A study published this past Monday in Pediatrics found that exposure to pesticides was linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. In the study led by Maryse F. Bouchard at the University of Montreal in Quebec and in conjunction with Harvard University, children with higher-than-average levels of pesticides were TWICE as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
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Did you know that there is no definite known cause of ADHD? Isn’t it pretty scary to think that processed, chemical-laden food and environmental factors could be to blame?
Researchers measured pesticide metabolites (or residue) in children’s urine and found that those with higher levels of metabolites were 55% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Children with a higher level of residue from another common pesticide, dimethyl thiophosphate, were 93% more likely to have ADHD!
Why are children exposed to so many pesticides? The study did not examine from where children were exposed to pesticides, but it is sometimes from food – especially fruits and vegetables. Does that mean that kids should avoid healthful fruits and vegetables then? Of course not! Some fruits and vegetables are “dirtier” than others – check out which you must buy organic in Part 3 of our Guide to Organics. When buying conventional though, always make sure to wash the fruits and vegetables before consuming.
As a lifelong sufferer of ADHD (and I mean real ADHD, not the kid whose parents gave them Ritalin rather than use real discipline) I thank you for posting this. I don’t find it remotely surprising, but I am more motivated than ever to feed my child the best and most natural food that I can. If I can take one small step to help her overcome the difficulties I have in my life, it’s worth EVERY penny. As if I needed another reason for buying organic produce, you’ve given me one!
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I was one of the non-believers until I noticed that, after cutting back on HFCS and only buying organic produce and dairy, we could wean our 9 year old off of his ADHD medicine ENTIRELY. He only spends part-time at our house, but the difference we see at our house versus at his mother’s house? Night and day.
Good for you. One things though. ADHD is a medical condition. It can not be “cured.” It can be learned overcome and dealt with, but it is a part of you. It most certainly can not be turned on and of. Most likely the behavioral differences are a function of social/emotional/economical factors. For more info on the causes of ADHD, see
http://www.myadhd.com/causesofadhd.html
I was one of the non-believers until I noticed that, after cutting back on HFCS and only buying organic produce and dairy, we could wean our 9 year old off of his ADHD medicine ENTIRELY. He only spends part-time at our house, but the difference we see at our house versus at his mother’s house? Night and day.
Hi Amy, wow! This is amazing. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s truly incredible to read about all these children whose ADHD symptoms were cured via their diet. Thanks aganif or sharing.