A newly released report in the medical journal, Pediatrics, links the use of pesticides to the occurrence of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children. The study, conducted by Maryse F. Bouchard, a researcher at the University of Montreal in Quebec, shows that children with higher than average levels of 6 different chemicals were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than children with undetectable levels of these poisons. Although the study has been characterized as inconclusive, the findings are so startling as to be “fairly significant” according to Bouchard.
These findings follow on the heels of the report issued by the President’s Council on Cancer almost two weeks ago linking pesticides and other chemicals to increased levels of cancer. With a few more studies, I would guess we’ll see a lot more links between pesticide use and many of the chronic conditions that plague our modern society. The dangers have been apparent for decades but with little in the way of government regulation of chemicals and the strong chemical company lobbying efforts, the information the public needs to be informed has been quashed. Many assumed the government was watching out for our best interests and that if the chemicals came to market, they must be safe. Not so.
Although the causes of ADHD are “uncertain” and often linked to genetic factors, more and more attention is being directed at environmental factors including nutritional deficiencies (such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Magnesium); allergies; fetal exposure to nicotine, alcohol, and cocaine; metals toxicity (such as lead and copper); food additives; high sugar, high refined carbohydrate diets; and chemical exposures. Anecdotally, when these factors are eliminated or corrected, symptoms of ADHD may diminish.
The significance of this study is huge. It is the largest of its kind ever conducted. It raises enough questions to warrant further studies and to expand the studies to include other neurological differences such as learning disabilities and autism. In a report issued in 1998 titled “Can A Poisoned Environment Play A Major Role in a Child’s Ability to Learn?” the author questions the accepted practice of treating ADHD with Ritalin or intensive psychotherapy which he characterizes as a “bandaid approach” rather than address the underlying causes for the sudden increase in the condition. Within 45 years, the number of ADHD children increased over 500%. Dr. Stephan Edelson’s report contends that the most common cause of ADHD is allergies, followed by toxic dysfunction, nutritional aberrations, and a stressful home environment. He further claims that genetics plays only a minor role.
We can’t wait for conclusive evidence on the causes of ADHD while drugging and forcing behavior modification techniques on our children. Each child is an individual case that must be assessed for particular irregularities and sensitivities. Immunotherapy and dietary interventions along with an avoidance of toxic exposures are worth exploring NOW.
Filed under: Chronic Conditions | Tagged: ADHD, Chronic Illness, Eating Habits, Food Supply, Nutrition | Leave a Comment »