It’s been all over the news this week, a new study in the Journal of Pediatrics finds a connection between pesticides on food and ADHD.
This is not new news to many of us in the alternative health field — I’ve known this information for more than 20 years. It’s sad that we’re just now getting exposure on this issue in the mainstream, but at least it’s happening.
Organophosphates are a pesticide commonly used on commercially grown fruits and vegetables. Unless you’re eating organic, it is a regular part of your diet.
Unfortunately, the media was quick to downplay the seriousness of this issue, with a statement from a pesticide company who pointed out that these pesticides are EPA registered and approved and safe if used as directed. They also added that there are probably many other factors that contribute to ADHD.
I’d like you to be aware that just because a product is EPA registered and approved means very little as far safety . The EPA approves a vast number of toxic chemicals that are harmful to our physical and emotional health on a regular basis. You can’t rely on them to protect you. They are controlled by the interests of the manufacturers of pesticides and other toxic chemicals, not the public.
It is also not true that pesticides are safe if used as directed. Pesticides are a neurotoxin and an endocrine disruptor at any level.
Yes, it is true that there are many contributing factors or causes of ADHD, however that does not change the fact pesticides are one of those major contributors or suggest they shouldn’t be avoided. We don’t ignore one factor, just because there are other factors. You address all issues and that means eliminating exposures to pesticides.
One of the physicians on the news stated that this doesn’t mean you should be eating organic, and the reporter suggested that you should wash your fruit and vegetables. Although washing fruits and vegetables is an essential practice, even when you’re eating organic, to remove dirt and other contaminants that are picked up through processing and shipping, this does not remove much pesticide residue. If you can’t buy organic, then washing is better than nothing, however washing is not very effective at removing residues. They don’t wash off. Not only that, pesticides permeate the entire product, it isn’t just on the surface, it’s inside as well.
Additionally, it isn’t just your fruits and vegetables that have pesticides on them. So do your grains, meat and dairy, and they can’t be washed. Unless you’re eating organic, this means your bread, corn, noodles, burgers, yogurt, cheese etc., also contain pesticides.
In an article at Psychology Today, it said before we all start eating organic we should all be aware that, “it is impossible to not consume some pesticide. Pesticides aren’t just in food – they can even be found in the air. (No one stop breathing on me here!)”
Wow, this seems like some pretty dysfunctional thinking and rationalization. It is really beyond me how highly educated individuals who are supposed to have an understanding of how the mind and body work, can put 1 and 1 together and not come up with 2.
Yes, it is true that pesticides are everywhere, however, again that does not mean this is acceptable or should be discounted. Pesticides in the air are another contributor to not only ADHD, but depression, anxiety, OCD and pretty much all mental health disorders. Just because they are everywhere doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to reduce your exposure. You should be avoiding the ones in your air as well as the ones in your food.
Pesticides are powerful neurotoxins that, among other things, disrupt the central nervous system. Let’s not forget the brain is part of the central nervous system. Pesticides are composed of chemicals that attack the nervous system of the intended victim, and that is what they do to the human body as well. They disrupt neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood, cognitive abilities, memory, behavior and learning, This leads to malfunctioning brains and a variety of debilitating mental health conditions and behavioral and developmental disorders, like ADHD.
I encourage you to use common sense and not allow yourself to be caught in the denial and dysfunctional thinking of the government, the mental health professionals, the pesticide companies and even the health care professionals themselves who are downplaying the seriousness of this issue. Pesticides are neurotoxins, they are not supposed to be ingested. This is a very serious matter indeed. Eat organic, it is the way nature intended you to eat.
Additionally, I’d also like you to be aware that harmful pesticides are not only found in your food, but on your highways, in pest control products for mosquitos, fleas, tics, ants etc. in your grocery store, bank, shopping center and most dangerous of all, your public schools. Why do so many children have learning disabilities? Why are so many children failing to meet basic educational requirements? Why do 4 million children have ADHD? Because their brains are poisoned with pesticides and other environmental toxins that are found in their diet, water and air space.
Pesticides also have a detrimental impact on your immune system, endocrine system, detoxification system, reproductive system, metabolic system, cardiovascular system and digestive system. They are linked to other serious health conditions like autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, infertility, obesity and many more. It is crucial that you take every step you can to reduce the amount of exposures you and your family have to pesticides to try and protect your mental and physical health.
