Women who are stressed in pregnancy are more likely to have babies who suffer from asthma and allergies (according to a study from Harvard Medical School in Boston and presented earlier this year at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in Toronto).

Researchers found that unborn babies exposed to stress before birth have increased tendencies to react to allergy triggers such as dust mites. It is thought that the developing immune system of unborn babies can be changed by maternal stress, probably through stress hormones, like cortisol. The results of the study held true regardless of a mother’s race, class, education or smoking history. This research supports the notion that stress can be thought of as a kind of social pollutant that can influence the immune system.

The dangers to an unborn child are even greater if a pregnant women is stressed, possibly by financial and/or relationship problems, and regularly uses the mobile phone. Another recent study from the University of California, Los Angeles – the first of its kind, covering more than 13,000 women – has shown that using handsets, even as little as two or three times a day, is enough to raise the risk of having children with hyperactivity and emotional problems. Letting children use mobiles before the age of seven also puts them at risk, researchers warn. The study was published in the medical journal Epidemiology last year.

Researchers found that women who used phones when pregnant were 54 per cent more likely to report behavioural problems in their children, including hyperactivity and emotional difficulties. Problems were even greater in children whose mothers had used mobiles when they were pregnant and then were allowed to use phones before the age of seven. In fact, they were 80 per cent more likely to have behavioural problems than youngsters who had not been exposed to mobile phone use at all.

 

The risks increased with the amount of phone use and potential radiation, suggesting a clear link between mobile phone exposure and behavioural problems; although the researchers warned that there were other possible explanations for behavioural problems that need to be taken into account, such as poor diet and maternal neglect.

A British Nutrition Foundation Healthy Ageing Report, compiled by experts from universities including Oxford, Surrey and Newcastle and released earlier this year, has confirmed that simply eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and getting enough exercise are the keys to a long and healthy life.

The report explains how the bones, eyes, brains and heart can all be protected in later life by eating the right things. Quitting smoking is the major lifestyle change, but modest differences in diet and lifestyle can also have big effects on blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Foods rich in vitamin B12 (such as fish and eggs) and omega 3 (such as oily fish, nuts and seeds) are all good for the brain. Calcium rich foods, such as yogurt and green leafy vegetables, keep bones strong and healthy and cut the risk of osteoporosis. And vitamin D, found in sunlight and oily fish, is also good for bones and muscles.

 

Nutrients for a healthy heart include omega 3, fibre, folic acid, vitamin B12 and potassium. Eating oily fish, leafy vegetables, beans, fruit and nuts will boost the chances of getting enough of these vital nutrients. Even eyes can be kept healthier for longer by eating the right food: kiwi fruit, grapes, broccoli and red peppers are sources of nutrients which protect the eyes. Activities such as walking, dancing and even gardening reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even some types of cancer.

 

The report’s message is simple and clear: the key to staying fit and healthy in later life is to eat well, quit smoking and exercise regularly. For a better quality of life it is never too late to start eating a balanced and nutritious diet.