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- ADHD diagnoses in U.S. children have increased, with 1 in 9 now affected. Factors like chemical intolerance in parents, environmental pollutants, and prenatal exposures are potential contributors
- Toxic substances linked to ADHD include lead, phthalates, BPA, pesticides, and air pollution. These can disrupt brain development and neurotransmitter systems, affecting behavior and cognitive function
- EMF exposure from electronic devices may cause mitochondrial dysfunction and neuropsychiatric effects, potentially contributing to ADHD. Limiting EMF exposure is recommended but challenging in modern environments
- Multiple childhood vaccinations may be associated with increased ADHD risk. Genetic vulnerabilities may increase susceptibility to environmental toxins like glyphosate and vaccine ingredients
- Early-life gut flora composition plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment. Frequent antibiotic use, environmental stress, and secondhand smoke exposure in early childhood increase ADHD risk
(Mercola)—In the U.S., 1 in 9 children between the ages of 3 and 17, or 7.1 million, have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1 Among them, 58.1% had moderate or severe cases, but 30.1% had not received any treatment for the condition.
Describing ADHD as an “ongoing and expanding public health concern,” the data, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also revealed that about 1 million more children had ever received an ADHD diagnosis in 2022 than in 2016.2
While the authors suggested increasing awareness and diagnosis, and stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, could be driving the rise in ADHD cases,3 other factors, including toxic exposures, are likely to blame.
CDC Data Highlight Steep Rise in ADHD
In 2016, 9.9% of U.S. children had been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. By 2022, this increased to 11.4%. As for the number of children living with the condition, there were 6.5 million in 2022. Among them, 77.9% had at least one co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety, depression, learning disability or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More than half (53.6%) were taking ADHD medications, while 44.4% had received behavioral treatment.4
ADHD is considered a “chronic and debilitating” condition that can affect academic success and professional achievements later in life, along with posing challenges to relationships and daily functioning.5 Children with ADHD may have poor self-esteem and social function, while adults with ADHD often experience poor self-worth and increased self-criticism.6
There are physical health risks as well. People with ADHD are more likely to develop dependence on nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and other drugs, and have higher rates of obesity, self-harm and binge eating.7 An umbrella review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry emphasizes the significant toll this condition takes on a person’s life — highlighting the urgent need to identify its underlying causes:
“The findings reveal a spectrum of health and lifestyle risks associated with ADHD, encompassing mental health vulnerabilities such as addiction, suicide, eating disorders, mood, and personality disorders. Moreover, the review underscores the significance of recognizing key physical health risks, notably obesity, sleep issues, oral hygiene, injuries, and somatic diseases.
Crucially, the review unveils the broader implications on lifestyle, encompassing areas such as offending behavior, criminality, violence, employment, education, quality of life, relationships, and risk-taking.”
Parents With Chemical Intolerance More Likely to Have Children With ADHD
Parents who suffer from high chemical intolerance, which describes a range of symptoms that occur after exposure to mold, chemical inhalants, foods and food additives, pesticides, drugs and other chemicals, are 2.1 times more likely to have a child with ADHD, and 5.7 times more likely to have a child with autism.8
The researchers previously found an association between chemical intolerance and mast cells, and suggest “the global rise in autism and ADHD may be due to fossil-fuel-derived and biogenic toxicants epigenetically ‘turning on’ or ‘turning off’ critical mast cell genes that can be transmitted transgenerationally.”9
Exposure to insecticides known as pyrethroids in utero or during early childhood has also been linked to neurodevelopmental delays and behavioral issues. Among children aged 8 to 15 years, those with higher levels of pyrethroid metabolites 3-phenoxy benzoic acid (3-PBA) in their urine were twice as likely to have ADHD compared to those with lower levels.10
Environmental Pollutants Involved in ADHD
Many environmental pollutants are associated with ADHD. A scoping review specifically found lead, phthalates and bisphenol A are “moderately to highly” associated with ADHD.11 Bisphenol A (BPA) and pesticides, for instance, can affect the brain’s serotonin and dopamine systems, leading to changes in behavior and neurological function.
Pesticides may also affect the cholinergic system, which involves the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This system is important for learning, memory and muscle activation. Metals may contribute to ADHD by disrupting the way calcium channels, which are important for the release of neurotransmitters, work in the brain, as well as by affecting the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, which can lead to cognitive and behavioral issues.12
Air pollution is another likely factor. A systematic review of 801 studies revealed prenatal exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) air pollution is linked to a heightened risk of ADHD.13 PM2.5 air pollution refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. These fine particles are small enough to be inhaled deeply into your lungs.
The study also revealed a connection between ADHD and postnatal air pollution exposure, “underlining the potential neurodevelopmental harms from early exposure to these pollutants.”14 According to the study:15
“Research demonstrates that prenatal and early life exposure to pollutants can adversely affect brain volume and cognitive functions, leading to increased behavioral problems.
