For some time now, we’ve been aware that environmental chemicals are one of the silent causes of ADHD. Many of these chemicals are neurotoxins – substances which act directly upon neurons and interfere with their functions – that linger in the environment for years. Symptoms of neurotoxin exposure include lack of concentration, personality changes, depression, and hyperactive behavior. In adults, exposure to these poisons can cause a range of health problems, from infertility to cancer. Children and babies, however, are uniquely affected by these chemicals due to their developing nervous systems and biological immaturity; they are unable to detoxify as efficiently as adults, and the rapid development of their brain processes makes the neurons more vulnerable to the effects of chemicals.  In other words, children are helpless against these toxins and are more likely to suffer from ADHD, autism, and other psychological disorders with prolonged exposure.

What most people don’t realize is that you don’t have to live near a polluted area to be exposed to these chemicals; neurotoxins lurk in the products you use daily and the food you eat.  Current research reveals four everyday chemicals linked to childhood ADHD. Find out what they are and what you can do to avoid them.

Pesticides

Organophosphates are a type of pesticide that kills insects by disrupting their brains and nervous systems.  Unfortunately, these chemicals product a toxic effect on the nervous systems of humans and animals by inhibiting a key enzyme called cholinesterase.  Even at low doses, children are vulnerable to the effects of organophosphates, as indicated by two studies.

The scientific journal Pediatrics recently discovered that there is a significant relationship between pesticide exposure and ADHD symptoms.  The researchers looked at the pesticide levels in urine samples of 1,139 children.  After interviews with the parents or caretaker, they determined that one in 10 children met the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. After accounting for various factors, researchers determined that the likelihood of having ADHD increased with the pesticide levels in urine.  It was likely that they were exposed to these chemicals from eating unwashed fruit and vegetables.

Did you know that babies in the womb aren’t safe from the effects of organophosphates either? A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives tested pregnant women for organophosphate levels in their urine, and observed their children as they grew. The authors observed that women with higher amounts of pesticides while pregnant had children who were more likely to have ADHD symptoms by the time they were five years old.

Avoid pesticide exposure by washing all fruits and vegetables before eating. Better yet, buy organic produce when possible.  

Flame retardant

The study mentioned above also discovered that a common pesticide ingredient called polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB),which was formerly used as a flame retardant, was also present in the urine of the women with ADHD children. Even though PCBs have been banned by the US government, it continues to persist in the soul and water.  A newer version of the chemical called polybrominated biphenyl is also used as a flame-retardant on carpets; experts believe they may have the same neurotoxic effect.

PCFs

Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PCFs) are highly-stable compounds found in many everyday products like fire-fighting foams and food packaging. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and compared blood samples taken from 571 children, 48 of which were diagnosed with ADHD.  Based on the data, researchers concluded that children with higher PFC levels had increased odds of having ADHD.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to avoid PCFs in today’s world, but you can do a few things to minimize your child’s exposure to these chemicals.

• Avoid buying greasy fast food products like pizza or microwave popcorn.  They are usually packaged in coated cardboard, which have been treated with PCFs.
• Use stainless steel pans instead of non-stick pans; the latter is treated with PCFs. If you must use non-stick pans, keep the temperature well below 450º F to prevent the chemical from leaching.
• Don’t opt for the stain-resistance treatment when you buy furniture.  

Phthalates

Modern life wouldn’t be as convenient without plastic, but many plastic products (toys, food containers, cleaning materials) contain a chemical called phthalates. Research has linked phthalate exposure to a number of health problems, including birth defects, reproductive problems, and asthma, and now a Korean study discovered that phthalate exposure may be linked to ADHD.  They measured urine phthalate levels and evaluated children for ADHD using tests that measure impulsivity and attention. There was a significant association between ADHD symptoms and phthalate levels, which means ADHD symptoms or test scores got worse as phthalate levels increased.

The good news is that you don’t have to get rid of all your plastic products to avoid phthalates; all you need to do is avoid products and ingredients that do contain this chemical.

• Avoid products with DBP, DEP, DEHP, BzBP, and DMP – the chemical name of phthalates in personal care products like shampoo, perfume, hair gel, deodorant, or lotion.
• Buy fragrance-free products. “Fragrance” denotes more than just a pleasant smell; it’s a cocktail of compounds that may possibly contain phthalates and other harmful substances.
• Choose plastic with the recycling codes 1,2, or 5; they are less likely to contain phthalates.

