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

Most pediatricians and psychiatrists diagnose ADHD based on a series of criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).  According to the DSM-IV, there are three types of ADHD: inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type.  But did you know that there are more than three types of ADHD?

Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen has handled hundreds of children and adults with ADHD and developed a special brain imaging technique called the SPECT test to help him find the cause of the condition.  His work on SPECT imaging made him realize the full complexity of the disorder.  Over the years, he noticed that there are six distinct SPECT patterns in his ADHD patients, and that each requires a specialized treatment. Based on these observations, Dr. Amen came up with the six types of ADHD.

Type 1: Classic ADHD

Classic ADHD describes the hyperactive-impulsive type with a little inattention.  This is usually treated with omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids like L-tyrosine, and multiple vitamins.

Type 2: Inattentive ADHD

Inattentive ADHD is similar to the DSM-IV’s Inattentive Type – low energy, low motivation, always daydreaming, etc.  This type is common in girls and is often diagnosed later in life.  Like Classic ADHD, Inattentive ADHD can be treated with omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins.

Type 3: Overfocused ADHD

A child with Overfocused ADHD experiences typical ADHD symptoms as well as oppositional behavior, argumentative tendency, cognitive inflexibility, a need for sameness, or negative behavior. This type of ADHD is common in families with obsessive-compulsive tendencies or addiction problems.  This can be treated with the amino acid L-tryptophan, St. John’s Wort, omega-3 fish oils, and vitamins.

Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADHD

A child with Temporal Lobe ADHD experiences typical ADHD symptoms as well as headaches, periods of anxiety, a short fuse, memory problems, dark thoughts, and difficulties learning to read.  This type is common in families with a history of mood disorders and learning disorders. Treatment includes GABA for irritability, vitamins, and omega-3 fish oils. Sometimes, anti-seizure medication is given.

Type 5: Limbic ADHD

A child with Limbic ADHD experiences typical ADHD symptoms and low self-esteem, mild depression, poor social skills, irritability, insomnia, and poor appetite. Treatment includes omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, St. John’s Wort, and vitamins.

Type 6: Ring of Fire ADHD

A child with Ring of Fire ADHD experiences typical ADHD symptoms as well as angry outbursts, extreme mood swings, excessive talking, fast thoughts, inflexibility, and sensitivity to light and sound.  This ADHD type was called “Ring of Fire” because of the ring of overactivity seen in brain scans of affected children.  Treatment includes vitamins, omega-3 fats, and amino acids.

While these six ADHD categories make it easier to identify appropriate treatments, try not to get too focused on what type of ADHD your child has. At the very core of it all, ADHD and its co-morbid disorders are caused by the same underlying problem – a functional disconnection syndrome. This means that the regions of the brain aren’t communicating with each other as well as they should. What’s important is finding the type of treatments that will best rehabilitate your child’s brain and address his or her unique constellation of symptoms.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Dr. Amen’s work, you can visit his website at amenclinics.com.

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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.

Have you ever tried touching a baby’s hand? Try doing so the next time you encounter a baby, and you’ll notice that he or she will automatically grip your finger in response. This endearing behavior is actually one of the baby’s many neonatal or reflexes – a primitive set of automatic reactions to specific stimuli. Babies’ neonatal reflexes are located in the most primitive part of the brain, the brainstem, and have evolved to protect them from harm and to aid in their neurological development. As the baby grows up, the reflexes in the brain stem comes under the control of regions like the cerebral cortex, which are responsible for more evolved thinking.

Sometimes, the integration between primitive reflexes and higher thinking does not happen correctly, meaning the baby carries the primitive reflexes onto childhood. This occurrence is referred to as retained primitive reflexes. Its causes are unknown, but experts in this field suggest that it might be due to physical, hormonal, or chemical trauma in the womb. Caesarean birth or a traumatic birth (i.e. the use of foreceps) can also contribute to a retrained primitive reflex.

What happens to a child who kept his or her primitive reflexes? The symptoms depend on which specific primitive reflex failed to integrate with the rest of the central nervous system. You’ll notice that many of these problems are among the diagnostic symptoms of ADHD.

• A retained Moro reflex results in the inability to control emotions. The child might be aggressive, insensitive, but also loving and compassionate. This may also cause a hypersensitivity to touch, light, and textures.
• A retained Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex can lead to inattention, the inability to complete writing tasks, and difficulty walking.
• A retained Fear Paralysis Reflex causes fear and anxiety about new environments and situations, making the child withdraw from other children and strangers.
• A retained Spinal Galant Reflex causes hyperactivity, difficulty staying in one place, inattention, and bedwetting.
• A retained Tonic Labyrinthe Reflex leads to a child who has disturbed balance, problems with hearing, difficulties learning to walk and judge distances
• A retained Infant Planter Reflex causes curled toes, which results in issues with balance and walking. Common symptoms are ingrown toenails, shin soreness, and twisted angles.
• Retained Sucking and Rooting Reflexes result in problems with speech, eating, and chewing.

