Tips to reduce exposure to contaminants in nursing mothers (and in all)

The presence of toxic chemical compounds in the general population jump to the media with some frequency. Sometimes, it is associated with breast milk, because it is used as an indicator of environmental contamination (since fat-soluble pollutants can be measured more easily in breast milk than in other parts of the body, not because it is more contaminated) .

But breast milk only reflects the situation of the community, it is not a problem for women who breastfeed, as the Spanish Pediatric Association states in a recent statement. In this sense, the decision to breastfeed should be promoted and protected while working to eliminate the chemical compounds that contaminate food, water, air and the products we use.

The AEP has established some recommendations to reduce exposure to environmental pollutants, not only for nursing mothers, but for the entire population, although driven by concern about the influence that breastfeeding-contamination association may have.

How to help reduce the level of chemical contaminants in the body

  • Reduce the consumption of animal fats, since many of the toxic chemicals are found in high concentrations in animal fat. The reduction in animal fat intake is recommended to start in early childhood, from two years of age, as many toxic chemical compounds are deposited in the body, especially in adipose tissue, for decades.

  • It is recommended to eat a variety of foods that are not of animal origin (fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains), remove the skin and excess fat from meats and poultry and choose non-fat or low-fat varieties of food from animals, such as skim milk, chicken, meat and lean fish.

  • It is especially important to avoid processed foods based on minced meat and leftovers, such as sausages, mortadella, hot dogs and canned meat preparations, which are very high in animal fats.

  • Wash and peel fruits and vegetables to eliminate possible pesticide residues. Whenever possible, consume food grown without fertilizers or pesticides.

  • Reduce the consumption of freshwater fish, because of the risk that they come from contaminated waters and large predatory marine fish, such as swordfish and shark, since they may contain higher levels of mercury and other chemical contaminants. We saw a few weeks ago the recommendations of the Food Safety Agency in this regard, prohibiting the consumption of swordfish, shark, bluefin tuna and pike to women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding and children under three years. The AEP advises preferably to consume small fish, such as sardines.

  • Limit exposure to smoked products and products grown near incinerators, since some industrial processes, especially burning and incineration, produce dioxins.

  • Reduce childhood obesity. For the reasons mentioned above, obese children are at greater risk of accumulating toxic chemical compounds in their adipose tissue.

  • Avoid an exaggerated loss of maternal weight during breastfeeding, which would lead to greater mobilization of the toxic compounds accumulated in the adipose tissue into breast milk.

  • Use glass or ceramic containers for food, bottles, teats and crockery for children. Phthalates and bisphenol A used in the manufacture of some plastics (although recently banned in Europe) can have adverse effects on health, to avoid exposure to these compounds it is recommended: replace the plastic containers with glass containers or ceramic, do not put plastic containers in the microwave or in the dishwasher, do not wrap food in plastic rolls and avoid canned foods, especially those presented in canned cans with plastic inner lining.

  • Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and alcohol. It has been proven that the levels of contaminants are higher in people exposed to tobacco and in those who drink alcoholic beverages.

  • Limit exposure to pesticides, lead-based paints and common chemicals that may contain toxic compounds, including: some paint solvents, water-based glues, furniture cleaning products, nail polish, vapors of gasoline and pesticides used in homes and gardens.

  • Avoid dry cleaning of clothing. When you have to do this, remove the plastic cover of the dry cleaning clothes as soon as possible, and air the garments in a room with the windows open for 12-24 hours.

  • Avoid occupational exposure to chemical contaminants and try to achieve chemical safety standards in the workplace for all employees, especially pregnant women and nursing women (IBFAN 2000).

Breast milk is still the best

In any case, we remember that artificial milk does get contaminated with some frequency and causes health problems in intoxicated babies. And although the contamination is affecting breast milk (as the quality of semen and as our entire body), it is best to breastfeed the baby, as pointed out by the AEP:

Breast milk is the healthiest and least contaminated food on the planet in terms of food security for children. The benefits of breastfeeding clearly outweigh any health risks associated with the chemical contaminants present in breast milk.

Environmental pollution is not a problem of breastfeedingIt is a very serious public health problem that requires more attention from the whole society, taking as an example countries that have acted to curb pollution and improve the health of the population as a result.

Video: A Chemical Soup: Children's Brains and Environmental Contaminants (March 2024).