Photo credit: 1, 2, 3, 4

We’ve long suspected that the typical Western diet might be the reason why so many children are diagnosed with ADHD today.  The brain requires a healthy number of nutrients, essential fatty acids, and amino acids to release and regulate neurotransmitters (brain chemicals responsible for mood, attention, concentration, and impulse control).  Although these nutrients can be obtained from a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, the typical Western diet has little room for such healthy options.  Why? This type of diet prioritizes the convenience of cooking rather than nutritional value. Unfortunately, these fast food meals are high in fat, refined sugar, and sodium, and offer few nutrients in return. Can such a diet be responsible for the increase of ADHD epidemic among children and teens today?

An exciting new study from Perth’s Telethon Institute for Child Health Research may have just confirmed the link between ADHD and Western-style diets.  This study, which was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, examined the dietary habits of 1,800 adolescents from the Raine Study, an ongoing long-term health research project. The Raine Study has been tracking the health and diet of these kids since they were born in the late 80s and early 90s.

The diets of the adolescents were classified into two groups. The “Healthy diet” group is characterized by high intakes of fresh vegetables and fruits, fish, and whole grains. This diet tends to be higher in fiber, folate, and omega-3 essential fatty acids.  The “Western-style diet” is characterized by fast food takeout, fried food, refined foods, and processed foods. This diet is higher in total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and refined sugar.  The dietary patterns were then compared to whether the individual received an ADHD diagnoses before the age of 14. In this study, 115 adolescents were diagnosed with ADHD – 24 girls and 91 boys.

After adjusting the data for other social influences, it seems that those in the Western diet group had double the risk of having an ADHD diagnosis compared to those who ate healthier foods. Lead researcher Dr. Wendy Oddy says, “When we looked at specific foods, having an ADHD diagnosis was associated with a diet high in takeaway foods, processed meats, red meat, high fat dairy products and confectionery.”  She also pointed out that the typical Western diet does not provide the essential micronutrients required for proper brain function, especially for tasks like concentration and attention. Not to mention that Western diets contain more artificial additives, flavors, and food dyes, which have been linked to the onset of ADHD in the past. Finally, Dr. Oddy suggests that impulsivity, a hallmark symptom of ADHD, may also lead to poor dietary choices like quick snacks.

Although the study was not able to determine a causal relationship (e.g. researchers are not sure if a poor diet leads to ADHD or if ADHD leads to poor dietary choices), there is definitely a link between ADHD and the typical Western diet.  Here’s a little experiment you can try: remove junk food, processed food, fast food, and fried food from your child’s diet for a week. Replace these with lots of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and non-processed meats.  Are there any noticeable improvements in behavior and overall symptoms?

We’ve known for decades that exposure to toxins is one of the leading causes of ADHD, but it’s always unsettling to receive news that confirms this discovery. A 2006 issue of The Lancet recognizes that industrial chemicals (e.g. methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs, and arsenic) are one of the causes of neuro-developmental disorders, violent behavior, lowered IQ, short attention spans, and antisocial behavior.  In the same year, a study by the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental health discovered that children who have high levels of a flame retardant called PBDEs in their umbilical cord blood scored lower on mental and physical development tests. More recently, a research study published in the journal Neurotoxicology in 2009 discovered a strong association between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on floor paneling and the incidence of autism.

Spurred by these findings, 12 leaders from the learning and developmental disabilities community published a report called Mind, Disrupted: How Toxic Chemicals May Change How We Think and Who We Are. For this report, the 12 participants volunteered to have their bodies tested for 89 chemicals suspected of being neurotoxins – chemicals that affect brain development and function.  These chemicals include lead, mercury, bisphenol A, prchlorate, triclosan, pesticides, and more.  Of the 89 chemicals, 61 were found across the participants. Each participant had at least 26 chemicals and as many as 38.  The test results were quite shocking to the participants, especially those who had already made the switch to organic produce and products.

This report reinforces the fact that chemical exposures and other environmental factors are often overlooked when it comes to the diagnosis of chronic disorders and diseases.  Although ADHD is the outcome of a complex set of factors, studies show that chemical exposures do play a role in its onset, especially among children. After looking at studies and interviews, the authors were able to collect data on ADHD and its associated chemicals.

