ADHD symptoms caused by lead exposure, new study claims

(NaturalNews) What causes the frequently diagnosed behavioral problem in children known as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that leads to countless youngsters being given side-effect laden stimulant drugs? Research has focused on genes and, more recently, on the idea that multiple environmental triggers could be the cause. For example, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a recent British study indicates that certain food additives like artificial colors or preservatives could cause ADHD symptoms in some children. Now two studies — one published in the January issue of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and the other published in the February issue of the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science — provide the best evidence yet that lead could be one of the biggest culprits behind ADHD. At very high levels, lead poisoning can cause seizures, coma, and even kill. But it is chronic, long term exposure that is the more common health threat, especially for children. Researchers have previously linked elevated blood levels of lead in kids to problems ranging from mental retardation to learning disabilities. In a statement the media, Oregon Health and Science University researcher Joel Nigg, who co-authored both of the new studies, pointed out that almost all Americans have a low-level exposure to lead, a well-known neurotoxin, making the metal an ideal candidate for causing ADHD. Although government regulations drastically reduced environmental exposure to lead a generation ago by regulating automobile fuel and paint ingredients, lead is still found in everything from children’s costume jewelry and toys to soil and some imported candies. In fact, Dr. Nigg stated that virtually all U.S. children have measurable levels of lead in their bodies. Research shows link between lead exposure and ADHD diagnoses The first of Dr. Nigg’s recent studies looked at lead levels found in 236 children between the ages of six and 17 diagnosed with ADHD. When these measurements were compared to those of a control group of children without ADHD symptoms, the researchers found that the children diagnosed with hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms (not inattention) had slightly higher levels of lead in their blood. In a second study, the research team concluded there was a much stronger link between blood lead levels and whether children were reported by parents and teachers to have ADHD symptoms. According to the press statement, Dr. Nigg has an explanation for how lead could cause ADHD. Bottom line: he thinks lead attaches to sites in the brain’s striatum and frontal cortex where the metal causes specific genes to turn on or remain inactive. This disrupts brain activity and alters psychological processes supported by these neurons, he theorizes, and contributes to hyperactivity and lack of vigilance. What can parents do if they are concerned over their youngsters’ exposure to lead? First, be aware that more than 80 percent of American homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint in them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — so avoid old paint flakes and paint dust if you remodel. Older homes also frequently have lead in the water pipes or plumbing. That makes tap water a potentially dangerous source of lead. Although it takes chelation with drugs to remove very high levels of lead from the body, the Minnesota Department of Health’s Lead Poisoning Prevention web site offers these additional tips to keep lead levels in children as low as possible through good nutrition: • Because it is easier to absorb lead on an empty stomach, kids should eat four to six small meals a day. • Normal levels of iron can protect against lead’s harmful effects. So make sure children eat iron-rich foods including raisins, prunes, and other dried fruits. • Calcium also reduces lead exposure. Serve youngsters calcium-rich foods including yogurt, cheese, spinach, kale, collard greens, and other green leafy vegetables. For more information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19941632 http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/complete-index.shtml http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/lead/faqs.html

Use Probiotics to Lose Weight and Treat Illness

(NaturalNews) Millions of people suffer from colds, flu and stomach upset every year. Research is showing that this could be caused by a lack of good bacteria in your stomach. Fortunately, there are supplements you can take to increase the amount of good bacteria and improve your health. It’s strange to think that you can treat and even prevent illness with bacteria, but it’s true. Your body contains trillions of bacteria – some are good and some are bad. When the number of good bacteria starts to decrease due to antibiotics or a poor diet your chances for illness are increased. Probiotic supplements have been shown to have many health benefits. Research has shown that taking probiotics can help aid digestion and keep you regular. Studies show they can also help eczema and vaginal and urinary infections, and they can help prevent or lower your chances of catching a cold or the flu. Probiotics are not “one size fits all”. There are many different strains of probiotics each having its own power. If you’re having stomach issues like an upset stomach from an illness, from antibiotics or from traveling or because you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), look for the probiotics that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus GG, and Lactobacillus coagulans. These can be found in your local health food store, drugstore and in yogurt you can purchase from your grocery store. If you suffer from eczema, studies have shown that taking a probiotic that contains lactobacillus acidophilus can help, especially in children. If you want to avoid getting colds and the flu supplement your diet with probiotic strains lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, or bifidobacterium lactis. Millions of women get urinary or vaginal infections each year, many due to antibiotics which can kill both the bad bacteria in your body and the good. Taking a probiotic that contains Lactobacillus coagulans, lactobacillus reuteri or lactobacillus rhamnosus can help prevent these kinds of infections and can also lessen their severity if you already have one. Beyond the above health benefits, studies are showing that probiotics can actually help you lose weight. A recent study done at Stanford University has shown that the amount of good bacteria is higher in those who maintain a healthy weight and it’s lower in those who are overweight. Researchers are suggesting that it’s possible to increase your intake of healthy bacteria (probiotics) to lower your weight. Whichever probiotic you choose look for products that say “clinically proven” on the box or label. Also pay attention to the directions. Some products need to be refrigerated. References WebMD.com – Probiotic Overview Living.Health.com – Probiotic Packed Foods and Supplements That Really Work Stanfored.edu – Probiotics May Help Adult Weight Loss, Study Finds About the author Maddie is a health and fitness enthusiast who likes to research and write about all health and green living topics. She writes about herbal remedies for Sassafras Station, a health and fitness website, and edits the blog at http://www.sassafrasstation.com/blog/ .