New Study Finds Pesticides Double Risk of ADHD in Our Children

Thursday, June 03, 2010 by: Tony Isaacs, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) For years environmentalists and natural health advocates have been trying to point out that organophosphate pesticides (malathion, etc.) work by disrupting the neurological systems of insects, and therefore humans who consume them on foods are at risk of neurological problems. Now, after millions of kids have been diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder), it is finally being admitted.

In a new study just published in Pediatrics, researchers from the University of Montreal and Harvard University found evidence strongly indicating that pesticides could be a major cause of the alarming rise in ADHD in our children. Children who had higher than average biomarkers for organophosphate pesticides were nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Previous studies found that pesticides may contribute to hyperactivity and cognitive problems in animals, but the new study is among the first to determine that it affects humans, too.

Among the study's findings:

* Children who have high levels of pesticide residues are 93% more likely to have ADHD.
and
* For every 55% increase in residue in urine, there is a 10% greater risk of ADHD.

"I think it's fairly significant. A doubling is a strong effect," said Maryse F. Bouchard, a researcher at the University of Montreal in Quebec and lead author of the study.

The study is the largest thus far to examine the effect of pesticides on child development and behavior, including ADHD. ADHD affects an estimated 4.5 million U.S. children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2.5 million kids take medication for the condition.

In the study, Bouchard and her colleagues measured levels of six pesticide metabolites in the urine of 1,139 children ages 8 to 15. The children were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2000 and 2004 and included 119 children who were diagnosed with ADHD.

Unlike other studies on the impact of pesticides, the new study provided a look into average insecticide exposure in the general child population instead of a specialized group (such as the children of farm workers). Organophosphates are commonly used on some of the crops children consume the most, such as frozen blueberries, fresh strawberries and celery. However, since some of the children who participated in the study were from urban areas, the results suggest that pesticide exposure comes from the air we breathe, as well as on the foods we eat. Bouchard said that because many pesticides leave the body after three to six days, the presence of residue shows that exposure is likely constant.

Cheminova, the Danish firm that is the world's largest manufacturer of malathion, declined to comment on the conclusions of the new study. Diane Allemang, vice president for global regulatory affairs, reported that she had not yet seen the study.

Bouchard's advice for parents: "I would say buy organic as much as possible. I would also recommend washing fruits and vegetables as much as possible."

The consumer advocacy organization Environmental Working Group echoes Bouchard's advice, advising shoppers to buy organic versions of a dozen fruits and vegetables that grow in the ground or are commonly eaten with the skin, because they're most likely to be contaminated.

When washing fruits and vegetables, be sure to wash and rinse them in cold tap water and scrub firm-skinned produce with a brush. Some people opt for the addition of hydrogen peroxide to their fruit and vegetable rinses for maximum removal of pesticides. Frozen fruits and vegetables should also be washed.

Don't wash produce with soap, though. Soap can leave behind detergent residues and more chemicals that everyone would do best to avoid.

Sources included:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3715601...
http://www.wddty.com/pesticides-cou...
http://www.curezone.com/forums/fm.a...

About the author

Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year.
Mr. Isaacs is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near San Antonio and Austin to give lectures in health seminars. He also hosts the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and he serves as a consultant to the "Utopia Silver Supplement Company".

Where Does ADHD Come From?

To this day, there is no clear answer to this question. We know that ADHD has a strong neurobiological basis. Neurobiological is a big word that refers to the nervous system. The nervous system is the system of cells, tissues, and organs that regulate the body's responses to internal and external stimuli. That’s your brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor and effector organs. I don’t want to scare you away with big words so just know this: scientists know that ADHD is based in your nervous system.
The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown but most roads lead to heredity. As with most other disorders it is almost certain there are multiple factors in this equation. But is it broadly (not completely) accepted that heredity usually is the leading factor.

There are instances where heredity does not seem to be a factor. In these cases difficulties during pregnancy, prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco, premature delivery, significantly low birth weight, excessively high body lead levels, and postnatal injury to the prefrontal regions of the brain have all been found to contribute to the risk for ADHD to varying degrees.
While heredity and all the other factors have been found to play a role in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, the chances of having ADHD as a result of one of the factors above is not assured. Even if all of these things occur, there is still a chance that ADHD will not occur. It is obviously recommended; however, not to smoke or drink during pregnancy.

Confronting the myths

There are plenty of those who like to make amateur observations. This applies to ADHD as there are many people who believe ADHD is either a fraud, or is caused by bad parenting, social environment, sugar intake, food additives, too much TV, or even poverty.
Research on ADHD simply does not point to any of these things. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders may be serious if diagnosed, however, displaying some signs of the disorder does not automatically mean that your child has ADHD. While all of the things above may lead to other problems, they simply will not spawn medically diagnosed ADHD in your child.

In these situations, it is important for parents to learn more about their child's condition and explore potential non-prescription solutions like discipline, diet and limited time with non-productive activities. Creating a weekly schedule, or plan, for your child may help him/her to stay focused on specific activities like home work, house-work or sports.