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The Mind, Disrupted report reinforces the necessity for toxic element screening in the ADHD evaluation process.  There is no such thing as a “safe” level of exposure for any of these toxins because children have not yet developed the defenses to resist them. And no matter how hard we try to avoid contaminating our bodies, neurotoxic chemicals continue to lurk in the most unlikely of places – in the bottles we use to drink, the toys our children play with, and the personal care products we use.

You can download and read the whole report at Mind Disrupted.

Many parents on the lookout for an alternative to Ritalin have resorted to buying one of the many high-powered energy drinks often marketed to young consumers. While children with ADHD need a little help channeling their pent-up energy into productive energy, an energy drink may not be the best way to go about it.

Energy drinks are a very attractive alternative because of the health claims they make.  Look at advertisements of any health drink and you’ll see someone living a macho, active lifestyle.  Many of these drinks promise an energy kick with added benefits to your health, thanks to ginseng, taurine, and green tea extracts. Some companies even claim that their drinks contain as much as a daily serving of vitamins in a single bottle.

The truth is that most of the energy from these drinks comes from sugar and caffeine, not from the added extras.  In fact, these drinks are so calorie-laden from the sugar that they quickly add up after several bottles.    To make things worse, the amount of stimulants in the drink are not properly labeled, and even if the ingredients are listed it is hard for the average consumer to tell how much of these ingredients are present. There may be barely enough green tea or taurine to make even the slightest dent on your health.   Additionally, caffeine dehydrates the body, and it’s easy to rehydrate with yet another can. They’re sweet and cold, and who wouldn’t want one in the middle of a long workout or during a hot day?

One concern health experts have is how easy it is to drink bottles and bottles of energy drinks.  This can be dangerous because energy drinks contain more than one stimulant, which could be dangerous to the body when taken in large quantities.  Anyone who takes a swig out of an energy drink will experience a burst of energy, but once it wears out it could lead to poor concentration, hyperactive behavior, agitation, insomnia, or high blood pressure.  Other side effects of energy drinks include heart palpitations, leg weakness, jitteriness, and upset stomach.

That’s not the worst part. Energy drinks also contain high amounts of artificial additives, which are notorious for causing ADHD. One such additive is the chemical benzene, a carcinogen linked to leukemia, immune system disorders, and nervous system disorders.  It is present in many commercially-manufactured drinks, including soft drinks, fruit juice, and energy drinks under the ingredient “benzoate salts” or the preservative “sodium benzoate.” Recent studies showed that children who drink fruit juice and soft drinks with sodium benzoate experience aggravated hyperactivity.

Finally, a study by the University of Buffalo discovered that energy drinks increase the likelihood of risky behavior in teenagers.  Although the drinks themselves do not cause the behavior, the teens who do consume them are more likely to risk their health and safety without considering the consequences. This is very dangerous for someone who already has ADHD; the nature of the disorder already makes them more likely to engage in activities like substance abuse, violence, and unprotected sex.

Although energy drinks may not cause a significant impact on health if consumed occasionally, these findings show that it should not be considered as a long-term treatment for ADHD.

It’s alarming when you realize that many of the medications we take haven’t been tested for their long-term effects on our health. Take for instance the drug Labetalol, a medicine that is sometimes prescribed to women suffering from pregnancy-related hypertension or high blood pressure.  A preliminary study in The Netherlands reveals that Labetalol may increase a child’s chances of developing ADHD if his or her mother took the drug during pregnancy.

The study, which is published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, compared the effects of Labetalol with another anti-hypertensive medication called methyldopa.  These effects were determined by looking through the records of 4,000 women from 12 hospitals.  All the women were found to have high blood pressure, which was either aggravated by pregnancy or caused by the pregnancy. 202 children from these women aged 4 to 12 were tested for IQ, motor development, concentration level, and overall behavior.  It was found that children whose mothers took labetalol were twice more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria of ADHD than children whose mothers who took methyldopa.  Compared to the women who took no anti-hypertensive drugs but rested instead, the children in the labetalol group were four times more likely to develop childhood ADHD.

This does not mean that children whose mothers who took methyldopa were unaffected by the drug. Even if the methyldopa children were not hyperactive or inattentive, they were more likely to suffer from sleep problems than the labetalol children or those whose mothers were told to rest.

The children from all three groups did not have any significant differences in terms of other functional development.

The researchers intend to do more studies to confirm the effects of anti-hypertensive drugs on a baby’s development. But just to be on the safe side, try to stay avoid taking medications during pregnancy. Even if the medication is supposed to be safe for pregnant women, there’s no telling how it will affect your baby’s health in the long-term.

