The Lead Poisoning Prevention Diet
Diets rich in calcium and iron help resist the damage from lead. We've matched the superfoods packed with calcium, iron and Vitamin C with healthy recipes so you can protect your children's health.
By The Daily Green Staff
Nutrition Is a Key Part of Lead Poisoning Prevention
Exposure to lead can lead to permanent brain damage, heart problems, behavioral and developmental problems -- even violence.
While the phasing out of lead in gasoline and paint has helped to reduce childhood exposure to lead -- and impending limits on lead in toys and other children's products should help further -- millions of children still experience lead poisoning. (Adults do, too.) Federal authorities say old lead paint in older homes, along with contaminated soil -- both of which produce lead-tainted dust and grime that children ingest inadvertently -- are the chief causes of lead poisoning.
To reduce exposure and protect your child, The Daily Green recommends these five steps:
1. Maintain paint in older homes, so that you avoid peeling and flaking that can produce dust. Consult with a professional if you have any doubts.
2. Check your toys and remove any that have been recalled due to high lead content.
3. Have your pediatrician test your child's blood lead level, so you know if you need to carefully investigate potential sources.
4. Avoid home renovations during pregnancy or a child's first six years; if you do renovate, do so carefully and under professional guidance.
5. Ensure good nutrition. Iron deficiency can lead the body to absorb more lead, so ensure your child is eating enough iron (and the Vitamin C needed by the body to absorb the iron). Similarly, eating calcium will cause the body to absorb less lead.
Click here for more details on these lead-prevention recommendations, or read on for nutritious recipes -- all from The Daily Green's Real Food Diet -- that rich in calcium, iron and Vitamin C.
Yogurt
Plain, nonfat yogurt is the top source of calcium. Eight ounces provide 452 mg of calcium and 127 calories. Low-fat plain yogurt (415 mg of calcium and 143 calories) and fruit yogurt (345 mg of calcium and 232 calories) are not far behind.
You can always make a yogurt and granola parfait, or add some yogurt to one of these recipes:
Cereal Tarts with Yogurt and Fresh FruitTrout with Beet-Horseradish Yogurt Sauce and Green Garlic Oil
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Crunchy Yogurt Dip
Citrus Yogurt Mousse with Strawberry and Raspberry Sauce
Yogurt Cake with Blueberry Sauce
Cucumber and Winter Purslane Yogurt Salad
Bulgur Bean Burgers
How to Make Viking Apple Cake
Rhubarb and Strawberry Fool
Creamy Cucumber-Dill Salad
Beet and Dandelion Salad
Feta Herb Spread
Clams
Surprise! Clams take the top prize for providing the most iron. Three ounces of the shellfish provide 23.8 mg of iron and 126 calories.
Whether you like them raw on the half shell or cooked in your clam chowder, clams are also a surprising king of the superfoods: clams are also a top source of potassium and Vitamin B12.
Clams are unlikely to be contaminated, and according to the Environmental Defense Fund's Seafood Selector, the farming of the most common clams in the U.S. (northern quahogs) does little ecological damage.
Recipes:
Linguine with White Clam Sauce
Guava
Guava is rich in vitamin C -- one half cup of the fruit contains 188 mg of vitamin C and 56 calories. Eat the fruit raw, or try this recipe for a Hawaiian smoothie.
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