Monday, May 21, 2012

Breasts

This morning I listened to this very interesting Fresh Air episode where they hosted Florence Williams, the author of Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History, a book about "why breasts are getting bigger and developing earlier, why tumors seem to gravitate toward the breast, and how toxins from the environment may be affecting hormones and breast development."

I would definitely recommend a listen and it was encouraging that despite the fact that Williams found all sorts of not-so-nice things in her breast milk when she had it tested for toxins (flame retardants!), they talk about how research is showing more and more that breast milk helps set an infant up for a healthier life and establish good bacteria in the baby that will fight disease throughout life.

It was also encouraging to hear them talk about how we shouldn't drive ourselves crazy over trying to detoxify ourselves from BPA or other toxic chemicals, since they seem to be coming from sources that we aren't aware of.

I think I'd like to get a copy of this from the library to read in full.

Anyways, give it a listen!

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