Introduction

First of all let me dispel a myth. The myth is that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Medical Assocition (AMA - which controls what your doctor knows and doesn't know), the March of Dimes, corporations, etc. can be relied upon to protect your health and the health of your developing baby. If you depend on these organizations to protect your health, and the health of your baby, both you and your children are going to have a lot of health problems.

These organizations, and many others, are interested in one thing, and one thing only - your money. Quite frankly none of them could care less about you or your baby. If you want a healthy baby YOU are going to have to do a lot of homework. As much as you may like and trust your medical doctor, remember that he or she was trained by medical schools that have been controlled by the pharmaceutical industry for many decades.

Let's play a little game to see if I am right. After studying the items I talk about, and after studying the articles I link to below, ask yourself this question: "How many of these things did my doctor tell me about?" This is not to cast blame on your doctor, but to point out to you that your doctor has essentially been trained by corporations who are more interested in their "earnings per share" than they are interested in your baby.

The things a mother eats, and doesn't eat, and puts on her body, both during pregancy and during breast feeding, can have a profound effect on the intellect, memory, mental problems, etc. of their baby. Early childhood problems such as ADD, ADHD, brain cancer, autism, etc. may be primarily caused by the things a mother eats, and doesn't eat, during pregnancy and breast feeding.

This is a partial list of the good, the bad and the ugly things. It is not a complete list, but it includes the things that seem to be the most critical. Don't forget to study the entire list and look at the links at the bottom of the article.

The Very Ugly Things For Babies

Aspartame, Neotame

Did you know that Aspartame (e.g. NutraSweet, Equal, etc.) and Neotame can cause BRAIN DAMAGE to an unborn fetus? This brain damage can be manifest as mental retardation, Cerebral Palsy, autism, ADD, ADHD, brain tumors, and a myriad of other brain related disorders!

• "... aspartame disrupts fetal development by aborting it or inducing defects. And if a live child is born aspartame may have heinously damaged the DNA of the baby, cursing future generations."
  James Bowen, MD

I am also convinced that aspartame, during pregancy or during nursing, is a major cause of brain cancer among many children younger than 1 year old.

In fact do not sweeten your food with any man-made substance, including Splenda. Use honey when you can, it is both antiviral and antifungal. (Note: Children under 2 should not be given honey, it is for mothers only.)

In adults, aspartame is known to cause brain cancer.

MSG, HVP, Cysteine

Did you know that MSG (monosodium glutamate) can also cause these SAME CONDITIONS because it has the same chemical properties (excitotoxins) as one of the chemicals in aspartame? It is particularly damaging when aspartame and MSG are consumed together!!

Did you know that hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) and cysteine can also cause these SAME CONDITIONS because they are also excitotoxins?

In fact MSG is in ALMOST EVERY PROCESSED FOOD YOU BUY. MSG is ADDED to over 30 different substances, thus allowing the food vendor to HIDE the fact that MSG is their product. Food vendors ADD MSG on purpose to make the food more flavorable and to make the food more addictive. However, they HIDE the fact that MSG is in their products because if they admitted it, no one would buy their products.

Here is a PARTIAL list of foods that contain MSG that the food industry does not want you to know about. The list was compiled by Shoshanna Allison, M.T.P.:

Food Additives That ALWAYS Contain MSG

   Monosodium Glutamate [MSG]
   Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein [HVP]
   Hydrolyzed Protein; Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
   Plant Protein Extract
   Sodium Caseinate
   Calcium Caseinate
   Yeast Extract
   Textured Protein (Including TVP)
   Autolyzed Yeast
   Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
   Corn Oil

Food Additives That FREQUENTLY Contain MSG

   Malt Extract
   Malt Flavoring
   Bouillon
   Broth
   Stock
   Flavoring
   Natural Flavors/Flavoring
   Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring
   Seasoning
   Spices

Food Additives That MAY Contain MSG Or Excitotoxins

   Carrageenan
   Enzymes
   Soy Protein Concentrate
   Soy Protein Isolate
   Whey Protein Concentrate
   Also: Protease Enzymes of various sources can release excitotoxin amino acids from food proteins

For more information about MSG fraud, see:
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/

Aspartame, MSG, etc. are unquestionably the main reason there has been an explosion in the number of miscarriages, premature births, and newborn children diagnosed with brain disorders.

