparedtohavingtodrivesomewhereorneedingchildcare.
Schedule your exercise during baby’s nap time
48 | The Healthy Child Guide
CDC http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/pregnancy.html
life Factory https://www.lifefactory.com
Dr. Bronner https://www.drbronner.com
Pathways for Health http://pathways4health.org/resources
March of Dimes(MOD) http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/physicalactivity_indepth.html
Baby Center http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-best-kinds-of-exercise-for-pregnancy_7880.bc?page=2
Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-during-pregnancy/AN01560
Health.gov http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/chapter7.aspx
Helpful Websites
Get Involved
The neurological health Foundation (nhF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization designated by the internal Revenue Code. Your tax-deductible donation to nhF will fund programs that educate and empower parents to have healthier children free of chronic neurological illness.
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Join The nhF Community learn About nhF Research
The Healthy Child Guide | 49
JAMES B. ADAMS, PH.D. DirectorofAutism/Asperger’sResearchProgram,ArizonaStateUniversityChair,ScientificAdvisoryBoardof theNeurologicalHealthFoundation
RODNEY DIETERT, PH.D. ProfessorofImmunotoxicology,DepartmentofMicrobiologyandImmunologyatCornellUniversity.
STUART FREEDENFElD, MD Family PracticePhysician,StocktonFamily Practice,Stockton,NJ
RICHARD E. FRYE, M.D., PH.D. AssociateProfessor,CollegeofMedicine,Department ofPediatrics,UniversityofArkansas MedicalSchool
JOHN GREEN, MD Physician,The EvergreenCenter,OregonCity,Oregon
DEBBY HAMIlTON, MD, MSPH PediatricianatHolisticPediatricConsultinginDenver,Coloradoandauthorof“PreventingAutism&ADHD:ControllingRiskFactorsBefore,DuringandAfterPregnancy”
lYNNE HEIlBRUN, MPH FacultyAssociate,DepartmentofFamilyandCommunityMedicine,TheUniversityofTexasSchoolofMedicineatSanAntonio
JENNIFER HUBERTY, PH.D. Associateprofessor,SchoolofNutritionandHealthPromotion,ExerciseandWellnessprogram,ArizonaStateUniversity
vICkI kOBlINER, MS RDN, CD-NRegisteredDietitianNutritionist-Wilton,Connecticut
DANA lAAkE, RDH, MS, lDN LicensedNutritionist,DanaLaakeNutrition
PAMElA J. lEIN, PH.D. ProfessorofNeurotoxicologyandVice-ChairatUniversity ofCalifornia,Davis
ElIZABETH lIPSkI, PH.D., CCN, CHN, CNS, lD/N DirectorofAcademicDevelopment, NutritionandIntegrativeHealthprogramsatMarylandUniversityofIntegrativeHealth
SHARON MCDONOUGH-MEANS, MD DevelopmentalPediatrician,IntegrativeDevelopmentalPediatrics,Tucson,AZ
JESSICA MITCHEll, ND AssociateDeanofClinicalEducation,SouthwestCollegeofNaturopathicMedicine
ROBERT k. NAvIAUx, MD, PH.D. ProfessorofGenetics,BiochemicalGenetics,andMetabolism,UniversityofCalifornia,SanDiegoSchoolofMedicine
NANCY O’HARA, MD Pediatrician,CenterforIntegrativeHealth–Wilton,Connecticut
RAYMOND PAlMER, PH.D. AssociateProfessorofFamilyandCommunityMedicine,UniversityofTexasHealthScienceCenteratSanAntonio
kATHRYN RECORDS, Ph.D., RN, FAAN Professor,CollegeofNursingatUniversity ofMissouri-St.Louis
ReadmoreabouttheNHFScientific AdvisoryBoardbyclickinghere:
neurologicalhealth.org/scientific-advisors/
lYNNE kENNEY, PSYD ContributingEditorofThe Healthy Child Guide CHRIS WIllHITE ContributingEditorofThe Healthy Child Guide,ChairmanoftheBoardofDirectors,NHF
NHFhasformedaScientificAdvisoryBoardcomposedofpracticingmedicaldoctors,nutritionists,neuroscientistsaswellasprofessorsatmajor
universitiestodevelopspecific,evidence-basedregimensandrecommendationsthatwomenandcouplescanfollowutilizingThe Healthy Child Guide.
TheNHFScientificAdvisoryBoardwillbeofferingCMEtrainingforhealthcareprofessionals aswellasvirtualconferencesforthegeneralpublicbeginningin2016.
Authors
Watch “The Healthy Child Guide”
ChildNeurologistandChiefScientist,Prof. Richard Frye, MD, Ph.D,discusses the fact that there is an increase in neurodevelopmental disordersofchildhood.Thecausesareaninteractionbetweengeneticsandtheenvironment.The Healthy Child Guide provides research-based nutritional and lifestyle recommendations that increase the probability of reducing neurological and developmental conditionsinchildren.
50 | The Healthy Child Guide
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Notes
Click here: /neurologicalhealth
Click here: /nhFhealthyChild
FolloW nhF:
See ouR ChAnnel To See ADDiTionAl nhF viDeoS:
Click here:
The Healthy Child Guide | 51
Notes
Neurological Heath Foundation 11700PrestonRd.,Suite660-109|Dallas,TX75230
469-620-5100 www.neurologicalhealth.org
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