ADHD in Adults

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most well-recognized childhood developmental problems. This condition is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is now known that these symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. That translates into 4% of the US adult population, or 8 million adults. However, few adults are identified or treated for adult ADHD.   

ADHD in Adults

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.

Adult ADHD Stats

• ADHD afflicts approximately 3% to 5% of school-age children and an estimated 60% of those will maintain the disorder into adulthood.
• Prevalence rates for ADHD in adults are not as well determined as rates for children, but fall in the 1% to 5% range.
• ADHD affects males at higher rate than females in childhood, but this ratio seems to even out by adulthood.

Common Behaviors and Problems of Adult ADHD

The following behaviors and problems may stem directly from ADHD or may be the result of related adjustment difficulties:

• Chronic lateness and forgetfulness.
• Anxiety.
• Low self-esteem.
• Employment problems.
• Difficulty controlling anger.
• Impulsiveness.
• Substance abuse or addiction.
• Poor organization skills.
• Procrastination.
• Low frustration tolerance.
• Chronic boredom.
• Difficulty concentrating when reading.
• Mood swings.
• Depression.
• Relationship problems.

These behaviors may be mild to severe and can vary with the situation or be present all of the time. Some adults with ADHD may be able to concentrate if they are interested in or excited about what they are doing. Others may have difficulty focusing under any circumstances. Some adults look for stimulation, but others avoid it. In addition, adults with ADHD can be withdrawn and antisocial, or they can be overly social and unable to be alone.

School-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD may have:

• Had a history of poorer educational performance and were underachievers.
• Had more frequent school disciplinary actions.
• Had to repeat a grade.
• Dropped out of school more often.

Work-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Change employers frequently and perform poorly.
• Have had fewer occupational achievements, independent of psychiatric status.

Social-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Have a lower socioeconomic status.
• Have driving violations such as: be cited for speeding; have their licenses suspended; be involved in more crashes; rate themselves and others as using poorer driving habits.
• Use illegal substances more frequently.
• Smoke cigarettes.
• Self-report psychological maladjustment more often.

Relationship-Related Impairments Linked to Adult ADHD

Adults with ADHD are more likely to:

• Have more marital problems and multiple marriages.
• Have higher incidence of separation and divorce.

Much of this functional impairment diminishes with remission of the disorder and can be mitigated by appropriate treatment.

Herbal Remedies for ADHD

Symptoms and Characteristics
This condition is marked by learning disabilities, frequent forgetfulness, impaired judgment, excessive talking/interrupting, trouble concentrating, shortened attention span, and organization problems.

What Causes ADHD?
Research shows the common factor in all forms of ADD and ADHD to be a coordination failure in the reticular activating system of the brain. This area of the brain helps coordinate external stimulus. A brain chemical, norepinephrine, carries information between different regions of the brain which allows certain areas to be activated while others are inhibited, allowing one to focus on selected external information, while excluding others.

In the case of ADHD this neural coordination is impaired, causing competitive stimulation from multiple external and internal sources -too much visual stimulation, too much sound stimulation, too many internal feelings and emotions, etc. When the limited neural network is overly taxed in this regard, it becomes unable to "tune in" or focus on some stimulation, while "tuning out," or "turning down" (attenuating) other stimulation. The results can be irritation, aggression and anxiety.

Sugar Consumption blunts the brain's ability to respond to norepinephrine, thus impairing brain coordination.

Allergies Up to 90% of all children with these conditions are allergic to red, yellow, and blue dyes found in food products. Other common food allergens include, cow's milk, peanuts, citrus, and tomatoes.

Family History

Oxygen Deprivation at Birth

Lead Poisoning

Dietary Deficiencies

Smoking During Pregnancy

What Treatments Are Available?

Conventional Approach

Conventional treatment most often includes the use of psycho stimulant or antidepressant drugs. Over time, however these drugs often become ineffective and cause a sort of rebound effect where frustration and anger return. Excessive use of stimulant drugs can cause lethargy and depression.

Alternative Approach

Fortunately there are natural alternatives that have shown to be very effective in treating this condition. which can often balance the brain chemistry naturally without the side effects of medications.

Herbs that are used to treat ADHD include:

Ginkgo Biloba, Scuttelaria (also known as Skullcap), German Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Avena Sativa (Oatstraw), Rooibos, Lemon Balm, Valerian, Lobelia, and Hawthorn.

~ Considerations ~

Avoid Sugar: Research has shown that children with ADD and ADHD may not digest sugars properly. Sugar consumption has been linked to aggressive, restless behavior.

Avoid Soft Drinks: Both sugar-free and sweetened contain phosphates which displaces calcium/magnesium levels, causing exaggerated muscle activity.

Get Plenty of Sunlight: Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD. Occurring mostly in northern latitudes during the winter months, SAD produces ADD-like symptoms. Consider exposure to full-spectrum lighting if unable to spend time outdoors each day.

Consider Using Emotional Freedom Techniques: This method has had extremely promising results with ADHD!

