About this book: 1 Parents should read this book as babies, children and pregnant women are potentially more vulnerable than adults to toxic chemicals. 2 The total chemical load of the body and the origin of these toxins from preservatives, colourants and sweeteners is explained. 3 The interaction of these chemicals and possible dangers are described. 4 Advice on reducing your body burden of chemicals is given. Professor Norman Ratcliffe is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and has published over 200 books and research papers on immunology, cancer, influenza, tropical diseases and MRSA. Five years ago Professor Ratcliffe decided to produce a comprehensive but easily accessible book on health and fitness to help people of all different ages lead more healthy and fulfilling lives; the result of this five year project is the "It"s Your Life" series of books. There are six books in the series; five of these offer advice in specific areas, whilst the sixth - It"s Your Life: End the confusion from inconsistent health advice - includes all of the advice given in the rest of the series. Contents The cocktail effect - the total chemical load of the body studies on levels of chemical contamination of body origins of chemical contamination in body table of chemicals of concern reduction and avoidance of chemical contaminants particular concerns for pregnant women methods of detoxification