Even scientists don’t know completely what causes ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. There’s strong research to support that it is hereditary. But environmental factors can also increase a child’s risk for developing ADHD. Toxins can affect brain development and the way the neurotransmitters function. Here are some environmental factors that have been linked to ADHD.
Exposure to toxins begins in utero, when brain development is at its peak. The toxins strongly linked to ADHD—tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs like cocaine—have also been associated with higher risk for miscarriage, pre-term labor and birth defects. Some believe that exposure to hazardous chemicals in household cleansers can increase risk for learning disorders such as ADHD.
Some babies may be born predisposed or at high risk for ADHD. Their hyperactive behaviors are then triggered or exacerbated by toxins in their food and surroundings. This includes the chemical compounds in processed food. The European Union even banned the use of certain food dyes, such as Yellow No. 5. This bright color is often found in sports drinks, cereals, macaroni and cheese, and chips. Doctors recommend that parents avoid or minimize feeding kids anything with a lot of food additives. Natural fruits and vegetables and home-cooked meals will always be the safest and healthiest option. (Read our tips on how to make a meal plan.)
And any parent knows how sugar can cause any child to become very restless and agitated. Control your child’s sugar intake. Aside from the obvious sugar sources like ice cream and cake, ‘hidden sugar’ can be found in white bread, juices, and sports drinks. Some milk formulas also contain sugar (check the label for any compound that ends in ‘ose’ like fructose or glucose).
Parents should also be careful about lead exposure, since studies show that kids with ADHD have higher lead content in their blood. Lead can be found in paint, or seep into water supply. Always use lead-free paint on furniture and walls, and ask your comm
unity about having your water levels checked by a health inspector.
While ADHD has been linked to environmental factors, most cases of ADHD have loving parents following all the rules — healthy pregnancy, good diet — and then being shocked by a doctor’s diagnosis. Clearly more research must be done. However, knowing these environmental risks can allow others to at least take precautionary steps. While they are not fool proof, doing something is better than doing nothing at all.
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