Source

It’s no big secret that exposure to lead, mercury, and other heavy metals increase the risk of ADHD and other neurological disorders.  For centuries, the accidental ingestion of these heavy metals has impaired nervous system development and function. Only in the late 20^th century did governments around the world prohibit the use of these products in the manufacture of water pipes and consumer goods. Today, researchers are starting to worry that fluoride, a common chemical compound found in toothpaste and drinking water, may have the same neurotoxic effects as heavy metals. Some evidence suggests that fluoride exposure may be the culprit behind the increased cases of ADHD in the 20^th century.

The neurotoxicity of fluoride

Fluoride is artificially added to drinking water in the United States and some parts of the world in order to prevent cavities.  It is also a common ingredient in toothpaste. Its potential for neurotoxic effects went undiscovered until Dr. Phyllis Mullenix, a pharmacologist and toxicologist, first examined the compound in 1982. At the time, she was working with the Boston’s Children’s Hospital and Neuropathology at Harvard Medical School. Her work dealt with a series of environmental neurotoxins, such as lead, amphetamines, and nitrous oxide. Fluoride was included in this list.

She began her in-depth investigation on fluoride in 1995, when she gave fluoride-treated water to lab rats. She expected that the rats would easily tolerate the fluoride in their water but they did not; brain scans showed that the fluoride crossed the blood-brain barrier, effectively altering their behavior and the central nervous system function. Dr. Mullenix’s rat study noted that fluoride exposure can increase the risk for learning disabilities, IQ deficits, and motor dysfunctions in humans.   Shortly after, she discovered two studies from China with data on the IQ scores of children who were over-exposed to fluoride through burning coal or drinking water. The Chinese studies showed that children who had the most exposure to fluoride had more IQ deficits.  Another study in the International Clinical Psychopharmacology showed that excessive fluoride exposure over 60 years causes impaired memory, poor concentration, lethargy, and confusion.

Fluoride and lead

These preliminary findings outlined above suggest that fluoride alone can cause significant harm to brain development.  However, there is no single cause for childhood developmental disorders; ADHD and related conditions are often the result of several environmental factors working together.

A study from Dartmouth University suggests that fluoride alone may not be the culprit behind ADHD. Rather, fluoride makes the central nervous system more vulnerable to neurotoxic damage.  After looking at data across the United States, the researchers observed that children from communities that use fluoride-treated drinking water have higher lead levels in their blood than children from locations with non-fluoridated water.  Children who drank fluoride-treated water were also found to have more antisocial behaviors, hyperactive tendencies, and higher rates of crimes. The researchers observed that through several mechanisms, fluoride in water can increase the transport of heavy metals across the blood-brain barrier, which aggravates behavioral dysfunction and impaired nervous system development in children.

Avoiding fluoride

Although the presence of artificial additives in our food and drink are more likely to trigger ADHD than fluoride, you can err on the side of caution and reduce your child’s fluoride exposure.

• Avoid processed beverages made out of fluoride-treated water, such as colas and juice drinks.
• Drink distilled or bottled water with low fluoride content.
• Avoid toothpaste enriched with fluoride.
• Switch to non-fluorinated medications if possible.  Antibiotics, steroids, anti-depressants, and anesthetics contain fluorine, which can increase blood fluoride levels when metabolized by the body.
• Enrich your child’s meals with magnesium and calcium. Besides fighting off the effects of fluoride and protecting the brain from heavy metal damage, magnesium and calcium improves the production of neurotransmitters deficit in ADHD sufferers.

Numerous studies have confirmed that ADHD indeed has a genetic basis, which is worrisome for parents who recognize the symptoms from their childhood experiences. As a result, many companies capitalize on this information by offering home DNA tests for various inherited conditions, including bipolar disorder and ADHD.  Can a home DNA test predict the onset of ADHD in your child? How useful can such a test be?

You’ll find many of these home DNA tests on the shelves of a pharmacy or on websites.  DNA tests look at your genes, which contain DNA instructions inherited from family.  They also look at chromosomes, which contain DNA, and enzyme levels. Using them is very simple – all you need to do is swab your child’s cheeks for cells that are loaded with DNA, obtain a blood sample, or get a stool sample. The sample will then be mailed to the testing company for analysis. In several weeks’ time, a health profile will be mailed to you with information about your child’s genetic health profile, genetic background, an assessment of the risk for ADHD, and recommendations for reducing this risk.   However, most of these results are misleading – DNA testing cannot predict whether or not your child will inherit ADHD.

