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THREAD: We usually think of pregnancy as the most important time to focus on limiting environmental exposures. DYK science is telling us more & more that exposures before/around conception are as if not more important? #sickerfatterpoorer 1/
While remodeling the home typically comes later, it often happens early in pregnancy, & while mom-to-be is home. In older housing this can release lead at critical windows of brain development, not to mention volatile organic chemicals. 2/
Eat fish high in omega-3s (good for brain) and low in mercury (not good). @PSRenvironment has some great guidance - the gist is that the predatory fish (higher on food chain) accumulate mercury which can undermine benefits of omega-3s. psr.org/wp-content/upl… 3/
Eat organic - especially the leafy greens & vegetables (eat outer layer where pesticides deposit). Organophosphates are ones best known for effects on developing brain, disrupting thyroid (not produced by fetus till 25 weeks gestation). @ewg Dirty Dozen also very useful. 4/
DYK 2 billion people have insufficient iodine intake? Iodine is crucial for thyroid function. Even subtle decreases in thyroid function in pregnancy (not detected by clinical tests). 5/
Open your windows regularly. Thyroid disrupting chemicals in dust accumulate from carpeting, electronics & furniture. Outdoor air much lower in these persistent organic pollutants that disrupt thyroid hormone. 6/
Avoid canned food & thermal paper receipts. Bisphenols = synthetic estrogens, obesogens. Coating of receipts lined w bisphenols that absorb into skin (& subconscious hand-to-mouth behavior🔺exposure). BTW BPA-free ❌ bisphenol-free (BPS = as estrogenic & toxic to embryos). 7/
Plastics aren’t just an issue for fish or our oceans. Phthalates in particular are known to inhibit male sex hormone testosterone & disrupt metabolism. No such thing as microwave-safe plastic unfortunately (microscopic leaching of chemicals as polymers break down with heat). 8/
Same goes for machine dishwashing plastic (high temp + harsh chemicals). Also watch the recycling number on the bottom of plastic containers. 3 is for phthalates, 6 is styrene (known carcinogens). Even though 7 includes plant-based plastics, can’t distinguish from bisphenols. 9/
Avoid those nonstick pans - #pfas aren’t just a water contaminant. These are thyroid disruptors & also have been associated with obesity & diabetes. 10/
The big highlight is that these are all safe & simple steps that don’t have to hit the budget hard. Price margins on organic have dramatically lowered such that the big box stores are selling organic food side by side with conventional versions. 11/
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