1. Eat organic produce, especially if you are pregnant or considering having children. Organic produce complies with strict pesticide regulations and it doesn’t have the synthetic compounds found in genetically modified crops.
2. Wash, wash, wash conventional produce. Though it doesn’t remove all the residue, it at least will help.
3. Eat food that is in season. Food that is shipped or trucked in from far away is often treated with chemicals or preservatives.
4. Buy natural cleaning products. Petroleum is the main component in most dish-washing liquids and detergents. Some even contain suspected hormone disruptors. Use healthful cleaning products, such as Ecover, or a home-made solution of vinegar, water and lemon juice.
5. Avoid plastic. Bisphenol A (present in infant feeding bottles) and phthalates (present in children’s toys) are serious hormone disrupters. They can deform sex organs among other things.
6. Avoid air fresheners. Aerosol propellants contain tiny particles which burrow in human lungs, as well as flammable and nerve-damaging ingredients. Instead of spraying Febreeze, open a window, dust or sweep.
7. Avoid Petroleum-based fragrances. Natural fragrances made with actual flower, fruit and plant-based extracts are available.
8. Clean household supplies. Use water-based varnishes and glues, paints, stain removers, sealants and adhesives. Avoid rooms that have been recently painted.
9. Avoid preservatives and food dyes. Preservatives such as BHA, BHT, TBHQ are especially detrimental. Consumption of food dyes has increased almost threefold since the 1980s, rising from 6.4 million pounds in 1985 to more than 17.9 million pounds in 2005. European Parliament passed legislation requiring labels on foods containing dyes to warn that they “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” The American Academy of Pediatrics acknowledged in its journal, AAP Grand Rounds that “a trial of preservative-free, food coloring-free diet is a reasonable intervention” for hyperactive children.
10. Get a food allergy test. A simple and cost-effect food allergy test can quickly determine which offending foods may be causing behavioral, mental and physical issues in your child.
