If you read our recent post titled “Toxic Breast milk”, then you know some of the background of my friend, Kathy, who came to the difficult decision to stop nursing her second child. For those of you who didn’t read it, you may do so by clicking on “Toxic Breast milk? Part 1.” Kathy’s message is not that formula-feeding is necessarily less toxic than, or superior to, nursing. She is simply sharing her personal experience of having an above-average level of toxins in her body and, therefore, in her breast milk. She’s also trying to raise awareness that through a mom’s diet, personal care products, and other factors, a mom is introducing toxins into her milk supply. Kathy has been generous enough to share a follow-up post, which is below.
I knew my post about toxic breastfeeding would be controversial but I hate to think that I made anyone feel demoralized. For many, breastfeeding is best, but not for me and I do think mine is an important story. It’s also America’s story and I believe the direction that our children are headed if we don’t start making healthier choices and forcing lawmakers to regulate chemicals in our beauty products, food, toys and items we use every day.
I believe my son is toxic because I nursed him, but only because I am especially toxic. More so than other people and no one knows why. Perhaps it’s DNA and my body doesn’t dump toxins as well as other people, or perhaps I was exposed to more chemicals than the average person. What I do know is that if I don’t do something I could end up with an auto immune disease called Chrone’s and I am determined to reverse the damage if I can.
I have a precursor to Chrone’s Disease called Leaky Gut Syndrome. This is not a disease that most Western doctors recognize. They diagnosed me with Irritable Bowl Syndrome, which my own doctor admitted is a label “they” give when they don’t know what’s wrong. They pump you full of steroids or remove part of your colon and tell you to eliminate stress and stop eating foods that trigger it. Naturopaths call this Leaky Gut and say I can reverse the damage if I work hard to detox my body. Leaky Gut Syndrome is caused by a toxic buildup of chemicals, pesticides, antibiotic or NSAID pain relievers that disrupt the intestinal flora. The wall of the intestine becomes so caked in mucous and yeast (Candida) that tiny holes develop in the wall and allow food particles to enter the blood stream. The body sees these food particles as foreign invaders and begins to attack, causing an allergic reaction to the food.
My first sign was 7-years ago when I suddenly, without warning, became allergic to gluten. I was never officially diagnosed with Celiac disease because I didn’t want to put my body through an invasive colonoscopy when the only treatment is to avoid gluten. Eliminating gluten solved the problem and though I missed bread terribly, I got used to it, and thought everything was fine. It was fine for years, but then suddenly apples caused the same painful allergic reaction, then corn, peas, potato, beef, dairy, vinegar, onions, nuts and now any type of rice.
It is quite literally a chore to feed myself and I never know what will make my stomach hurt next. I suffer from arthritis in my right hand when I eat something I shouldn’t and chronic insomnia. I look back and think about what I wish I knew sooner. How non-organic foods and beauty products literally poison your body and if I had known the pain it would cause I would have chosen an organic lifestyle a long time ago. Luckily I am strong and I know I can heal this. I hope you will follow my journey as I do.
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