6 Contributors to ADHD
Children and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD more frequently. Knowing these six contributors can help you understand if any of them apply to your diagnosis.
Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy
A recent study suggests that pregnant women should think twice about using acetaminophen. It appears that children whose mothers used the medication during pregnancy could face a slightly increased risk of ADHD. Although the risk increase is minor, less than ten percent, it raises the question—is taking acetaminophen truly worth the potential risk?
BPA Exposure
BPA, a chemical found in some plastics, is known to disrupt endocrine systems, prompting many manufacturers to create BPA-free products. However, studies indicate that its substitute, bisphenol-S (BPS), might be just as harmful. One study on zebrafish embryos showed a connection between BPA/BPS exposure and hyperactivity. While these findings are still preliminary, they suggest that these chemicals could have similar effects in humans.
Lead Poisoning
Lead exposure is highly toxic and can lead to poisoning. While this metal can adversely affect people of all ages, young children are especially vulnerable. Lead exposure can severely impact the developing brain, sometimes causing long-lasting damage. Even low levels of exposure have been linked to reduced IQs and an increased risk of ADHD in children.
Mercury Exposure
Many pregnant women avoid fish to dodge mercury exposure, as mercury is a neurotoxin. Yet, it’s not necessary to completely eliminate fish from your diet. While mercury may raise the risk of ADHD symptoms in children, consuming fish could also help reduce this risk. It’s all about balance and opting for fish that have lower mercury levels.
Smog and Air Pollution
Some research indicates that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can heighten the risk of ADHD in children. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), released by burning fossil fuels, are particularly concerning. Although avoiding PAHs entirely is challenging, reducing exposure could make a difference. Children born to mothers with higher PAH levels during pregnancy showed a five-fold increase in ADHD symptoms compared to those with lower levels.
Consuming Food Dyes
For some children with ADHD, avoiding foods with artificial coloring has helped manage symptoms. This has led some researchers to suspect a connection. Unfortunately, U.S. products are not required to disclose potential links between food dyes and attention concerns in children. However, some companies are beginning to make changes. For example, Kraft has removed yellow dyes from certain macaroni-and-cheese products in both Europe and the U.S.
What Other Factors Contribute to ADHD?
Some believe that modern lifestyle constraints contribute to ADHD, arguing that it might be a by-product of our times. I’ll explore this topic in another entry, so stay tuned! Meanwhile, toxic elements in food, like fluoride, have also been linked to ADHD symptoms. It’s advisable to go natural or organic when managing hyperactivity and poor focus. Engaging in enjoyable physical activities can also help manage overactive energy and improve concentration.