Chemicals in Cosmetics and Toiletries

Numerous cosmetics and toiletries, such as perfumes, deoderants, hair spray, hair shampoo, toothpaste, etc. contains chemicals that are dangerous to a fetus and nursing infant.

• "Phthalates are metabolized in humans once ingested or absorbed through the skin. In pregnant women, phthalates pass through the placenta to be absorbed by the fetus. In nursing women, phthalates are found in breast milk, which means infants are ingesting these chemicals as they develop. In male fetuses -- and infants especially -- the phthalates have been shown to cause testicular atrophy and a reduced sperm count, among other serious health problems."
  http://www.healthy-communications.com/6-are_your_beauty_products_killingyou.html

Phthalates are just one of many chemicals found in everyday cosmetics and toiletries that is potentially very harmful to developing fetuses and infants.

Even the chemicals in toothpaste can be dangerous:

• "Dr. Peter Vikesland of Virginia Polytechnic Institute found that the antibacterial chemical triclosan can react with the chlorine in water to produce chloroform gas. Researchers believe that over time, inhaled chloroform can result in depression, liver ailments, and even cancer. Said Dr. Vikesland, "The amount of gas formed is very low but I think the key thing is that we just don't know what the effects are. However, manufacturers do have to list triclosan on their ingredients, so if consumers are worried, the best advice is to avoid such products with the chemical."
  Mark Prigg, Science Correspondent and Rebecca Lawrence, Evening Standard , "Toothpaste cancer alert," This is LONDON, Evening Standard, April 15, 2005.

Rather than try to list all of the known dangerous chemicals in skin products, etc., consider this quote:

• "EVER SINCE 1938, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted self-regulation to the cosmetic industry, such products can be marketed without government approval of ingredients, regardless of what tests show. Most of the 25,000 chemicals used in our everyday skin products have not been tested for long-term effects. In a typical day, you might be exposed to more than 200 different chemicals-many of which are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting hormones."
  Las Vegas’ Guide to Healthy Living, April 2004

So what can you do? Try to use products that have few, if any, added chemicals. That is difficult to do becuase the chemicals in a product are rarely mentioned. It may require a trip to the health food store, but even there there may be hidden chemicals.

Cough Suppressant Linked to Birth Defects

From the well-known Dr. Mercola website I quote the following:

• "Dextromethorphan, the major ingredient in most OTC cough medicines, has been shown to cause birth defects and fetal death in chicken embryos exposed to concentrations relative to those typically taken by humans. Researchers found that dextromethorphan causes defects so early in the development of the embryo that in many cases the woman wouldn't even know she is pregnant. Reserachers feel that a single dose is capable of causing a birth defect and that, ultimately, it could be the cause for a woman to have a miscarriage.

  Dextromethorphan suppresses cough by acting on receptors in the adult central nervous system. But in embryos, the drug appears to "knock out" the receptors, thus leading to the defects. Further study is needed, but in the meantime, the authors suggests that pregnant women or women attempting to get pregnant, be advised not to use dextromethorphan-containing cough medicine." http://www.mercola.com/1998/archive/cough_suppressants.htm

Mercury

• "A July 2000 report from a National Academy of Sciences study states that 60,000 children are born at risk for adverse neuro-developmental effects each year due to their mothers' exposure to methyl-mercury. A Center for Disease Control and Prevention study in March 2001 (in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) indicates that about 10% of American women of child-bearing age are at risk for having a baby born with neurological problems due to in utero mercury exposure (statistically representing about 375,000 babies/year). The fact that [dental] amalgams [the silver tooth fillings] are most likely the major contributor to the mercury levels in American citizens should be clearly presented to the public. Yet all the American public hears is concerns about mercury in fish."
  Boyd Haley, Ph.D. (Testimony Before the House Government Reform Committee)
  http://www.whale.to/a/toxic_dentistry.html

Incredibly the devastating effects of dental amalgam have been known about for several decades, yet nothing has been done by the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association or any of the government agencies. While dental amalgam is the greatest cause of mercury toxicity, don't forget that fish can also be a significant cause.

