Posts of Blogs

Pregnant Women At Risk Of Iodine Deficiency

2010-03-31T07:19:22.187Z

Iodine is a naturally occurring mineral that is present in seaweed, seafood and iodised salt. Small amounts of iodine also used to be found in dairy products as manufacturers applied an iodine-based cleaner to processing machinery but this is no longer the case in Australia.

Iodine is essential to life as it is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which in turn regulate vital physiological activities in our body such as the metabolic rate of cells, the metabolism of bone and calcium as well as fat and carbohydrates, regulation of heart rate and blood flow to organs among other things.

An adequate iodine intake during pregnancy is critical for the health of your baby as thyroid hormones are required for the normal development of the brain. Maternal iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, which, if untreated, may cause miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth infants or infants with diminished intelligence and retardation.

Iodine deficiency in young children can also cause stunted growth. According to the World Health Organization, iodine deficiency is the most preventable cause of permanent mental retardation in children worldwide.

Iodine deficiency is also linked to reproductive infertility as a deficiency of thyroid hormones can cause a lack of ovulation in the female cycle.

Unfortunately, natural iodine levels are very low in Australia and New Zealand, which means that our soil, and the vegetables we grow on it, are a poor source of this essential mineral.

A recent study found that more than 85% of the pregnant women tested had inadequate levels of iodine and 74% of the women didn’t know if their diet provided adequate levels.

Australian Thyroid Foundation president Beverly Garside says it is impossible for pregnant or breastfeeding women to get enough iodine from food alone. The current recommended dietary intake of iodine for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 220 and 270 micrograms respectively. This would be the rough equivalent of eating nine cans of tuna a day!

Therefore, if you are pregnant and are eating two serves of seafood a week thinking that it is a good source of iodine, you will not be getting enough.

Recognising this growing deficiency problem, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) now require all Australian bread makers to use only iodised salt in their products. Even though this may help some children optimize their daily iodine intake (if they eat 2-3 slices a day), it is inadequate for pregnant women.

The NHMRC has also released new advice to all women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or considering pregnancy to take a daily supplement of 150 micrograms of iodine. This advice does not apply to women with pre-existing thyroid problems who should consult their doctor for individual guidance on their iodine levels.

References

Charlton KE, Gemming L, Yeatman H, Ma G 2010, Suboptimal iodine status of Australian pregnant women reflects poor knowledge and practices related to iodine nutrition, Nutrition, [Epub ahead of print]

Food Standards Australia New Zealand 2006, NUTTAB Online Version, viewed on 31 March 2010

National Health and Medical Research Council 2006, Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Including Recommended Dietary Intakes, viewed online on 31 March 2010

Alvarez-Pedrerol M, Ribas-Fitó N et al 2010, Iodine sources and iodine levels in pregnant women from an area without known iodine deficiency, Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 81-6

Thyroid Foundation Australia 2010, FAQs About Iodine Nutrition, www.thyroidfoundation.com.au viewed on 31 March 2010

Your Pregnancy Diet, A Lifetime Legacy Of Health

2010-03-28T00:21:54.842Z

Like most people, you are probably aware that the placenta, the part of the womb attached to your baby, is an amazing organ. It captures nutrients from your blood and delivers them straight to your baby.

The health and growth of the placenta play an all-important role in the development of your baby and are directly linked to the availability of nutrients in your bloodstream.

Obviously, the first source of nutrients is your diet, both before and during pregnancy as your body breaks down the food source into basic building blocks it can either store for later use or utilize straight away for energy production, building of cells and, in your case, growing your baby!

What most people aren’t aware of is the fact that diet isn’t the only source of nutrients for your baby. Your body is actually a more important source of nutrients to the placenta and your baby.

How is that possible? It’s to do with something called the turnover process, a fancy name that means that your body is in an ever-changing state of breaking down and rebuilding every single cell, muscle, fat and bone. This process is constantly happening in adults and it releases a steady stream of protein, fat and calcium into your bloodstream.

This is great news if you are pregnant as they are important nutrients for your growing baby. Obviously, the better you are at this turnover process, the more nutrients will be become readily available to your baby.

So, how do you improve your turnover rate? By embracing a varied, organic, wholefood lifestyle with moderate regular exercise.

Dr David Barker, is a Physician and Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Southampton, UK and Professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Oregon Health and Science University, US.

Twenty years ago, he found a link between low birth weight babies and an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease in later life. This is now known as the Barker Hypothesis and it is now widely accepted in medical circles as scientific fact.

