There is mounting evidence associating chemicals and products found in the home to ADHD in children. Here are the most common culprits - and alternatives to try instead.
As cases of ADHD continue to rise, parents and researchers alike hunt for potential causes and possible links. “Literature and research currently believes ADHD to be an inherited neurodevelopmental-behavioral disorder,” says Frank Barnhill, MD, an expert on ADHD and the author of Mistaken for ADHD. Yet, recent studies have linked ADHD and worsening symptoms to certain chemicals and common household products. Paint, bug spray, and food pesticides are all on the list. Find out some other surprising sources.
Lead Strongly Linked to ADHD
Of all the substances linked to ADHD, lead may have the strongest connection. Although government regulations drastically reduced lead found in automobile fuel and paint ingredients, it is still present in items like children's costume jewelry and toys, imported candles, and soil. “It is well established that lead intoxication leads to a syndrome closely resembling ADHD,” says Edward Hallowell, MD, a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and author of two books on ADHD, Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction. A recent review study of lead and ADHD seems to confirm this fact, as the study author found multiple studies that linked higher blood levels of lead in children with higher levels of ADHD. If you are concerned about lead in your home, simple test kits are available to check lead levels.
Lead in Your Water Pipes
Most tap water is considered safe, but Barnhill says that, in some cases, water can be contaminated with lead from old pipes. Lead is a known contributor to ADHD symptoms in children, and a recent review article of lead and ADHD showed that in some studies, exposure to lead was more common from tap water than from other sources. To avoid this ADHD risk, you can test your water for lead content or simply filter your tap water to remove the impurities.
Organophosphates in Bugs Sprays and Pesticides
When it comes to pesticides and ADHD, organophosphates are commonly seen as a culprit. Organophosphates are found in some bug sprays, but they also can be ingested through fruits and vegetables that have been sprayed with these chemicals. “Foods treated with organophosphates for insects seem to cause neurologic-based behavior problems that mimic ADHD,” says Dr. Barnhill. A recent study confirmed these suspicions. It found that children with higher levels of organophosphates in their urine were much more likely to develop ADHD. To avoid this issue, feed your children organic fruits and vegetables and choose bug sprays without organophosphates.
Plastics
Plastics are virtually everywhere in our world. Two that have come under scrutiny as potential culprits for ADHD in children are phthalates, found in lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics, and bisphenol A, or BPA, which is used in many containers and in the lining of cans. Several studies that involved exposing rodents to these types of plastics showed neurological changes, including ADHD-like symptoms, as possible outcomes. To avoid these plastics, keep your children away from cosmetics, choose fresh foods over canned foods when possible, and avoid plastic containers that have a “No. 7” on the bottom — these are the ones that often contain BPA and may be linked to ADHD.
Food Colorings and Preservatives
When it comes to ADHD in children, colorings and preservatives in foods might play a role. “I have children in the practice that become very hyper when red dyes or nitrite-based food preservatives are ingested,” says Barnhill. “There are ongoing studies that might show a direct relationship to food dyes and ADHD, but the research will not be available until at least 2012.” In the meantime, the best way to avoid these potential ADHD culprits is to avoid pre-packaged and artificial foods in favor of more natural or organic choices.
Cigarette Smoke and ADHD
If you need another reason to quit, here it is: Cigarette smoke might be one of the causes of ADHD in children. “Cigarette smoke has been directly linked to a higher incidence of ADHD in kids exposed during pregnancy and shortly thereafter,” says Barnhill. A recent review article confirms this belief, stating that ADHD in children has been strongly linked to tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy.
(everydayhealth.com)
Lead Strongly Linked to ADHD
Of all the substances linked to ADHD, lead may have the strongest connection. Although government regulations drastically reduced lead found in automobile fuel and paint ingredients, it is still present in items like children's costume jewelry and toys, imported candles, and soil. “It is well established that lead intoxication leads to a syndrome closely resembling ADHD,” says Edward Hallowell, MD, a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and author of two books on ADHD, Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction. A recent review study of lead and ADHD seems to confirm this fact, as the study author found multiple studies that linked higher blood levels of lead in children with higher levels of ADHD. If you are concerned about lead in your home, simple test kits are available to check lead levels.
Lead in Your Water Pipes
Most tap water is considered safe, but Barnhill says that, in some cases, water can be contaminated with lead from old pipes. Lead is a known contributor to ADHD symptoms in children, and a recent review article of lead and ADHD showed that in some studies, exposure to lead was more common from tap water than from other sources. To avoid this ADHD risk, you can test your water for lead content or simply filter your tap water to remove the impurities.
Organophosphates in Bugs Sprays and Pesticides
When it comes to pesticides and ADHD, organophosphates are commonly seen as a culprit. Organophosphates are found in some bug sprays, but they also can be ingested through fruits and vegetables that have been sprayed with these chemicals. “Foods treated with organophosphates for insects seem to cause neurologic-based behavior problems that mimic ADHD,” says Dr. Barnhill. A recent study confirmed these suspicions. It found that children with higher levels of organophosphates in their urine were much more likely to develop ADHD. To avoid this issue, feed your children organic fruits and vegetables and choose bug sprays without organophosphates.
Plastics
Plastics are virtually everywhere in our world. Two that have come under scrutiny as potential culprits for ADHD in children are phthalates, found in lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics, and bisphenol A, or BPA, which is used in many containers and in the lining of cans. Several studies that involved exposing rodents to these types of plastics showed neurological changes, including ADHD-like symptoms, as possible outcomes. To avoid these plastics, keep your children away from cosmetics, choose fresh foods over canned foods when possible, and avoid plastic containers that have a “No. 7” on the bottom — these are the ones that often contain BPA and may be linked to ADHD.
Food Colorings and Preservatives
When it comes to ADHD in children, colorings and preservatives in foods might play a role. “I have children in the practice that become very hyper when red dyes or nitrite-based food preservatives are ingested,” says Barnhill. “There are ongoing studies that might show a direct relationship to food dyes and ADHD, but the research will not be available until at least 2012.” In the meantime, the best way to avoid these potential ADHD culprits is to avoid pre-packaged and artificial foods in favor of more natural or organic choices.
Cigarette Smoke and ADHD
If you need another reason to quit, here it is: Cigarette smoke might be one of the causes of ADHD in children. “Cigarette smoke has been directly linked to a higher incidence of ADHD in kids exposed during pregnancy and shortly thereafter,” says Barnhill. A recent review article confirms this belief, stating that ADHD in children has been strongly linked to tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy.
(everydayhealth.com)
No comments :
Post a Comment