If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, do not get a flu shot or any other kind of shot, they are loaded with mercury!!

Aluminum and Fluoride

Consider this quote on fluoride and developing fetus brains:

• "An earlier study by Mullenix et al., reported in Nevrotoxicology and Teratology, in 1995, found that animals exposed to fluoride at various stages of gestation suffered either permanent hyperactivity if exposed prenatally, or became "the rat version of couch potato" if exposed after birth, though there was no elaboration of exactly what that is.

  The Natick folks say "there is good evidence that fluoride . . . affects the IQ and behavioral patterns of the developing fetus at doses that are not toxic to the mother."

  The International Society for Fluoride Research has also reported studies implicating fluoride in the rising rates of Down's syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and sleep disorders."
  http://www.pwgazette.com/fluoride.htm

How about aluminum? While aluminum is technically not a heavy metal, it is so toxic it is frequently listed as a heavy metal. Aluminum is known to pass through the placenta to the fetus. It is also known to be a major cause of Alzheimer's.

• "In animal studies, aluminum blocks the action potential or electrical discharge of nerve cells, reducing nervous system activity. Aluminum also inhibits important enzymes in the brain (Na-K-ATPase and hexokinase). Aluminum may also inhibit uptake of important chemicals by nerve cells (dopamine, norepinephrine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine)."
  http://www.naturallybalancedhealth.com/healthalert.ivnu

While it is true that fluroide and aluminum are independently bad for the brain of a developing fetus, it should also be known that the combination of aluminum and fluoride makes the damage of both items much, much greater!

• "Evidently Alzheimer's Disease came along after people started using aluminum cookware. Isabel Jansen, R.N., wrote of a simple experiment regarding the use of aluminum pots, where it's easily proven that the aluminum and the fluoride content in water, both increase dramatically.

  "In January 1987, experiments performed at the Medical Research Endocrinology Dept., Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and the Physics Dept of the Univ. of Ruhana, Sri Lanka, showed that fluoridated water at 1 ppm, when used in cooking in aluminum cookware, concentrated the aluminum up to 600 ppm, whereas water without fluoride did not. (Science news 131:73)

  They suggested that because of the known fact that aluminum is neuro-toxic and is in abnormally high concentrations in the brain of Alzheimers and other neurological disease victims, including AIDS, that these findings raise questions about adding fluoride to the water supply of communities to reduce tooth decay....

  Because of these findings, a test was made of Antigo, Wisconsin water which has been fluoridated for 33 years. The water was examined by a certified Wisconsin laboratory, and showed that when it was used in cooking in aluminum cookware, it concentrated the aluminum by 833 times and increased the fluoride content by 100%.

  The maximum allowed aluminum content of water is set by the World Health Organization at 200 micrograms per liter. This makes Antigo water, when cooked in aluminum, 75 times over the maximum. No test was made of distilled water, as the Antigo Water Dept. does not dispense distilled water."
  http://www.whale.to/a/alz.html

There are also several other links at the bottom about fluoride and Down Syndrome. Fluoride can be found in many places other than your water.

In short, THROW AWAY all of your aluminum pots and pans, do not drink out of aluminum soda pop cans, etc. etc.
Do NOT cook with aluminum foil.
Do NOT drink tap water or cook with tap water.
Do NOT use distilled water as your main source of water as it leaches potassium and other minerals.

Use natural water, such as spring water, purified water or artesian well water. Just to show you how impossible it is to avoid aluminum, consider:

• "KNOWN SOURCES OF ALUMINUM TOXICITY:
  beverages from aluminum cans (soda pop and beer)
  food cooked in aluminum cookware
  use of aluminum-containing antacids
  use of anti-perspirants (read the label)
  drinking water (aluminum is frequently added to municipal water)
  baking powders
  drying agents in salt and other products
  processed cheese
  bleached flour
  fluoridated water increases leaching of aluminum from aluminum pots and pans.
  Born with elevated aluminum passed from mother to fetus through the placenta."
  http://karan.heskco.com/pages/aluminum.htm

Obviously, if you eat processed foods, you will get plenty of fluroide and aluminum in your diet - far too much. Therefore, you must do everything in your power to remove these things from what you prepare for yourself!

