Study: Pesticide Exposure May Be Linked to ADHD in Children
Earlier this year, a joint research study conducted by Harvard and the University of Montreal reinforced an earlier research which found a connection between pesticide exposure and Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children [1].
While harsh chemicals are, logically, a very effective choice for pest control, their effects easily cross over to humans who come into contact with them.
The effects of pesticides on genetic material is tremendous. Much of the body's essential chemistry – including parts of the brainstem as well as the genetic materials DNA and RNA – are made up of similar biological compounds. They are so similar in fact, that organophosphates essentially interrupt their core processes. The well-documented ability of these compounds to damage or even destroy neurological and genetic material makes the possible link to ADHD and other behavioral conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, seem that much more plausible in the eyes of researchers.
In both sets of studies, the research teams found a strong connection between ADHD-related symptoms and pesticide levels found in the test subjects' urine. Their overall conclusion was that the concentrations of organophosphates found in the bodies of most U.S. children are sufficiently high to trigger ADHD-like behavioral effects.
Avoid Unnecessary Pesticide Exposure?
Incidences of ADHD continue to climb. Theories about the cause of this recent surge in ADHD are almost as numerous as the children who carry the label. Unfortunately, it's still not well understood. Reducing your family's exposure to brain-altering chemical compounds is not always easy. This stuff has been poured and saturated into the environment at levels that are mind blowing, to say the least. That said, there are simple things you can undertake to reduce exposure as much as possible.: Consume only fresh, organic produce. Commercially grown fruits and vegetables are the number one source of pesticide exposure for humans. By eating naturally grown produce, you can dramatically reduce your family's exposure to these chemicals. A good place to start, is your local farmers market, as they will have locally-grown and organic produce.
Public parks and green spaces are also common places to come into contact with organophosphate pesticides. Pay attention to where your children play. Ask your parks department what forms of pest control are used at your favorite play areas. Ask for details on the treatment schedule. This should allow you to avoid visiting on days when pesticide concentrations are at their highest.
I recommend regular body cleansing and detoxification to help your body purge built-up toxins, such as those found in pesticides, and to promote general health and well-being. Global Healing offers a range of natural cleansing supplements that can help your body deal with exposure to pesticides and other toxic chemicals.
References (1)
- Maryse F. Bouchard PhD, David C. Bellinger PhD, Robert O. Wright MD MPH, Marc G. Weisskopf PhD. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides. Pediatrics. 2010 May 17. vol. 125 no. 6, pp. e1270 -e1277 (doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-3058).
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
