Recently I had the privilege of interviewing revered metabolic guru - Dr. David Barker. The same Dr. Barker who presented to the medical world decades ago - the "Barker Theory" - now accepted as medical fact. The Barker theory explains how low birth weight children are at a greater risk of coronary heart disease. Dr. Barker's research is centered on the effects of a mother's nutritional status on the gestational development of the fetus - through later life.
Sensitivity to insulin is established in the developing fetus. Beta cells are the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. The nutritional status of the mother strongly influences the baby's own beta cell production. Women that are malnourished - which yes includes too thin & obese - their developing offspring do not produce enough beta cells to protect them metabolically throughout life. Thanks to Dr. Barker - we are realizing just how much of a baby's fetal exposure to malnutrition is a potential setup for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, asthma, osteoporosis, ADD, high blood pressure...many of our current chronic plagues.
Here is where we need to take this much more seriously. Yes, obviously prenatal health is important - stop smoking, stop drinking, take our prenatal vitamins, exercise, eat properly. However Dr. Barker's resounding research is showing us albeit important its just a tiny piece of the puzzle. Healthy embryonic development feeds on the mother's lifetime of nutritional history. We are not just what we eat - we are what our mother's ate as well. When we feed our little girls - we are determining the metabolic destiny of our grandchildren & yes our great grandchildren. Babies feed on the mother's lifetime of nutritional quality.
We often talk flippantly about we are genetically doomed for heart disease, cancer, diabetes - when in fact does that really make sense. Charles Darwin was a pretty smart guy - does it make sense a gene for heart disease is naturally selected - no of course not. It would not make us the survival of the fittest. However, what is very probable - is a compromised metabolic start during gestation.
Now let's put this research together with the disgraceful & nonsensical state of our children's health. The childhood obesity rates have tripled over the last 25 years. If it continues - over 70% of the adult population will be obese. Diabetes rates are growing exponentially. We now know factually how this will affect the health of the children of these obese kids. Focusing on prenatal health simply is not enough to protect the health of future generations. We have to be far more proactive with our children's health - not just for them but for the metabolic legacy being etched.
However, just thought I would mention this is not that proverbial "get out of jail for free card. We cannot blame of health status on our mother's - yes it can predispose us to a much tougher time fighting chronic illnesses - but we are not helpless. What it does mean is those of us at a metabolic disadvantage - yes we have to try harder & be more vigilant.
My wish for you today & every day - may you get at least 60 minutes of exercise!
Shira Litwack
Medical Fitness Professional, Lifestyle & Weight Management Coach, Fitness & Nutrition for chronic illness recovery,
Radio Talk Show Host/Producer bestinhealthradio - Listen to interview with Dr. Barker!
http://www.bestinhealthradio.com/
http://www.fitfan4fun.com/
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