ADHD and Fruits and Your Children - What You Need to Know | Food Safety | Produce Safety

Eating more fruits and vegetables may mean eating more pesticides and increasing the change for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

A new study reports that there is a possible link between the increase in ADHD and children who have been exposed to more pesticides in fruits and vegetables.

Children who have been exposed to higher levels of pesticides found on commercially grown fruits and vegetables have a higher likelihood to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than those who have had less exposure.

The answer to solving the problem is simple: boil or peel all fruits and vegetables, sanitize all fresh fruits and vegetables and/or buy local and organic.

The study reported in the Pediatrics Journal researched throughout the United States 1,139 children found that children with an exposure were more than 2 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Does this apply to those with impaired immune systems - possibly.

"This current study is the first to examine pesticide’s exposure on the population at large."

"Pesticides act on the set of brain chemicals that are related to those involved in ADHD, Maryse Bouchard, Ph.D., a researcher in the department of environmental and occupational health at University of Montreal, told CNN."

Pesticides have a toxic effect on the nervous system, which is how they work to kill pests for farm fresh produce.

Commercially grown produce is the target - both fresh and frozen. Buying local in combination with local and organic is deemed much safer.

The report detailed that In recent tests, 28 percent of frozen blueberries, 20 percent of celery and 25 percent of strawberries contained certain pesticides that can be linked to ADHD development.

As in many items, adults do not appear to be at risk. The sensitivity appears to be mainly children.

Bottom line: Organic now really means something to our family's health.

Added Safety Measures - Sanitize Food

In addition to shopping locally and buying only organic and locally grown produce, adding a sanitizing step to food preparation is becoming not just cost effective but healthy too! Both frozen and fresh produce can be easily sanitized with a food sanitizer. A food sanitizer system will extend the life of produce by removing harmful bacteria that quickly ages sensitive meats and produce. A simple sanitizing rinse is an added measure to providing the safest food for your and your family. Food sanitizer systems have been used commercially for years. The purified water that kills harmful bacteria through cell lysing offers 3 products in one - 1.) pure, filtered water for drinking 2.) food sanitizer for precious fruits and vegetables and 3.) a deodorizer - great for onions, garlic, smokers, fish, etc....

Photo courtesy of examiner.com. NY-Special-Needs-Kids-Examiner this article offers great links to other ADHD information.

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