• "According to a report in the Lancet in 1989, many infant formulas contain aluminum. In this report it was revealed that human breast milk contained 5-20 micrograms per liter of aluminum, cow’s milk-based formulas contained 20 times as much aluminum, and soy-based formulas contained 100 times as much. So human breast milk had the lowest concentrations, proving to be the safest."
  http://www.drlaurathompson.com/OldFiles/heavy_metal_toxicity.htm

Vaccinations For Mother or Child

All vaccinations contain either mercury or aluminum. Plus they contain other highly damaging chemicals, as well as live viruses. Note than when you get a "mercury-free vaccination" you are getting aluminum instead, which is just as bad!! But other chemicals in the vaccination are also very dangerous!!

Mercury passes through the placenta, so vaccinating the mother is no different than pumping highly toxic mercury (or aluminum) directly into the brain of the fetus.

Many babies are born with autism. You can rest assured this autism came from the mother's vaccinations or other exposure to mercury.

The best solution is to AVOID all vaccinations and to become familiar with these supplements which can all deal with viral infections. These products can PREVENT the flu or cure the flu if you get it:
1) Miracle Mineral Supplement (28% stabilized oxygen),
2) Vitamin A,
3) Vitamin D, especially Vitamin D3,
4) Vitamin C,
5) The Bob Beck Protocol (electromedicine)

It is beyond the scope of this article to talk much about this subject, but the Mercola website, and many other websites, talk about how mercury causes autism and other brain problems. Also see this article:
Preventing and Treating the Flu

The Very Bad Things For Babies

Trans-Fatty Acids

Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) can cause extensive damage to a fetus, and even the brain of the developing fetus. TFAs are found in peanut butter, margarine, and virtually every other processed food. Trans-fatty acids are also called "hydrogenated oils" because the hydrogenation process is how TFAs are created. The hydrogenation process changes the chemical structure of certain fats and creates a monster of a molecule which can damage the brain of a fetus, cause cancer, cause Type 2 diabetes, and a whole host of other health problems:

• ""Even in these baby foods, we see partially hydrogenated fats," Sterken says, holding up a package of infant cereal. "Trans fatty acids replace the essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are needed for brain growth ..."

  Even if foods are [labeled], studies show some babies are still getting high doses of trans because their mothers are eating it. Research from the University of British Columbia shows trans fats pass through placenta to the fetus. In Europe, another study found that the higher the trans in the diet of pregnant women, the more likely they were to give birth prematurely and have smaller babies.

  Once born, the trans fat ingested by mothers is passed to their babies through breast milk. In fact, a study by Health Canada found Canadian breast milk contained among the highest levels of trans reported.

  "I have grave concerns about the fat type in the diet of pregnant and lactating mothers and our young children right through to adulthood," says Bruce Holub, a nutrition researcher at the University of Guelph.

  (It is important to note that during the first two years of life infants and toddlers need a high fat diet. Low fat foods are not appropriate in the first two years of a child's growth.)"
  http://www.ctv.ca/generic/WebSpecials/transfat/index_story1.html

Too Many Stored Potatoes

When potatoes are stored they get black spots on them. These black spots are caused by the fungi: Aspergillus and Fusarium. The mytotoxins created by these fungi are: aflatoxin and fumosium. In pregnant women who consume large amounts of potatoes, the two mytotoxins have been incriminated as a cause of spina bifida.
See: Sick and Tired - Reclaim Your Inner Terrain, page 89

Other Items

Alcohol causes "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome," which is actually several different diseases that can result in brain damage, caused by a mother drinking alcohol while pregnant. It has been shown that a single intoxication can cause brain damage to a fetus. Furthermore, alcohol can stay in the body for up to 3 months!

Chlorinated tap water has been associated with a slight increase in the incidence of spina bifida.

Need smoking even be mentioned? Or caffeine? All of these things are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of dangers to unborn children. The links below will discuss many of the more common substances that can cause serious or fatal damage to a fetus.

