Developmental Disabilities and toxins
Another important part of brain health is our environment and what we put in our body. For this reason I will be spending sometime with the discussion of toxins in our environment. I am finding that there reliable options however they are often not used.
Did you know that one in six children in the United States has one or more developmental disabilities, ranging from a learning disability to a serious behavioral or emotional disorder. Scientists believe that the amount of toxic chemicals in the environment that cause developmental and neurological damage are contributing to the rise of physical and mental effects being found in children. Studies show children’s developing organs create “early windows of great vulnerability” during which exposure to pesticides can cause great damage. In the U.S., requirements for testing pesticides and other chemicals for potential developmental and learning disorders are minimal.
A developing brain is much more susceptible to the toxic effects of chemicals than an adult brain. During development, the brain undergoes a highly complex series of processes at different stages. Interference from toxic substances that disrupt these processes can have permanent consequences. That vulnerability extends from fetal development through infancy and childhood to adolescence. Research has shown that environmental toxicants, such as pesticides, at low levels of exposure can have subclinical effects—not clinically visible, but still important adverse effects, such as decreases in intelligence or changes in behavior. Sadly one of these pesticides are commonly found on fruit and vegetables.
As the above discussion shows learning is not the only important part of a healthy brain. We must watch what we use in our environment as well as what we put into our bodies. If you would like more information about this topic please contact me.