Asthma and other childhood related allergies are on a rise. The pollutants in the air we breathe is making it harder for our children to function in everyday life and be healthy. The best thing that an expectant mother can do for her unborn child is to build up its immune system and protect it while it is still in the womb.
The Greenest Place on Earth
The womb is probably the greenest place on the planet. It provides an environment that protects the child and feeds it all the necessary (and safe) items for proper growth and nutrition. What the mother does while the child is in the womb can safeguard it even when it is in the outside world.
How to Safeguard Against Childhood Allergies
To guard against childhood allergies, it is important for the pregnant woman to be aware of her own surroundings and what she are putting into her body. She can actually build up the child's allergy defenses with the foods and nutrients that she consumes.
She can start off by adding plenty of Omega-3s to her diet. Consuming more wild salmon or adding flaxseed to dishes is a start; also, taking Fish Oil vitamins is another great source of the RDA of Omega-3s. She should also consume many fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These items will act as antioxidants and eliminate free radicals from the body. This is important because the child shouldn't have to live in a polluted womb to start.
Next, she should add more probiotics to her diet. Just eating one serving of yogurt a day can safeguard the child in the long run. Plus, the calcium will help preserve nutrients for the mother and protect her bones.
A trip to the farm may also help with protecting from asthma and other related illnesses. This may seem silly, but it works. Researchers have found that the microbial compounds found on farms are positive elements to expose to expectant mothers. These compounds have been successful in combating sensitization in the development of the immune system.
Causes of Top Childhood Allergies
The three top things to stay away from while pregnant are tobacco smoke, peanuts and acetaminophen. These items are harmful during a pregnancy, and will increase the child's chances of having childhood allergies down the road. These three lead to the three main childhood allergies today. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in April 2001, exposure to tobacco smoke while pregnant can lead to the child having asthma or other related breathing illnesses. The study also concludes that peanut exposure leads to food allergies and Acetaminophen leads to many allergies to certain medications.
Just following these suggestions while pregnant can lead the child having a happy and allergy-free childhood. And remember, green is the only color that enhances ourselves, our way of life, and our planet.
