The majority of the research to date seems to indicate that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is hereditary, but a new body of research is coming to light which appears to suggest that environmental factors could play a part, too. Exposure to these risk factors during childhood could damage the wellness and wellbeing of certain individuals, who then are at increased risk of going on to develop ADHD in later life.
It is difficult to understand the factors that may contribute to ADHD, particularly as there is no accurate test to diagnose patients with this disorder. It may be, however, that following a healthy diet and lifestyle and avoiding certain toxins in the environment can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD for children who are (or are thought to be) affected by the condition.
Toxins during pregnancy may be a risk factor for children later developing ADHD. Pregnant women who are exposed, or expose their baby, to toxins such as tobacco, illicit drugs and alcohol may reduce the ability of vital nerve cells called neurons to function effectively. These produce neurotransmitters in the baby’s brain, and a reduction in these can increase the risk of the baby developing ADHD. Alongside a healthy diet, pregnant women should be careful not to expose their children to unhealthy environmental factors whilst still in the womb.
Processed food may also have a lot to answer for when it comes to ADHD. Children who eat a healthy, wholesome diet are much less likely to be hyperactive than those who eat an unhealthy, highly-processed diet. Health professionals have debated the link between diet and ADHD for a long time, and the FDA recently stepped in to look at this theory. They will be looking at whether Yellow No. 5 in particular (a food dye) can cause ADHD, as this has been banned in Britain and in other European countries already.