Environment during the time of conception, during pregnancy, and during infancy, can influence genes and the risk of developing chronic degenerative diseases in adulthood. We usually believe that we develop degenerative diseases because of some things we did, or did not do, as adults. But studies show that factors, especially maternal diet – malnutrition, low protein, high fat, stress and environmental toxins during early life can all ‘switch on’ some ‘bad’ genes and ‘switch off’ some ‘good’ genes, leading to various conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, etc.
This has extremely important implications – our health can impact that of our children too, and therefore our responsibility to maintain good health through life, especially for those planning a family, grows many, manifold.
It is crucial that the couple pay careful attention to their own nutritional status – yes, men too – starting before planning pregnancy, and continue to be careful with the child thereafter through to adulthood.
Some important requirements are:
1. Folic Acid. It can help reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (called neural tube defects). It is recommended that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid each day. For men, lack of folic acid can change the chemistry of the sperm’s DNA. These can affect the development of the unborn baby.
2. Protein from healthy animals, or vegetarian sources. 60 – 80g / day. This is required for the development of the baby, its organs, brain, immune status, etc.
3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are critical for the development of the baby’s brain and nerves. It helps lower the risk of preterm delivery, promotes better eyesight, intelligence and hand-eye co-ordination in the baby. Each day pregnant women would need an additional 400 to 550 mg of omega-3, of which about 225 mg should be DHA from low mercury fish.
4. Anti-oxidants – We are constantly exposed to toxins, be they in the environment, or food, or chemicals. These can obviously impact the baby’s health, To counter these, anti-oxidants present in organically grown, brightly colored fruit and vegetables can help. 9 – 13 servings per day are recommended. Alternatively, supplements from a trusted organic source may be consumed.
5. Smoking and Alcohol are highly damaging to the infant, and should be avoided.
BeHealthy, StayHealthy!