Say Goodbye to Fast Food Wrappings: Protecting Your Pregnancy from Toxic Chemicals 🍔🤰
Consider carefully if you're pregnant and have a desire for a packaged pastry or a take-out burger and shake.
Fast food packaging may transfer harmful chemicals to expectant mothers.
Think twice if you’re pregnant and craving a packaged pastry or a take-out burger and shake. That indulgence can do more than cause unwanted weight gain. A new study shows that phthalates, chemicals associated with plastics, can shed from packaging and even from plastic gloves worn by food handlers. If consumed during pregnancy, those chemicals can harm the fetus, researchers warn.
“When moms are exposed to this chemical, it can cross the placenta and go into fetal circulation,” said senior study author Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a pediatrician at UW Medicine and researcher at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
She and her colleagues noted that phthalates can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the fetus. (Oxidative stress is a harmful chemical imbalance in the body.) Earlier research has linked exposure to phthalates during pregnancy to a higher risk of pre-term birth, low birth weight, and disorders in childhood such as autism and ADHD.
Ultra-Processed Foods: The Culprits 🍟🍰🥤
The new study, published recently in the journal Environment International, examined data from 1,031 pregnant women who enrolled in a separate study of mental development and learning between 2006 and 2011. Phthalate levels were measured during participants’ second trimester.
On average, ultra-processed food made up 39% of participants’ diets. Each 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed food was associated with a 13% higher level of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, one of the most common and harmful of these chemicals.
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Researchers noted that ultra-processed foods are made largely from substances extracted from foods such as oils, sugar, and starch. Food companies add chemicals and preservatives to extend their shelf life or make them more appealing. Some of these additives are hard to recognize from their original form. Packaged cake mixes, french fries, hamburger buns, and soft drinks are just a few examples.
Fast Food: A Double Whammy 🍟📦
When it comes to fast food, though, gloves worn by workers and tools used in preparation, storage, and serving may be the main sources of exposure, the study found. Lead study author Brennan Baker, a postdoctoral researcher in Sathyanarayana’s lab, said both frozen and fresh ingredients are subject to these sources.
“We don’t blame the pregnant person here,” Baker said in a university news release. “We need to call out manufacturers and legislators to offer replacements, and ones that may not be even more harmful.”
Researchers said this is the first study to show a link between ultra-processed foods, phthalate exposure, and economic issues. Mothers’ risk might owe to financial hardships and living in areas with limited access to healthy, fresh food.
In the meantime, Sathyanarayana urged pregnant women to avoid ultra-processed food and seek out fruits, veggies, and lean meats instead. Read labels carefully, she advised.
“Look for the lower number of ingredients and make sure you can understand the ingredients,” she said, adding that this applies even to “healthy foods” such as breakfast bars.
🤔 Q&A Content
Q: Are all plastics harmful during pregnancy?
A: Not all plastics are harmful during pregnancy. It is mainly the ones containing phthalates that pose a risk to fetal development. Phthalates are often found in soft plastics used for food packaging and handling. To avoid exposure, it’s important to be cautious when choosing and handling plastic products during pregnancy.
Q: Is it safe to consume any processed foods during pregnancy?
A: While it’s best to minimize the consumption of ultra-processed foods, it’s essential to make balanced choices. Not all processed foods are harmful, but it’s crucial to read ingredient labels carefully and opt for options with fewer additives and preservatives. Whenever possible, prioritize whole foods and freshly prepared meals.
Q: What are some alternatives to fast food that pregnant women can enjoy?
A: There are plenty of alternatives to fast food that are both delicious and nutritious. Consider cooking at home using fresh ingredients, or explore healthy takeout options such as salads, grain bowls, or sushi rolls made with high-quality ingredients. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors.
📚 References
- Center for Research on Ingredient Safety at the University of Michigan – Food Wrap Safety
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- Stages of Pregnancy: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester Images – Read More
Remember, it’s not just about satisfying those pregnancy cravings; it’s about making choices that will benefit both you and your baby. Say goodbye to fast food wrappings and pave the way for a healthier, happier pregnancy! Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family. 🤗📱
