Increased risk of cardiovascular and related conditions begins at the moment of conception. Mental disorders are no different. Both are related to environmental factors that are switching genes on and off inappropriately. Fast food, processed food, and an epidemic of excess weight turn on genes that should be switched off. They interfere with the perfect epigenetic symphony that results in a normal baby. The problem begins at the moment of conception. Epigenetic programming turns genes on in just the right place, at just the right time, with the perfect intensity and duration to form normal tissues and organs. Poor diet and weight gain disrupt that perfection and change genetic expression.
More of us today eat fast food, processed food, and we are too heavy. These factors directly impact fetal and childhood development and are associated with an increased risk for autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, anxiety, and depression. High blood sugar, high fetal insulin levels, chronic low fetal oxygen levels, inflammation, and oxidants interfere with fetal btain development. These same factors increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and other chronic diseases later in life. It is all related.
Fast food and processed food have little or no micronutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins. Many Americans are malnourished and overfed at the same time. Change the family food culture to eat real food twenty meals a week—lean meat, eggs, low fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, and nuts. It will benefit your children and grandchildren. I welcome your thoughts, comments, and feedback.
I love this article. It is so true we are what we eat. A healthy pregnancy starts well before conception I think. With such increase in Autism this article puts things into perspective. Thank you!