In the first place, there is no specific gene that causes ADHD. While the presence of certain genes can influence a child’s response to treatments or cause variations in symptoms, they do not cause ADHD itself.  They can only place a child at risk for ADHD, but it does not guarantee that the child will develop the disorder.  A child who has a 30% chance of developing ADHD also has a 70% chance of not developing it.  What causes ADHD is the interaction of a specific genetic profile with various environmental causes.  This is something that a home DNA test cannot predict.

If you are concerned that your child might develop ADHD because you or your partner have the disorder, there are many things you can do to reduce the impact of your genes on your child’s development.  A nutritious diet free from artificial additives is a good starting place.  Promoting exercise and lots of physical activity prevents hyperactive behavior and provides the brain with the stimulation it needs.  Making sure your child consumes the daily recommended amount of vitamins and minerals is also important when preventing ADHD.

Even if you feel that a home DNA test might ease your worries, remember that there is no such thing as a DNA test that can diagnose ADHD, and any information derived from such tests will be of little use. Additionally, reliable genetic tests are always done at a lab setting, not at home.  In fact, the FDA’s regulatory agency has only approved 12 of the 1,000 currently available genetic tests; of this dozen, none are tests that you can take at home.  Consult your health care provider before you order any self-administered tests for ADHD. If you really are concerned, have your child evaluated for ADHD by a professional.

Since the world’s first IVF baby was born in 1978, thousands of children were conceived with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF), an assisted reproductive technology where the sperm and egg are combined in a lab to form embryos. Although research and emerging technologies have improved the success rate of IVF, one lingering question remains – do children born through IVF grow up as healthy as those conceived the old-fashioned way?

A new study seems to have found an answer to this question.  Based on the data gathered, children conceived through IVF have similar and sometimes better health than others. They were just as productive, were able to from college and/or obtain stable jobs, and had above average physical performance.  However, the researchers also noted that these kids are at greater risk for several chronic diseases than traditionally-born children.  IVF babies are 11 times more likely to get diagnosed with life-long psychological disorders like depression and ADHD. This study, which can be found in Fertility and Sterility’s February 2010 issue, involved the participation of 173 young adults aged 18 – 26, who are also some of the first IVF-born babies in the United States.  All the participants were born between 1981 and 1990 at Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Jones Institute of Reproductive Medicine, which is also where Louise Brown, the first IVF baby, was born.

Other highlights of the study include:

• Smoking was less likely in the IVF-born young adults, but the females reported more incidences of binge drinking (consuming at least five drinks within two hours)
• Two thirds of the IVF participants were diagnosed with a physical condition (vision problems, asthma, allergies), which were often connected with psychiatric conditions
• Over 33% of the participants were diagnosed with ADHD, which is higher than the 3-5% known to affect all children. The same was observed in the rate of depression, which was 16% compared to 13% of naturally-conceived adolescents.

Although the researchers could not establish why IVF seems to be a risk factor for ADHD, it’s possible that the depression, binge drinking, and behavioral problems are due to high levels of stress from the parents who went through the IVF procedure.  But don’t get discouraged from getting IVF if you or your spouse has ADHD and are afraid that you might pass it on to your child. A risk factor only means that there’s a higher chance that your child will get the disorder; it doesn’t guarantee the onset of the disorder.   Here are some tips that can protect your child from developing childhood ADHD.

Breastfeed your baby

Human breast milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which form the brain’s structure and the nerve endings of neurons.  According to a study by the American Sociological association, not being breastfed increases the risk of childhood ADHD.

Eat mostly organic foods

Toxins from the food we eat and the environment we live in can also trigger the onset of ADHD. Children and babies have weaker immune systems than adults and cannot fight off the brain-damaging effects of these toxins as well as adults. You don’t need to turn completely organic – just look for organic alternatives to the 12 most contaminated vegetables and fruits.

Restrict junk food

Junk food not only contributes to nutritional deficiencies; it’s also laden with artificial additives, which have been found to trigger ADHD symptoms.  You don’t have to forbid your child from eating junk, but limit this to an occasional treat. You might also want to watch out for artificial coloring, preservatives, and flavoring in food items like ketchup, mayonnaise, and chocolate.

