Why children are at a greater risk of toxic overload

Friday, April 22, 2011 by: Paula Rothstein
Tags: toxic chemicals, children, health news

(NewsTarget) During the first months and years of life, a child's organs are rapidly developing, making them more prone to functional damage. The nervous system continues to develop throughout childhood, and, therefore, is especially vulnerable to toxic chemicals in their personal environment, including those found in vaccines, food and water. In the same way young bodies more readily absorb nutrients, they also readily absorb toxins. At issue is a child's ability to metabolize, detoxify, and excrete toxins, a system which differs substantially from that of an adult. When chemicals are tested and determined to be "safe", the standards are based on adults' tolerances and not the tolerance of a small child. It is difficult to comprehend such blatant ignorance with regards to safety measures in place for children, but this is, indeed, true.

The number of cases involving childhood diseases such as autism, ADHD and certain types of cancers have been rising steadily, and these conditions have all been linked to high levels of toxicity. The prevailing wisdom on these neurological diseases is that an underlying genetic predisposition may be present coupled with an early and unrelenting shock to the developing nervous system, which then triggers a dramatic change in the child's brain. A series of exposures during a time when the child is not yet equipped to handle toxins can influence both his/her present and future health.

Heavy metals and their effect on children

Toxic heavy metals, as well as other dangerous substances, can begin to accumulate in the body as early as in utero, as these metals do, in fact, cross over from the mother via the placenta. These heavy metals act as a potent neurotoxin and can be highly damaging to the developing brain and nervous system. Exposure can influence a child's ability to concentrate. They can affect their language skills, socialization skills, hand to eye coordination, and even their vision. Ideally, a thorough detoxification program should be embarked upon for both prospective parents before trying to conceive. This will help to limit exposure.

Toxins have the ability to alter the brain chemistry of a child

Studies performed on children with ADHD showed that certain parts of the brains are abnormally smaller, while other parts appear to be larger than normal. It is also true that children with ADHD experience a lower blood flow to the brain. At the very heart of these symptoms is an inability of the brain to produce sufficient amounts of neurotransmitters/hormones, better known as catecholamines. These are vital energizing substances created from dopamine, and low levels of catecholamines result in hyperactivity disorder. Such is the power of toxins, capable of changing the very structure of the brain. If you suspect, or know, your child has a neurological issue, you should have him/her tested for heavy metals.

Finding a workable solution

Childhood toxicity requires a more judicious approach: one which embraces a reasonable amount of protection and is based on an integration of an organic lifestyle with a workable detoxification initiative. It also requires that people not rely solely upon governmental agencies in the business of protecting profits for safety information, but instead use their own informed judgment as a guide for limiting exposure to toxic chemicals.

Sources:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/736765
http://www.ewg.org/featured/435
http://www.enviroblog.org/2011/04/toxins-in-...

About the author

Paula Rothstein is a freelance writer and certified holistic health coach active in the area of natural health and health freedom advocacy. As a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she has gained insight into the political nature of food, the failings of a drug-dependent healthcare system, and the uniqueness of individual health. For more information, please visit: http://www.medicinefreeliving.com.