Petroleum & Pregnancy

My last blog only scratched the surface on the issue of health vs. petroleum. This week I will discuss how petroleum affects our health over time and some of the less obvious ways that it enters our blood streams, organs and body systems. Of special importance is the magnified effect of biological pollutants upon our children and a pregnant woman’s developing fetus. Their immature, rapidly growing tissues are especially vulnerable to disruption. It is a well known fact that the mother’s health is critical to the baby’s development during pregnancy. Even the smallest amounts of petroleum and other pollutants can cross the placenta and have adverse effects upon the developing infant . My many years of experience as a Naturopathic doctor and countless scientific studies attest to the damaging health effects of petroleum-based substances.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12412848
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollution

Successful commercial marketing (i.e. appealing to our senses in order to create artificial needs) by the chemical industry (which is largely based upon petroleum products) has convinced us that we must use perfume, cologne, deodorant, cosmetics, aftershave, hairspray and hairdressing products as well as scented shampoo, conditioner and mousse, scented soaps and body washes, bubble baths, bath oils and salts, baby products, skin lotions, creams and powders, nail polish, lipsticks and gloss, toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitizers, sunblock and suntanning agents, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), perfumed laundry detergent, fabric softener, drier sheets and air fresheners to name a few. 

Most people are unaware that the products they use daily are contaminating their bodies and causing an almost endless list of health problems not to mention infertility and miscarriages.

So what can we do to stay healthy in this new chemical world? 

Here are some recommended changes you can make in your daily life:

1. Stop using perfume or any scented products on your body. Refer, of course, to the above list. If you feel you absolutely cannot live without these items, try a natural product as an alternate. A broad range of ‘biologically compatible’ products are to be found in natural food stores, vitamin shops, alternative pharmacies and the natural sections of major grocery stores.
2. Stop using scented detergent, fabric softener and drier sheets in your laundry room. Use Natureclean for cleaning everything from your hands to your hair and clothes, the dishes, the car and even the household pet (if I can catch her/him!) Check out Naturclean here:     http://www.naturecleanliving.com/
3. Use vinegar instead of high-powered household cleaners. It may sound strange but try it - it really works!

With these few, very basic changes you can dramatically reduce the exposure of you and your loved ones to petroleum products. These adjustments to your lifestyle could mean the difference between a happy, healthy life for you, your children and your spouse or a life of endless illness and doctor's appointments. The choice is yours :)

If you have any questions about this blog or any other health related issues please send me an email at drputnam48@gmail.com If I don't know the answer to your question, I'll research it and reply in any case.

Dr. Richard Putnam is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 35 years experience. For more information about Dr. Putnam please visit his website at www.drrichardputnam.com