Here is a good generic quote:

• "These are among research findings that Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory research associate Sharon Pottmeyer writes about in a Web-site Hot Topic for the Parent Information Resource Center (http://www.nwrel.org/pirc/). Pottmeyer, pulling information from researchers such as Rima Shore, author of Rethinking the Brain: New Insights into Early Development, and Jane M. Healy, author of Endangered Minds, says that toxins known to cause problems or implicated in problems for the developing brain include metals such as lead, methyl mercury, arsenic, aluminum, and cadmium; environmental pollutants such as PCBs, solvents, pesticides, and some chemical fertilizers; recreational drugs that include alcohol, cocaine, codeine, methadone, and heroin; and prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The ill effects of these various drugs and toxins are most generally lowered IQs, mental retardation, attention deficits, academic learning difficulties, social problems, and central nervous system issues."
  http://www.nwrel.org/comm/monthly/brain.html

A Warning About the Overuse of Ultrasound

While it is true that ultrasound is far safer for both mother and baby than X-Rays, ultrasound should only be used when absolutely necessary. There is a fad in some parts of the country where ultrasound is used indiscriminately, almost for entertainment. Ultrasound can be very dangerous to a fetus. The FDA has issued a warning about the overuse of ultrasound.

• "Evidence suggesting that ultrasound scans on pregnant women cause brain damage in their unborn babies has been uncovered by scientists."
  http://interact.pregnancytoday.com/cgi-bin/boards/pregnancy.pl?read=1098

The Very Good Things For Babies

Choline (Do NOT confuse this with chlorine)

• "Maternal choline levels are critical for fetal brain development, indicated a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study in a supplement to the October Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Rat pups that received choline supplements in utero exhibited lifelong memory enhancement. This improvement in memory function may reflect improved hippocampal development. Translating the results to humans, the author suggested that eating one or two eggs a day could help pregnant women maintain the appropriate choline levels for fetal development."
  Neurology Reviews

Non-animal, and therefore much healthier, sources of choline (which is one of the B vitamins) include: cauliflower, soybeans, grape juice, and cabbage.

Folic Acid

• "One study presented to the court showed that pregnant women who were given 800 mcg. of folic acid in multivitamin supplements experienced a 100% reduction in neural tube defects, compared with a 40% to 80% reduction resulting from a 400 mcg. dosage. According to a recent survey, only 30% of women of childbearing age know that folic acid reduces birth defects. By censoring this information about folic acid, the FDA was condemning tens of thousands of babies to crippling and irreversible birth defects... The FDA recently lost the case. An estimated 350,000 birth defects occurred in America during the time the folic acid lawsuit was in progress." (See Pilgrims Rest link below)

The March of Dimes, which pretends to be experts in preventing birth defects, still recommends 400 mcg.

While all neonatal multi-vitamins contain folic acid, a pregnant woman should get half or more of her folic acid from natural sources. Natural sources include: eggs, yeast & brewer's yeast, mushrooms, oranges, orange juice, other citrus fruits and juices, leafy green vegetables, beans, peanuts, legumes, broccoli, asparagus, peas, split peas, lentils, barley, bran, brown rice, cheese, chicken, dates, lamb, liver, milk, mushrooms, pork, root vegetables, salmon, tuna, wheat germ, wheat and whole-grain products.

Eggs, yeast, and especially brewer's yeast, should be avoided. Thus, the focus should be on the plant sources.

Omega-3: EFA and DHA

Another nutrient critical for fetal brain development is omega-3. The very long chain omega-3s can be obtained by eating fish, especially salmon. Sea algae is another source of the DHA. But perhaps the easiest way to get EFA and DHA is to take a teaspoon or more of very high quality cod liver oil which is high in EFA and DHA. Carlson's is such a brand and is available at most health food stores. See this book:
The DHA Story, by Robert Abel, Jr., M.D.

The less critical forms of omega-3 can be obtained from flaxseed (e.g. flaxseed oil) and walnuts. As long as you are at it, also make sure you MIX the liquid, refrigerated flaxseed oil with cottage cheese or yogurt, prior to eating. By mixing liquid flaxseed oil with one of these dairy products the omega-3 will become water soluble and much more usable by the body.