Encourage exercise

Children today don’t get enough exercise, which is a shame. Exercise is the cheapest and easiest way to prevent ADHD or to reduce ADHD symptoms.  Encourage your child to spend more time playing outdoors, or bring up the possibility of taking up sports.

If you are aware that sugar can cause ADHD, then you may no longer buy sweets, pastries, commercial fruit drinks, and other sugary foods when you do the groceries.  Instead, you purchase sugar-free alternatives and artificial sweeteners. After all, it would be cruel to deprive your child of these sweet treats.  But did you know that sugar-free foods won’t necessarily help your child overcome ADHD? Sugar-free products contain substitutes that children with ADHD can be intolerant to. Below are two sugar-free ingredients that your child needs to avoid, and the surprising truth behind them.

Aspartame

Aspartame (sometimes labeled phenylalanine) is the chemical sweetener behind Equal, Nutrasweet, and other sugar alternatives.   Although it was approved safe for human consumption in the 1970s, this sweet poison is surrounded by controversy.  It is said to be connected to many serious diseases like lymphoma, brain lesions, and brain tumors; often, its side effects are misdiagnosed.  When exposed to extreme temperatures, aspartame can break down into toxic chemicals like formic acid and formaldehyde.  And if taken in high amounts, phenylalanine works like any neurotoxin – it will excite the neurons in the brain until they reach cellular death.

Aside from these toxic effects on the nervous system, aspartame can contribute to ADHD and other neurological conditions in another way.  Amino acids are the building block of neurotransmitters, and low levels of this substance can be the reason behind a neurotransmitter deficiency (biologically speaking, ADHD is caused by a deficiency in the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine).  The opposite can also be true – high levels of amino acids can lead to an overproduction of these neurotransmitters.  Aspartame can cause hyperactive symptoms because of an amino acid excess, especially if your child consumes large amounts of this substance in soft drinks and processed foods.

Sugar alcohols

Sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, isomalt, and other sugar alcohols occur naturally in some plants and fruits. They are often used as low-calorie sweeteners in gum, candy, and other foods because they aren’t easily digested. These sugars are said to be very helpful to those with diabetes because only parts of it get digested. As for the sugars that get absorbed, they enter the bloodstream slowly, avoiding the rise in blood sugar levels often caused by refined sugar.

Unfortunately, it is this very characteristic that makes sugar alcohols a problematic substance for children with ADHD.  The parts that do not get absorbed or digested goes through the intestinal tract and ferments, attracting water and causing dysbiosis – a condition where the gut flora in the intestine gets overwhelmed by harmful bacteria.  These bacteria feast on the undigested sugars and multiply as a result. When there is too much bad bacteria in the intestine, the gut flora cannot absorb nutrients properly, causing nutrient deficiencies, leaky gut syndrome, and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the gastrointestinal tract is connected to the nervous system; any problems with the GI tract will influence neurological well-being.

Natural alternatives to refined sugar

Because of these hidden dangers, it’s best if you avoid sugar-free foods and use natural sweeteners when you cook or bake for your child. Some sweeteners you can use are honey, molasses, brown rice syrup, or maple syrup (the real one). Not only are these free from the additives known to trigger ADHD; they are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients. Just make sure you inspect the label carefully for any additives or ingredients that shouldn’t be in there.

It’s quite shocking to see how eating the wrong food has such a profound effect on a child’s personality, outlook, and behavior. It’s just as amazing to know that getting rid of the allergenic substance was enough to turn a screaming, flailing child into a calm, peaceful one.

There are two ways to find out if your child’s ADHD symptoms are caused by allergies. The first is through a specialized allergy testing, which is only available among alternative medical practitioners. However, these tests have a serious limitation – although they can confirm any brain-based allergic reactions, they cannot identify exactly what food or substance your child is allergic to. The best way to go about doing this is to go on the allergy diet proposed by Dr. Rapp, also known as the rotation diet. It might be difficult to get used to the rhythm of a rotation diet at first, but you can stop it as soon as you have identified the food your child is allergic to. Start by rotating wheat products and dairy products as these contain gluten and casein, two proteins that are notorious for their impact on behavior and brain activity.

If your child is anything like the children you’ve seen in the video, and if nothing you have done made a difference in your child’s behavior, try to pick up a copy of Dr. Rapp’s book “Is This Your Child?”. This 600-page book is one of the comprehensive resources on allergies, ADHD, and other realistic solutions that will get rid of your child’s problematic behavior.