ADHD: Providing Answers to this Complex Condition

The holidays are my favorite time of year. I love to see the excitement build in my 6-year-old son Noah and my 8-year-old son Nick. I feel extremely fortunate to have two very healthy and happy boys. Their future is as bright as their smiles. However, not all parents are as lucky as I. Can you imagine your child suffering from a condition that makes focusing on everyday activities challenging? That is what kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face every day. ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and in some cases, are overly active. They typically have trouble getting organized, staying focused and making realistic plans. They may be fidgety, noisy and unable to adapt to changing situations. http://kyleleonscam.impressivefood.com/

Children with ADHD can be defiant, socially inept or aggressive. Without treatment, ADHD can cause problems at home, school, work and with relationships. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association states in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) that 3%-7% of school-aged children have ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2010 Vital and Health Statistics, for children ages 3-17 years of age, the prevalence of ADHD is as follows: 5 million children (9% of this age group) have ADHD. Boys (12%) continue to be more than twice as likely as girls (5%) to have ADHD. When compared with children who have excellent or very good health, children who have fair or poor health status are more than twice as likely to have ADHD (8% vs. 21%). Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD. Like many other illnesses, ADHD probably results from a combination of factors including genetics, environmental factors and nutrition, among others. Two of hot areas of ADHD research have focused on environmental factors and nutrition. Certain chemicals found in the environment may interfere with behavior and learning. Researchers believe that these chemicals may contribute to ADHD. They include lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Research over the past several decades has shown that these chemicals have many different harmful health effects. As a result, the government has implemented stringent guidelines for using and disposing of these chemicals. However, children may still be exposed to them. Lead, PCBs and ADHD Lead occurs naturally in the environment. Since the 1970s, lead exposure in high amounts is less common because leaded gasoline and lead paint are no longer used. However, even small amounts of lead can be harmful, especially to children. Potential sources of lead include: contaminated dust and soil paint chips from older homes drinking water from older plumbing systems that contain lead breast milk consumer products such as cheap jewelry or PVC blinds glassware or ceramics, especially if they were bought in another country Exposure to lead has been linked to: lower IQ reading and learning disabilities disruptive behavior in the classroom reduced ability to pay attention increased risk of antisocial and delinquent behavior in childhood increased risk of criminal behavior in adulthood PCBs are industrial chemicals that were used for many years in electrical equipment, hydraulic systems and other applications. http://kyleleonscam.snackblogger.com/

They have been banned in the U.S. since 1976 and in Canada since 1977. However, they stay in the environment and in the body for years. Children may be exposed to PCBs before birth, as PCBs cross the placenta. Additionally, children can be exposed by drinking breast milk or by eating fish. That said, the mainstream media has been reporting on the benefits of fish and supplementing with fish oil for years. Studies have shown that the Omega-3s found in fish oil helps prevent and fight symptoms related to ADHD, including hyperactivity, as well as a plethora of other conditions. While Omega-3s can be found in flaxseed, walnuts and a few other foods, the most beneficial form of Omega-3, containing 2 fatty acids – EPA and DHA – which are essential in preventing and fighting both physical and mental illness, can be found only in fish. Be sure to take fish oil products from companies that follow strict procedures to eliminate environmental contaminants to assure the highest purity of its fish oil supplements. http://kyleleon.snack.ws/