Lucinda Miller shares expert tips on reducing children's exposure to environmental toxins

Welcome to Our Guest Blog by Lucinda Miller MH MRNI MGNI

We are delighted to share this insightful guest blog post written by Lucinda Miller, a renowned naturopath and functional medicine practitioner. With over 25 years of experience and a deep passion for children’s health, Lucinda offers valuable guidance on how to protect our children from environmental toxins. Dive into her expert advice to learn practical strategies for reducing toxin exposure and supporting your child’s health and development.

In today’s world, children are exposed to a variety of environmental toxins, including heavy metals and “forever chemicals.” While most children can detoxify these substances efficiently, some find this harder to do. Studies have found that neurodivergent children, particularly, struggle to detoxify efficiently, leading to a build-up of harmful toxins. Emerging research also points to a potential link between toxin exposure and various developmental challenges, including learning difficulties and behavioural issues. If you want to protect your child from these pollutants, understanding where they come from and how to reduce exposure is essential.

Everyday toxins are hidden in our food, water, air, and household products. Children are particularly vulnerable due to behaviours like putting toys or non-food objects in their mouths, not drinking enough water, or suffering from constipation. Genetic factors can also influence how well their bodies detoxify. For example, children with difficulty producing glutathione – a powerful antioxidant that helps remove toxins – are at greater risk of toxin build-up.

What is Glutathione

In a nutshell, glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, crucial for detoxification and cell repair. If a child genetically produces low levels of glutathione, toxins such as heavy metals and microplastics may accumulate, potentially leading to neurological issues and increased inflammation. Boosting glutathione through diet can help. Foods like avocados, asparagus, broccoli and spinach support its production, as do nutrients like vitamin C, selenium, and folate.

Key Toxins to Avoid

Reducing exposure to harmful toxins in the home can make a big difference in supporting a child’s health and development. Here are some common pollutants to be aware of:

Lead: Lead is highly toxic to children, even in small amounts, affecting brain development and behaviour. Lead can be found in older homes, particularly in paint, dust, and soil. To reduce exposure, use a HEPA air filter, clean dusty areas with a damp cloth, and take precautions during renovations to prevent disturbing old lead paint.

Mercury: Mercury is a neurotoxin that can affect memory and motor skills. It’s found in large predatory fish like tuna and in “silver” dental fillings. Reduce mercury exposure by choosing smaller, low-mercury fish such as salmon or sardines and asking your dentist about mercury-free filling options.

Arsenic: Arsenic is found in rice, poultry, and some fruit juices. Long-term exposure can lead to developmental delays. Washing rice thoroughly and choosing organic poultry and washing/peeling fruit are simple ways to reduce arsenic exposure. 

Aluminium: Aluminium exposure, found in cookware and foil, has been linked to potential cognitive issues. Choose stainless steel or glass cookware and avoid wrapping acidic foods like tomatoes in aluminium foil.

Plastics (Bisphenol-A and Phthalates): Plastics can contain Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, which disrupt hormones (early puberty for girls, late puberty for boys) and can interfere with brain development. These are found in food packaging, plastic water bottles, and personal care products. Opt for glass or stainless-steel containers for food and drinks and choose personal care products labelled “phthalate-free.”

Reducing toxin buildup in our envrionment

Reducing Toxin Build-Up

While we can’t avoid all toxins, there are ways to support your child’s natural detoxification. Here are foods to enjoy:

  • Drink plenty of filtered water: this helps with constipation, and to help the kidneys to function effectively.
  • Include pectin-rich fruits: apples, pears, and citrus fruits help bind and remove heavy metals.
  • Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower support the liver’s detox pathways.
  • Selenium: found in Brazil nuts, pulses and eggs, selenium boosts glutathione production.
  • Epsom salt baths: magnesium sulphate in Epsom salts supports detoxification.

By taking proactive steps – like reducing plastic use and including supportive foods in your child’s diet – you can significantly reduce exposure to environmental toxins. Small changes can have a big influence on your child’s long-term health and development.

Bio

Lucinda Miller is the clinical lead of the UK-wide NatureDoc team, and with over 25 years of experience as a naturopath and qualifications in Functional Medicine, Lucinda has authored three bestselling books The Good Stuff, I Can’t Believe It’s Baby Food and Brain Brilliance. She lectures at the leading UK nutrition colleges and is a popular speaker at schools where she holds talks and workshops for parents, teaching staff and pupils. She and two of her children live and thrive with ADHD. www.naturedoc.com

References