The relationship between retained primitive reflexes and ADHD has not been fully examined until an Australian study recruited 109 boys, 54 of which were diagnosed with ADHD. The boys’ parents were asked to fill the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale to confirm the ADHD symptoms, whereas the boys were asked to do certain reflex tests to check for any retained reflexes. Those without ADHD were found to have fewer symptoms of retained reflexes than the ADHD group, who had higher levels of Moro Reflexes, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflexes, and Tonic Labyrinthe Reflexes. Although these findings are only preliminary, it shows some support to the relationship between retained primitive reflexes and ADHD symptoms. Retained primitive reflexes can be treated and reintegrated through chiropractic adjustments.

At the UnRitalin Solution, we believe that the onset of ADHD is caused by the complex interaction between a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Although our destinies are not determined by the limitations imposed by our genes, it helps to take a look at the genetic influences of ADHD and its co-morbid disorders. The presence of some of these genes can explain the dominance of certain ADHD symptoms over the others. Try not to be too overwhelmed by the terminology – the main point of this article is to show the intricate relationship between ADHD, genes, and how these can influence some treatment outcomes.

DAT1 Gene

The dopamine transporter gene or DAT1 is a mutated form of the dopamine transporter protein that carries the neurotransmitter dopamine to and from neurons. If you remember, dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure, motivation, and movement. It is also the target of ADHD medications like Ritalin. The dopamine transport protein allows for the normal movement of dopamine among neurons, but DAT 1 tends to make it move the opposite direction at high speeds, affecting the distribution of dopamine and resulting in ADHD symptoms.

MAOA Gene

The moanamine oxidase enzyme (MAOA) is a unique ADHD-related gene because it is located on the X-chromosome – the sex-linked chromosome. The presence of this gene can probably explain the gender differences in ADHD types – boys typically exhibit hyperactive symptoms whereas girls experience inattention and are more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Research on mice suggests that certain mutations on the MAOA gene may be linked to higher anxiety levels. A small study shows that a deficiency in this gene is also related to aggressive and impulsive behaviors.

NET

Yet another gene that can account for gender differences in ADHD, NET or the norepinephrine transporter protein often turns up in higher frequencies among women. Norepinephrine is an important neurotransmitter that activates the fight-or-flight response, and deficiencies in this chemical are often spotted in individuals with ADHD. Some studies show that individuals with ADHD who have the NET gene have higher rates of eating disorders than the rest of the population; in fact, a certain form of this gene seems to be related to the risk of developing anorexia.

Fatty acid desaturase genes

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical to the proper functioning of the brain and maintaining the structure of neurons. There are two long-chain omega-3 fats that have this specific purpose – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is the “mother” of omega-3 fats that become converted into EPA and DHA in the body using a substance called desaturase enzymes. When the desaturase enzymes function properly, the body can make use of omega-3 fatty acids efficiently. However, there are some genes and external factors (like eating other types of fat) that can impair the function of desaturase enzymes and slow down the conversion process. In some cases, these genes can even prevent the body’s use of omega-3 fats. The presence of fatty acid desaturase genes can explain why omega-3 supplementation does not reduce ADHD symptoms in some individuals.

CREM Gene

One commonly overlooked symptom of ADHD is sleep disturbances. Children and adults with ADHD have a harder time falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up than those without the disorder. They are also more likely to have abnormal sleep patterns. Experts believe that the mutations in the CREM gene may be responsible for this. The CREM gene regulates the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Normally, low levels of melatonin are produced in the daytime, while high levels of melatonin are produced at night, which brings about the feeling of sleepiness. However, problems with the CREM gene can cause certain changes, such as disrupted sleep patterns, high melatonin production in the daytime, and excessive activity at night.

Researchers have also found evidence that some of these ADHD genes might work together to bring about certain symptoms. For instance, some variations in the DAT gene and the MAOA gene may be associated to the presence of anxiety disorders with ADHD.

In this blog, I have reviewed the main genes that prepare the ground for ADHD. However, genes are just the loaded gun. A child won’t develop ADHD until someone press the trigger, and the triggers for gene expressions are environmental factors. By changing those factors you can reduce the risk of developing ADHD or reduce ADHD symptoms expression. Check out our Unritalin Solution to view an organized map of all the environmental factors you can change.

There are many effective natural alternative treatments for children with ADHD. Why should you take the risk to have your child experience serious side-effects and unknown long-terms effect.

Don’t play Russian Roulette with your child brain. Check out the Unritalin Solution.