Studies now show that eating an unvaried, monotonous, unhealthy diet puts the future health of your children and grandchildren at risk as poor nutrition in the womb changes the structure and function of the body for life, and makes people vulnerable to heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Pregnant Women Are More Hypnotisable

2009-11-22T02:27:57.987Z

A study in Australia of 37 women found that they measured significantly higher on the Creative Imagination Scale (CSI) when they were pregnant than when they were not pregnant.

This study gives encouragement to women wondering whether they are receptive enough to hypnosis to benefit from the HypnoBirthing program.

Apparently pregnancy gives women the added advantage of being more receptive to hypnosis!

The results of the study also may serve as a reminder that pregnant women are vulnerable to 'waking' hypnosis which may come in the form of birth stories.

If you are pregnant, it is important that you only encourage positive birth stories into your life.

Is Fish Really Good For You?

2009-09-28T03:32:58.613Z

Fish is an excellent source of good quality protein, is low in

saturated fat and contains polyunsaturated fatty acids such as essential omega-3 polyunsaturates (EPA and DHA).

It is also a good source of some vitamins, particularly vitamin D.

What's All The Fuss About?

The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet are becoming increasingly recognised. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to play a role in protecting against heart disease, preventing blood clotting, decreasing triglycerides and bad cholesterol and have anti-arrhythmic effects.

EPA and DHA are also believed to reduce the risk of stroke, are anti-inflammatory and benefit people with autoimmune diseases.

DHA in particular has been shown to be very important for the central nervous system and retina development in babies, before and after pregnancy.

Does Fish Provide Other Trace Nutrients?

As well as being the best source of EPA and DHA, fish is also an excellent source of iodine, providing from 25% to 100% of women's Recommended Daily Intake.

An adequate iodine intake is important for normal thyroid function and is also essential for critical periods in foetal development and early childhood. Recent research has shown that in Australia we don't get enough iodine in our diet.

Even though certain types of fish can accumulate higher levels of mercury than others, it is widely recognised that there are considerable nutritional benefits to be derived from the regular consumption of fish.

So How Much Fish Should I Eat?

The minimum effective dose of fish oil has not yet been determined as this varies from study to study.

One to two grams of omega-3 fatty acids approximates the amount consumed daily by several populations whose diet is rich in fish.

Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) recommends that three to five fish meals per week should provide a useful amount of omega-3.

Low fat cooking methods such as grilling, baking and barbecues are preferable to frying.

Is It Ok To Eat Tinned Fish?

Tinned fish is a suitable alternative, especially the 'low salt' products. Tuna, sardines, herring and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Aim to eat fresh, deep sea, oily fish in preference over tinned or frozen

Which Fish Should I Eat?

CSIRO has found the following fish to have the highest omega 3 content: sardines, ocean trout, Atlantic salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel.

The following also contain omega 3 fatty acids but in lower amounts: whiting, barramundi, trevally, flake, flounder, mussels, oysters, prawns, crab, lobster, squid.

Consumption of squid, shrimp and prawns should be restricted because of their high cholesterol

Food Standards Australia New Zealand recommends limiting consumption of the following fish because of their high levels of mercury: swordfish, broadbill, marlin, shark/flake, orange roughy and catfish.

Should I Eat Fish During Pregnancy?

Although it’s really important to eat fish during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you need to be careful about which fish you choose. That’s because some fish may contain mercury levels that may harm an unborn baby or young child’s developing nervous system.

Pregnant women, women planning pregnancy and young children should include a variety of fish as part of a healthy diet but limit their consumption of shark (flake), broadbill, marlin and swordfish to no more than one serve per fortnight with no other fish to be consumed during that fortnight.

For orange roughy (also sold as sea perch) and catfish, the advice is to consume no more than one serve per week, with no other fish being consumed during that week.

References

Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 2007, ‘Fish oils help keep the heart running smoothly’, viewed at http://www.csiro.au/resources/Omega-3-fish-oils.html#2 on 25 Sep 2009

Broadhurst, C.L., Wang, Y., Crawford, M.A., Cunnane, S.C., Parkinson, J.E. & Schmidt, W.F. (2002). Brain-specific lipids from marine, lacustrine, or terrestrial food resources: potential impact on early African Homo sapiens.Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B. Biochem. Mol. Biol.131:653-673.

Connor, W.E. (2000). Importance of n-3 fatty acids in health and disease.Am. J. Clin. Nutr.71:171S-175S.

De Caterina, R., Madonna, R., Zucchi, R. and La Rovere, M.T. (2003). Antiarrhythmic effects of omega-3 fatty acids: from epidemiology to bedside.Am. Heart J.146:420 – 430.

Eastman, C.J. (1999). Editorial: Where has all our iodine gone?Med. J. Aust.171:455 – 456.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand 2004, Mercury in Fish, viewed at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/foodmatters/mercuryinfish.cfm on 25 Sep 2009.

Gunton, J.E., Hams, G., Fiegert, M. & McElduff, A. (1999). Iodine deficiency in ambulatory participants at a Sydney teaching hospital: is Australia truly iodine replete?Med. J. Aust.171:467 – 470.

McDonnell, C.M., Harris, M. & Zacharin, M.R. (2003). Iodine deficiency and goitre in school children in Melbourne, 2001.Med. J. Aust.178:159-162.

Sidhu, K.S. (2003). Health benefits and potential risks related to consumption of fish or fish oil.Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.38: 336-344.

Simopoulos, A.P. (2002). Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases.J. Am. College Nutr.21:495-505.

Organic Food For You & Your Baby

2009-10-04T05:16:58.458Z

Changing our lifestyle to include all of the ethical, green, animal-friendly or healthy options available these days can be a bit daunting.

Switching to organic food is the easiest way to make a big impact on your health, your baby’s and the planet’s, as this method of farming ticks all the above boxes.

If you’re one of those people who think of organic food as either a scam or an unaffordable low priority, please read on.

Here are 4 simple reasons which I hope will convince you that organic food is not a fad, nor is it a luxury item.

It is simply how food is supposed to be grown.

1. There’s More Carrot in Your Organic Carrot

Various independent comprehensive studies have concluded that there is overwhelming evidence that organic food is more nutritious and includes higher levels of vitamin C, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium as well as trace minerals such as boron, selenium, manganese and phytonutrients.

Most of these micronutrients and phytochemicals are essential for just about every biochemical reaction in the body as they act as catalyst enzymes.

They are also powerful antioxidants which are essential for optimal health, and help us fight degenerative diseases such as cancer.

I see daily deficiencies in these trace nutrients in my natural fertility clinic in Melbourne.

They manifest as hormonal problems, PMS, endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, recurrent miscarriages, prolonged labour, stretchmarks, post-natal depression, malformations, gestational diabetes as well as a host of other issues from insomnia to headaches.

While I’m not saying this is the only cause for these issues, remineralisation of the individual along with lifestyle changes and appropriate herbs is often all that is required to rectify the problem.

Conventional farming adds macrominerals to impoverished soil as well as lots of nitrogen, which causes quick and lush growth in vegetables, resulting in a higher water content and therefore fewer nutrients (have you ever wondered why organic vegetables and fruit often look smaller? It’s because they’re not swollen with water!).

2. Protect Yourself and Your Baby From Pesticide Residues

Conventional, non organic farming uses a wide variety of pesticides to control insects in vegetable, fruit, wheat, and other crops.

Approximately 30 000 tonnes of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and plant growth regulators are used each year in Australia.

Though chemical residues are approved individually for safety levels, the testing for these chemicals is woefully inadequate as we really have no idea of the combined effects of multiple compounds when ingesting a normal range of fruit and veg.

Organophosphate pesticides are currently the most widely used insecticides in Australia, and residues are found on the majority of conventional fruit and vegetables.

Many of these pesticides are known as hormone disruptors as well as carcinogens, and have been associated by scientific studies with fallopian tube damage, impaired fertility, sperm DNA abnormalities (which can lead to recurrent miscarriages and/or malformations), autoimmune responses, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental problems in children.

Despite reassuring statements from government organisations about the safety of these pesticide residues, I strongly believe that non organic produce is unsafe to eat at any time, but particularly during preconception care, pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood.

Why? From my point of view, it’s easy to put two and two together. Organophosphates have been shown to cross the placental barrier, and residues have been found in meconium (baby’s first poo) and breastmilk.

These chemicals are lipophilic, which means they can cross the lipid barrier that surrounds our cells. They can be stored in fat cells for years. A baby’s brain and nervous system are composed of fats… you see where I’m going with this?

On the other hand, organically farming has to follow strict regulations which prevent the use of conventional pesticides, chemical fertilizers and routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers as well prohibit the use on GMOs in animal feed.

Animal cruelty is also prohibited and a truly free-range life for farm animals is guaranteed.

3. Avoid GMOs

Currently no independent testing of the long-term health effects of GMO foods on humans has been carried out.

The various exemptions from GE labelling laws in Australia make it impossible to know which grocery items use GMO-derived ingredients. Certified organic foods are a great way to avoid GMOs.

4. Make Your Legacy A Healthy Planet

Buying organic food also promotes a healthy environment by reducing chemical run-off and residues in drinking water, waterways and coastal areas, which is the main cause of diminishing marine life, animals and plants.

Organic farms also promote biodiversity, with, on average, 30% more species and 50% more wildlife like birds, butterflies and bees.

References:

Australian Government 2009, ‘Labelling of GM foods’, www.biotechnologyonline.gov.au

Astroff, AB & Young AD, 1998 ‘The relationship between maternal and fetal effects following maternal organophosphate exposure during gestation in the rat, Toxicology & Industrial Health, vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 869-889.

Guney, M, Oral, B, Demirin, H, Take, G et al 2007, ‘Fallopian damage induced by organophosphate insecticide methyl parathion, and protective effect of vitamins E and C on ultrastructural changes in rats’, Toxicology & Industrial Health, no. 23, pp.429-438.

Soil Association UK 2009, ‘Health’, www.soilassociation.org

Whyatt, R & Barr, DB 2001, ‘Measurement of Organophosphate Metabolites in Postpartum Meconium as a Potential Biomarker of Prenatal Exposure: A Validation Study’, Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 109, no. 4, pp. 417–420

Worthington, V 2001, ‘Nutritional quality of organic versus conventional fruits, vegetables, and grains, The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, vol. 7, no. 2, pp.161-173.

Essential Fats Increase Baby's IQ

2009-09-13T11:42:31.313Z

Did you know that your intake of certain essential fats before and during pregnancy has a direct effect on your child’s IQ?

The essential omega 3 fatty acid called DHA is found in the membrane of all cells in our body and is a major component of the nervous system.

Your baby gets DHA through the placenta and, after birth, your breast milk.

Benefits of DHA in Pregnancy

DHA accumulates in your baby’s brain and retina throughout pregnancy but particularly in the last trimester and the early postnatal period.

Preemie babies who haven’t had access to this flow of DHA from the placenta are born with reduced fat stores, making them more susceptible to deficiency.

A higher intake of DHA during pregnancy can decrease your risk of pre-eclampsia (a condition where your blood pressure can become dangerously high), post-natal depression and have a positive effect on gestational length, your baby’s visual function, neurological development and head circumference.

DHA Improves Cognitive Function in Children

Mothers with higher plasma DHA levels during pregnancy have babies with more mature sleep patterns at birth.

Many studies have shown that breastfed babies have consistently higher developmental outcomes than formula-fed infants and that babies born of mothers who supplemented DHA during pregnancy scored higher on cognitive function tests at 7 years.

Diet & Supplementation Affect DHA Levels

The level of DHA found in your placenta and breastmilk is largely determined by your diet. DHA, and its companion fat EPA, are mainly found in oily fish, such as sardines and salmon.

Vegan women who eat no animal products have the lowest levels of DHA in their breast milk compared with women who regularly eat fish, who have the highest levels of DHA in their milk.

EPA and DHA can also be synthesized in the body from a different fat, alpha-linolenic acid or ALA (found in flaxseed oil) but studies have shown that the rate of this conversion is very limited, although it may be higher in pregnant women.

In fact, supplementing with ALA or flaxseed oil during breastfeeding has been shown to increase the ALA content of breastmilk but have no effect on DHA.

Unsafe Mercury Levels in Fish

As some types of large fish such as flake/shark, marlin, broadbill and swordfish have been found to have unsafe levels of mercury, pregnant women should only consume them once a fortnight, with no other fish to be consumed during that fortnight.

For orange roughy and catfish, the advice is to eat no more than one serve per week, with no other fish consumed in that time.

I personally recommend all my patients, whether pregnant or trying to conceive, to buy a practitioner-only brand of fish oils as they have to meet the highest standards of manufacture, ensuring the safest, cleanest oil with the lowest amount of contaminants.

References

Carnielli VP, Wattimena DJL, Luijendijk IHT, et al. (1996) The very low birth weight premature infant is capable of synthesizing arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids from linoleic and linolenic acids. Pediatr Res 40:169-174.

Cheruku SR, Montgomery-Downs HE, Farkas SL, Thoman EB, Lammi-Keefe CJ (2002) Higher maternal docosahexaenoic acid during pregnancy is associated with more mature neonatal sleep-state patterning. Am J Clin Nutr 76:608-613.

Francois CA, Connor SL, Bolewicz LC, Connor WE (2003) Supplementing lactating women with flaxseed oil does not increase docosahexaenoic acid in their milk. Am J Clin Nutr 77:226-233.

