Originally published November 12 2013
Don't choose convenience over health (avoid infant formulas)
by Nate Curtis
(NaturalNews)
Do you know what is in your baby's formula? Billed as the best alternative to breast milk, parents around the world have been feeding their infants commercially produced baby formula for decades. While it may be convenient for many parents, you are not doing your baby any favors. Many people assume that the Food and Drug Administration is watching out for your best interests and would never approve products that could be dangerous. But that would mean they are actually doing their job. That could be a very dangerous assumption to make.
According to Mercola.com, "Babies that are fed infant formula get sicker more often and more seriously than babies that are breast-fed. They have more ear infections, allergies, respiratory infections, and other problems. Statistics have shown a clear correlation between feeding babies formula and increased infant mortality rates."
Everyone knows the best thing to feed babies is breast milk. But most may not know that infant formulas contain harmful ingredients and do not offer the most nutritious diet for a growing child. Human milk contains hundreds of beneficial, essential ingredients that are not found in formula.
Dangerous chemicals in formula
The Natural Resources Defense Council states, "In the past, recalls have been ordered because of contamination with substances such as broken glass, fragments of metal and salmonella and other bacteria. The fungal toxin aflatoxin has also been detected in some commercial formulas...Infant formulas also may contain excessive levels of metals, including aluminum, manganese, cadmium and lead."
BPA
Bisphenol A is a chemical compound most often found in plastic and linked to various health issues. In the lab, BPA has been shown to cause pediatric brain cancer, hyperactivity and reproductive abnormalities. So how does this substance get into your baby formula? Major formula manufacturers use this substance in the can linings for liquid formula.
Melamine
It is a chemical compound that was detected in 76 tons of infant formula in China. While the US has not suffered contamination at this level, melamine was detected in Nestle Nutrition's Good Start Supreme Infant Formula. Melamine is used in making fertilizers, plastics, fish food and pesticides. It is also the substance that resulted in a huge pet food recall just a few short years ago. The FDA ascertains that small amounts in the food supply are harmless to humans as it is eliminated quickly, but no amount should be present in baby formula.
Soy
Most people believe soy is good for you and they even give soy formula to their babies. Scientists have long known that soy formula inhibits thyroid function in babies. Soy based baby formula contains high levels of manganese, which can result in poisoning. Manganese poisoning can result in hallucinations and nerve damage. Some studies suggest it has also been linked to brain damage in infants and altered behaviors in adolescents. Excessive soy and the high levels of plant-based estrogens (phytoestrogens) that they contain can lead to various physical and emotional disturbances.
What is a parent to do when commercially produced baby formulas are too dangerous to feed your children? The answer is breast-feeding; it is the most natural and best alternative for your child. Don't count on the FDA or manufacturers to safeguard your child's health. That is your responsibility. However, breast-feeding is not always an option for every mother. Some women cannot produce adequate milk or have other health issues that prevent breast-feeding. Should you need other options there are ways to make your own formula at home using raw milk.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.nrdc.org/breastmilk/formula.asp
About the author:
Nate Curtis has written dozens of health articles and is the author of the Amazingly Informative and Extremely Entertaining Free Special Health Report "It's Your Body, You Can Die If You Want To!" Check it out now at http://www.youcandieifyouwantto.com
Nate Curtis has written dozens of health articles and is the author of the Amazingly Informative and Extremely Entertaining Free Special Health Report "It's Your Body, You Can Die If You Want To!" Check it out now at http://www.youcandieifyouwantto.com
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