Many women go into pregnancy with an immune imbalance related to leaky gut, insulin resistance, multiple food intolerances and/or a high stress response, which can put the baby at risk for developing one of the increasingly common, modern health disorders including autism spectrum disorders, eczema, asthma, food allergies and food sensitivities.
These autoimmune responses are in most cases due to a brain imbalance, creating an imbalance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The only effective way to correct an immune imbalance and ensure optimal fetal health is to first balance the brain, and then balance the rest of the body. The following ten functions should be addressed in order to correct this potential imbalance.
Functions of Preconception Health
There are ten major measurable facets of health relevant in your risk of having a child with autism:
-
Your overall health and, by extension your brain balance and the lifestyle choices you make to affect them.
-
Your ability to control the stress response.
-
Your immune health and the amount of inflammation you have in your brain and body.
-
The healthy of your gut and sensitivities to foods and/or food substances.
-
Your exposure to chemical pollutants and your body’s ability to thwart heavy metals and other toxins.
-
The balance of sex hormones in your body.
-
How your body handles insulin and blood sugar.
-
Activity level as measured by the amount of fat you are carrying around.
-
The real age of your body compared to you chronological age, as measured by your physical and mental fitness.
-
Your family history and genetic susceptibility.
All ten are important, interrelated, and therefore must all be addressed in order to sufficiently address the problem. In Chapter 10 of my book, “Autism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders – And What Parents Can Do Now, I offer more detail about each of these ten facets as well as guidance on how to measure each function. The following lifestyle practices will help address these functions and any irregularity that may be present.
Lifestyle Practices for Preconception and a Healthy Pregnancy
In preparation for starting a family, you must be in the best physical and mental health. These ten lifestyle changes will help you achieve this goal.
-
Make Activity Your Number One Priority
-
Eat for a Healthy Pregnancy
-
Eat a Clean Diet
-
Soak Up Vitamin D
-
Practice Stress Reduction
-
Avoid Stimulants and Limit Alcohol
-
Sleep Well
-
Resist Medications
-
Go Organic
-
Measure Brain Function Regularly
ABOUT THE BOOK
AUTISM, The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders – and What Parents Can Do Now: In this candid, research-based, practical book, Dr. Robert Melillo presents the latest scientific explanation for the exploding autism rates we now face, including the role of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. He dispels common myths and presents clear advice, including early warning signs, a prevention plan for parents-to-be, and an intervention program for babies and young children.
