What Do Moms in Europe Know that We Do Not??

Did you know that 70% of our immune system is found in our digestive tract? That's why the foods you eat and the chemicals they contain/don't contain have a big impact on your health. Poor Dane - I must have been feeding him a lot of bad stuff! Or maybe he just wasn't getting enough of the good food. :)

1 in 3 American children now has either autism, ADHD, allergies, or asthma. Did you know that austim, diabetes, and obesity is often referred to as American epidemics?

Here's some wonderful statistics about what's happened in the past 20 years in the US:

• 400% increase in food allergies
• 300% increase in asthma, & 56% increase in asthma deaths
• 400% increase in ADHD
• 1,500% to 6,000% increase in autism

Mothers in most developed countries are told to avoid chemical toxins during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The only thing I was told to avoid when I was pregnant was lunchmeat!

What Moms in Europe Know

• 75% of processed food contains unlabeled genetically engineered chemical toxins
• 91% of all soy contain these toxins (organic soy is okay)
• 60% of all corn contain these these toxins

Genetically modified food (aka GMO) was introduced in the US in the 1990's. The theory was that genetically modified food would be healthier than food sprayed with pesticides. When these products were introduced, the US did not require it to be mentioned on the label. However, 45 other countries and governmental agencies in Europe, Australia, Asia, and Japan require food labels to mention if it contains GM food. Some of these countries even ban GMO food.

Since studies have not yet proven these products are safe for children, most developed countries will not allow genetically modified food. The US is the exception, so we are allowing a giant experiment on ourselves and on our children.

So What Can You Do?

Just start by doing 1 thing! That's easy! For instance, if you love cereal for breakfast, just switch to an organic version.

Check out this website from a former Houstonian mom for great tips: http://www.allergykids.com/

But Will It Really Make a Difference in My Child's Life?

Yes, considering what your child eats right now will have an effect on his life years from now. During childhood, cells rapidly divide, and the body is very vulnerable to damage from toxic substances in unhealthy foods and the environment. Even the beginning of heart disease starts in childhood!!

For More Research, Checkout These Studies:

Maynard M, Gunnell D, Emmett P, Frankel S, Davey Smith G. Fruit, vegetables, and antioxidants in childhood and risk of adult cancer: the Boyd Orr cohort. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2003 Mar;57(3):218-25. Erratum in: J Epidemiol Community Health. 2007 Mar;61(3):271.

Fuemmeler BF, Pendzich MK, Tercyak KP. Weight, Dietary Behavior, and Physical Activity in Childhood and Adolescence: Implications for Adult Cancer Risk. Obes Facts. 2009;2(3):179-186.

Michels KB, Rosner BA, Chumlea WC, Colditz GA, Willett WC. Preschool diet and adult risk of breast cancer. Int J Cancer. 2006 Feb 1;118(3):749-54

Berenson GS, Wattigney WA, Tracey RE, et al. Atherosclerosis of the aorta and coronary arter- ies and cardiovascular risk factors in persons aged 6 to 30 years and stud- ied at necropsy (the Bogalusa heart study). Am J Cardiol 1992;70:851-58.