*Note from Editor: If you are in need of a professionally prepared formula, alot of people have great results with one called Focus, which combines Ginkgo Biloba, Scuttellaria Laterifolia (also known as Skullcap), German Chamomile, Gotu Kola, Avina Sativa Urtica Urens, and Rooibos to make an all natural ADHD formula that is a 100% safe, non-addictive alternative treatment for ADHD, without the risks and side effects of prescription psychiatric drugs.

Many children and adults alike are finding great relief from ADHD with this combination of herbs.

Get more info on Focus for ADHD
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ADHD Natural Remedies Finding the Best Herbs for Hyperactivity

When ADHD Assessment Tests Say Your Child Needs Special Attention Evaluating the Need for Separate ADHD Schools and Knowing Your Child's Legal Rights

Diagnosing Learning Disabilities Is Your Child Exhibiting ADHD Characteristics?

ADHD and Diet Is There a Link Between Sugar and Hyperactivity, and Is There Really an Effective Diet for ADHD?

Recognizing the Risks and Side Effects of Adderall and the Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal

Natural Remedies for ADHD and ADD An Alternative to Prescribing Ritalin for Children

Diagnosing ADHD in Adults Recognizing Adult ADHD Symptoms and Evaluating Options for Treatment

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with ADHD?

You are not alone. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder labels a substantial number of children and adults who suffer from inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity.

What is the solution? Prescription drugs do offer treatment for ADHD, and their use is on the increase across North America. Between 1999 and 2004, Health Canada reported a 43-percent increase in the use of ADHD medication for children.

Other countries, however, have taken a more prudent approach to medication. In England, the British Psychological Society urges caution in using medications, stating: “It must not be the first, and definitely not the only, line of treatment.” Fortunately, effective treatment options do exist.

Turn Off the TV

Get away from the screen. The journal Pediatrics reports the more time a young child spends in front of the TV, the greater the chance they will develop attention problems by age seven. TV and video games alter brain waves, creating a lack of focus and concentration. Set TV viewing limits for all family members.

Go Outside

Enjoy some fresh air. Being outdoors in a natural, green environment after school and on weekends may reduce attention deficit symptoms, according to a 2004 study of over 2,000 children of all ages. While the TV is off, take the opportunity to frolic in the grass, throw a ball, run with the dog, or go for a walk or bike ride.

Be Happy

Take care of your emotional needs. Seek out a counsellor who can help you manage the challenges associated with ADHD behaviour. Consider using homeopathy and flower remedies to manage emotions. Researchers have found Bach flower remedies may be effective in managing ADHD symptoms.

Get Enough Sleep

Create a regulated sleep schedule. Studies show adequate sleep improves our cognitive abilities. We all get cranky and irritable when we are tired, no matter how old. Overtired kids demonstrate a unique form of frenetic energy known only too well to their parents.

Take Nutritional Supplements

Support your health with the proper nutrients. When researchers compared a group of children treated with Ritalin to another group that received a mixture of supplements, they found identical improvement in the behaviours of both groups. These key nutrients included vitamins B, C, E, minerals (magnesium, calcium, and zinc), phytonutrients, amino acids, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, phospholipids (needed for brain development), and acidophilus (for healthy intestinal bacteria). Essential fatty acids are just that–essential for the brain–and omega-3s need support from vitamins and minerals to convert properly in the body.

Eat Genuine Whole Foods

Use natural sweeteners available at your health food store such as honey, organic raw sugar, molasses, or stevia. Natural sugar cane loses 99 percent of its magnesium when it is refined to white sugar, while refined white flour contains 80 to 96 percent less magnesium content than its whole grain counterpart.

Current research supports diets similar to the Feingold diet, which became popular in the 1970s and is still used today by parents concerned about their children’s food allergies. Eat fewer additives and preservatives and eliminate common allergenic foods. Since ADHD is related to brain activity, it only makes sense to support the brain with protein as well as foods high in essential fatty acids such as fish.

It’s reassuring to know that natural commonsense solutions still serve us well and are backed by research. A combination of dietary, lifestyle, and behavioural interventions offers relief from many ADHD symptoms. So, as our parents instructed us when we were kids: get plenty of sleep, take your vitamins, turn off the TV, and go play outside!

How Dangerous are ADHD Drugs?

The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) website states “Ritalin is …structurally and pharmacologically similar to amphetamines and cocaine and has the same dependency profile of cocaine and other stimulants.” Even the milder side effects of ADHD drugs include such problems as behaviour disturbances, psychotic episodes, anxiety, restlessness, agitation, amnesia, confusion, lack of emotion, and hostility.

Symptoms of ADHD

These symptoms can lead to lifelong difficulties–in school, at work, and in personal

relationships:

* poor attention to detail

* fidgeting

* difficulty sustaining attention and following instructions

* poor listening skills and organization

* impatience and tendency to be easily distracted

Nancy Buono, BFRP, is an international expert on the Bach Flower Remedies, lifelong student of healthy living, and frequent radio guest. www.livingenrichment.com.