• "Recently it has been discovered that the Omega-3 fats are necessary for the complete development of the human brain during pregnancy and the first two years of life. The Omega-3 fat and its derivative, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), is so essential to a child's development that if a mother and infant are deficient in it, the child's nervous system and immune system may never fully develop, and it can cause a lifetime of unexplained emotional, learning, and immune system disorders."
  John Finnegan at http://www.mercola.com/beef/omega3.htm

See this cancer article on how to create water-soluable omega-3, which is the best kind of omega-3:
Johanna Budwig Diet (omega-3)

MSM

It is impossible to underestimate the importance of methyl molecules to a new fetus. They are critical to cell development, the immune system, the nervous system and a host of other chemical reactions in the developing fetus.
How to Take MSM

Iodine

Another critial substance for pregnant women is iodine. While a woman might think to get iodine from iodized table salt (which is refined salt and is bad for a person), it would be far better to get it from natural sea salt. Seasilver(tm), Coral Calcium(tm), supplements for trace minerals, and nutrients with kelp added, may also be good sources - check the ingredients. Other critical nutrients in these products are natural salts and trace minerals.

Natural Vitamin E

Virtually all neonatal multi-vitamins include Vitamin E. However, virtually all of them include synthetic Vitamin E. If this is what you are taking, you should go to a health food store and buy some natural Vitamin E and add this to what you are taking.

• "A new landmark study suggests that pregnant women should ask their physicians for a prenatal supplement that contains natural vitamin E for optimal health insurance. According to this new research, the human placenta can deliver natural vitamin E to the fetus in much greater concentration (3.5 to one) than the synthetic supplement.

  Natural and synthetic vitamin E are not the same. Previous research has shown natural vitamin E is better retained and more biologically active than synthetic. To identify the kind of vitamin E in a supplement, it is necessary to read the ingredients listed on the label. Natural vitamin E begins with "d," as in "d-alpha-tocopherol." The synthetic version begins with "dl."
  ...
  Premature babies are usually low in vitamin E. Neonatologists often put these babies on lung machines and respirators to help them breathe. Sometimes, too much oxygen can cause oxidative stress, which is why oxygen is sometimes referred to as a dangerous friend. Oxygen can produce free radical damage when it's administered through respirators. Studies have shown that vitamin E helps premature babies fight off oxidative stress damage to the heart, lungs and eyes and defend against destruction of red blood cells that can lead to anemia.

  "We know that vitamin E can help red blood cells survive in premature infants," Dr. Acuff said. "So if we know that the natural type of vitamin E is best absorbed by the mother and transported to the fetus, then we should try to provide as much protection as possible if we have even an inkling that it might be what is best for the fetus.

  "If I were in neonatology, I'd be very concerned about putting premature babies in respirators or an oxygen tent without antioxidant protection.""
  http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/63882.htm

Sunlight (i.e. Vitamin D)

• "The journal New Scientist reported Feb. 8 that growing evidence indicates mothers-to-be who are not exposed to enough sunlight can develop a vitamin D deficiency that may alter their baby's brain in the womb, potentially laying the groundwork for schizophrenia in the child."
  USA Today

The lack of sunlight may also cause a baby to eventually develop Type 1 (i.e. Type I) diabetes. See this interview:
http://www.newstarget.com/003205.html

Alpha Lipoic Acid (e.g. Lipoic Acid)

Alpha Lipoic Acid is one of the major antioxidants. But it is one of the few antioxidants that gets past the blood-brain barrier. This makes it ideal for both the mother's brain and the baby's brain.

However, that is not why I mention ALA. I mention it because it is one of the prime chelation nutrinets of mercury (i.e. it helps remove mercury from the body). So even though it would be ideal for a woman to have her dental amalgam removed, in reality most women will not do that, even though it will help them avoid Alzheimer's and dementia as they grow old.

ALA and raw apples (it is the fiber in the apples) are two of the many things that will help remove mercury from the body. But having it removed is by far the best choice. (Note: See my article on Alzheimer's to learn more about mercury and other heavy metals.)

Check with your doctor before taking any unusual supplements or unusually high dosages of normal supplements!!

Please read the articles in the links below: