Pregnant or Intend To Be Pregnant? You MUST Read This!

Here is a scary thought parents……

Can you imagine that the chemicals in products you consume today could permanently alter the health and wellbeing of your child and grandchildren?

Many of us associate chronic conditions like cancers, birth defects, obesity, ADD/ADHD, etc., with heritable genetic mutations. But scientifically speaking, most people with high-risk genes never develop associated diseases, and most diseases don’t have genetic causes. So, what is going on? Epigenicity is what’s going on.

EPIGENECITY is a process where DNAs are modified but are not mutated. Epigenecity is normal and serves useful purposes in life. For instance, the selective epigenetic modification of different genes at different times during gestation is essential for normal fetal development (think of the miracle of going from one fertilized cell, the egg, to 26 trillion cells in a newborn baby, all within 9 months). On the other hand, unregulated modification of genes in organs during critical periods of fetal development can play key roles in the abnormal function of the organ, and this modification can be permanent (Think Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).

The risk of unregulated epigeneticity is of particular concern if it occurs on embryonic germ lines; i.e., the ovaries and sperm germ lines. Germ cells are literally the seeds of successive generations.  Environmental influences can permanently alter germ cells, and this can have a negative impact not only on the developing offspring but also on subsequent generations

Many chemicals used to formulate consumer products today have been shown to induce epigenetic modification in animal studies. For example, exposure of pregnant rats to BPA in plastic materials led to various diseases, including obesity and reproductive abnormalities in successive generations. Also, the chemical preservative, butylparabens found in cosmetic and personal care products, are known to induce male infertility in multigenerational offspring. The antimicrobial agents, Triclosan and Triclocarban, used in the formulation of everyday products including soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, cosmetics, kitchenware, etc., are all linked to infertilities in offspring maternally exposed to these chemicals.

The most well-known human case of epigenetic modifications is the case of diethylstilbestrol (DES). DES was prescribed to pregnant women to prevent pregnancy-related complications like premature labor and miscarriages b/w 1938-1971. DES is an estrogenic pill and a potent endocrine disruptor (ED).

DES-exposed daughters are more likely to develop gynecological challenges, cancers, infertilities, and mental health disorders. DES-exposed sons have an increased risk for undescended testicles and testicular cysts. DES-exposed grandchildren have a higher risk for neurodevelopmental deficits including ADD and ADHD. In addition, animal studies have shown that maternal DES exposure primes successive generations to higher cancer risks.

Known epigenetic chemicals used to formulate everyday products include phthalate, parabens, BPA, permethrin, DEET, benzophenone , tributyltin (THT), etc. and many of these chemicals have been banned in product formulation elsewhere, but not in the US; and pregnant women unwilling expose their unborn to these chemicals, oblivious of their risks.

So how can consumers, especially pregnant women and women who intend to be pregnant avoid products with potential transgenerational consequences? Googling is always an option, but that is very time-consuming. Alternatively, you can simply scan product barcodes with Redify to identify and avoid the ones with toxic ingredients, and it recommends toxic-free alternatives as well.

Never assume that the products you consume daily are toxic-free, verify them first with Redify App!!!