Gibson RA, Neumann MA, Makrides M (1997) Effect of increasing breast milk docosahexaenoic acid on plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acids and neural indices of exclusively breast fed infants. Eur J Clin Nutr. 51:578-84.

Helland IB, Smith L, Blomén B, Saarem K, Saugstad OD, Drevon CA (2008)

Effect of supplementing pregnant and lactating mothers with n-3 very-long-chain fatty acids on children's IQ and body mass index at 7 years of age Pediatrics. 122(2):e472-9

Makrides M, Gibson RA. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) requirements during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Clin Nutr 2000; 71: 307S-311S.

Martinez M (1992) Tissue levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids during early human development. J Paediatr 120:S129-S38.

Szajewska H, Horvath A, Koletzko B (2006) Effect on n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation of women with low-risk pregnancies on pregnancy outcomes and growth measures at birth: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr 83:1337-3144.

Williams CM, Burdge G (2006) Long-chain n-3 PUFA: plant v. marine sources. Proc Nutr Soc. 65:42-50.

Mum's Emotions Affect Baby's Gene Expression

2009-09-06T10:58:48.953Z

I am incredibly fascinated by a new field of biology called Epigenetics and its relevance to conception, pregnancy and birth. A recent book I read by Kathleen Fahy, PhD has furthered my knowledge on the subject.

Far from being an airy-fairy, new-age kind of philosophy, Epigenetics uses rigorous scientific research to find out how our genes are expressed or not when exposed to certain external influences such as nutrition, stress and emotions.

What’s this got to do with pregnancy? Well, the process of selecting the most appropriate genes for expression is called genomic imprinting. It actually occurs in the final stages of sperm and egg development and throughout the baby’s development in the womb. Fahy says that this means that both parents are actually genetic engineers several months before conception (it takes up to four months for sperm to mature).

The parents’ consciousness, nutrition, emotions, habits and broader social and cultural influences all play a role in the gene expression of their sperm and egg, which will influence the baby’s genetic make up at conception. Once the baby is conceived, he also takes on an active role in his genetic development (this process is called autopoiesis in scientific terms) and it is influenced by all sorts of environmental signals, which the baby gets through his mum’s consciousness, emotions, thinking, nutrition, behaviour and attitudes.

This allows the baby to constantly evolve his physiology and genetics to adapt to these environmental signals. For example, did you know that a baby is exposed to the various tastes of foods you eat during pregnancy? Research has shown that food ‘flavours’ the amniotic fluid within a few hours of ingestion. So, if you don’t like broccoli but would like your future child to eat greens you’d better start tucking into them now!

It is now believed that this is an evolutionary mechanism that allows the baby the best chances of survival and ensures that he will fit into the family and environment he is born into. This is why it is particularly important for pregnant mums to have their emotional needs met, so they don’t feel unnecessary stress. Far from being a selfish attitude, there is now compelling evidence from the field of epigenetics and endocrinology that pregnant mums who feel loved, valued and in control of their pregnancy and birth, have reduced levels of blood cortisol (the hormone we release when stressed).

This doesn't mean that pregnant mums should live 40 weeks in a bubble for fear of experiencing stress or negative environmental influences. As always, moderation in all things is best: a sensible approach to food, exercise and incorporating regular stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation or massage (or any hobby that makes you feel centred and relaxed) will go a long way towards ensuring a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.

References:

Kathleen Fahy PhD, RM, RN Birth Territory and Midwifery Guardianship

Home Births to Become Illegal

2009-08-31T12:47:16.276Z

I have been following with interest the recent developments on the Australian birth front and I must say I am quite dismayed by the Federal Government's decision to introduce a number of new Bills into parliament that have set the stage to make home birth illegal in Australia by July 2010.

Under the new bills Midwives will no longer be allowed to attend homebirths due to the new national registration of health professionals that requires professional indemnity insurance, which is not available to midwives at present. If these bills become legislation, independent midwives choosing to attend a home birth will face a hefty $30k fine and/or 6 years in jail.

We need to take action NOW to stop these bills becoming legislation.

The choice of where and with whom to give birth should be open to each woman, as it is in other countries such as New Zealand and the UK. Many studies have demonstrated time and again the safety of home birthing for both the mother and the baby, when attended by a professional midwife. Removing this choice without consideration of birthing women is undemocratic at best and irresponsible at worst. I believe that if these bills become legislation, home birthing in Australia will be driven underground, exposing women to the dangers of giving birth alone.

Visit www.homebirthaustralia.org for information on how you can take action against these bills.