Pesticide exposure can affect your baby today as well as in the future. In fact, some of the effects may not become apparent until later in life. Your baby’s first two years are filled with rapid growth and development. In fact, your baby’s body and brain grow faster during this period than at any other time. Healthy, chemical free foods play a major role in your baby’s developing body. Babies are more vulnerable to environmental toxins, such as pesticides. Eating organic food has proven to reduce the amount of pesticides found in the body.
There is much evidence that pesticides contribute to a wide range of health problems, including cancer, lung disease, reproductive problems, and possibly disorders of the endocrine and immune systems.
Animal testing also indicates that pesticides can cause permanent changes in brain chemistry that may lead to behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and even long-term damage of the brain and nervous system.
Children are more vulnerable to the dangers of pesticides
1. Pesticides can cross the placenta, which means that pregnant women need to take care to avoid contact.
2. Children tend to eat a limited number of foods, which can increase their exposure to specific pesticides. They also eat more food relative to their body weight than adults.
3. Children may also absorb pesticides more easily, and because of their still-developing gastrointestinal tract, their bodies may be less capable of breaking them down.
4. Pesticides can block the absorption of nutrients that are vital to healthy growth and development.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Academy of Sciences stated: ” Chemicals used in conventional farming are up to ten times more toxic to children. Babies have a lower body weight and a higher metabolism so they in turn take in more toxic chemicals. Pesticides are especially damaging to developing organ systems and babies livers which are immature and less able to detoxify damaging chemicals.”
There are many brands of organic baby food that you can buy- they will be a little more expensive, but it’s worth the price! Two well known brands are Earths Best and even Gerber has their own organic line now to keep up with customer demand.
Another great option is to make your own baby food. If you think you’re the only parent making your own baby food – think again! A leading research firm estimated that as many as 62% of parents make all or some of their baby’s food. The advantage with this is that your baby gets the food fresh and you know exactly how it is prepared.
Start making the Switch to organic or homemade baby food today!
About the Author