Specifically, exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy is associated with reduced white matter in the brain’s left hemisphere, which may increase the risk of ADHD symptoms. Despite the profound implications of air pollutant exposure on neurodevelopment, potentially resulting in severe lifelong disabilities, its recognition remains limited, often referred to as a ‘silent killer.'”
Phthalates Linked to Attention and Behavioral Disorders
Ubiquitous exposure to phthalates, found in everything from food packaging to personal care products, is also putting children’s brain development at risk, according to Project TENDR (Targeting Environmental Neuro-Development Risks), a collaboration of scientists, health professionals and advocates for children and the environment.
The group formed in 2015 due to concerns that toxic environmental chemicals were playing a role in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, attention deficits, hyperactivity, intellectual disability and learning disorders.16
In their April 2024 briefing paper for delegates, they call for policy reforms to protect the developing brains of children from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals in plastics, including phthalates. Regarding the chemicals, the paper notes:17
“Phthalates are not chemically bound to the products that contain them, and readily migrate into dust, food, and the environment. The class of ortho-phthalates has been clearly established as neurotoxic, including di-2ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), di-butyl phthalate (DBP), and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP).
A substantial and growing body of evidence documents the impacts of prenatal exposure to phthalates on brain development, including cognitive and motor function being affected in the preschool period, or later childhood/early adolescence, impacts on behavior, including poor executive function, attention and working memory, delayed language development, reduced IQ, and preschool and childhood ADHD.”
As rates of ADHD have risen, so too have everyday products containing phthalates, bisphenols and other chemicals linked to ADHD, making avoiding them difficult. For instance, Consumer Reports found the compounds in 84 out of 85 food and beverages tested.18 BPA was found in 79% of the samples, which included fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, seafood, baby food and more, while phthalates were found in all the products tested except one.
Other Toxic Exposures Linked to ADHD
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are the cigarettes of the 21st century — and most people are being exposed 24 hours a day. Most of the radiation emits from cellphones, cell towers, computers, smart meters and Wi-Fi, to name just a few of the culprits.
Exposure causes serious mitochondrial dysfunction due to free radical damage. Among the most common consequences of chronic EMF exposure to your brain may be chronic conditions like ADHD. Martin Pall, Ph.D., also discovered a previously unknown mechanism of biological harm from microwaves emitted by cellphones and other wireless technologies via voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) embedded in your cell membranes.19
VGCCs are found in high concentrations in the brain, and research involving animals has shown that even low levels of microwave EMFs can have significant and varied effects on the brain. Studies suggest that when these VGCCs are activated by EMFs, it can lead to a range of neuropsychiatric effects.
At least 26 studies have linked EMFs to neuropsychiatric effects, and five specific criteria have been used to demonstrate that this relationship is causal, meaning EMFs can cause these effects.20 An association between exposure to magnetic field (MF) nonionizing radiation during pregnancy and increased risk of ADHD has also been reported.21 While it’s nearly impossible to avoid EMF exposure completely, there are practical ways to limit it.
Exposure to multiple vaccines in childhood may also be involved. Dr. Paul Thomas, whose medical license was suspended due to his advocacy for informed consent regarding vaccinations, along with James Lyons-Weiler from the Institute for Pure and Applied Knowledge (IPAK), conducted a study comparing the health of vaccinated and unvaccinated children.22
Their findings revealed that vaccinated children experienced significantly higher instances of various health issues, including behavioral issues.23 Notably, among the 561 unvaccinated children, none were diagnosed with ADHD, whereas 0.063% of children who had received some or all recommended vaccinations were diagnosed with ADHD.
“The implications of these results for the net public health effects of whole-population vaccination and with respect for informed consent on human health are compelling,” they wrote.24 The study also points out that the rate of ADHD in the practice was about half the national rate. According to The Defender:25
“While scientists and public health officials often cite genetic predisposition as a causal factor in ADHD, Thomas said genetic vulnerability relates more to an increased susceptibility to toxins like the weedkiller glyphosate and aluminum in vaccines.
‘What some might call genetic is just a toxic effect of exposures in the womb,’ he said, citing the MTHFR single nucleotide polymorphism that ‘can make it more difficult to get toxins out of the body.’ Paul [Thomas] said MTHFR also affects one’s ability to produce enough dopamine and norepinephrine, the neurotransmitters thought to be involved in mental focus — an issue at the heart of ADHD.”
ADHD May Result From Disturbed Gut Flora in Early Life
The makeup of gut flora at birth and during the first year of life may also play a key role in the development of neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD.26 In a study published in the journal Cell, researchers with the University of Florida study tracked a group of Swedish children from birth over a 20-year period to identify factors that might influence whether they develop a neurodevelopmental disorder.27
They collected extensive data from early in the children’s lives using detailed questionnaires about infections, antibiotic use, stress, prenatal conditions and family health history. They also analyzed biological markers such as metabolites in umbilical cord blood and stool, types of body cell proteins and gut bacteria.
Notably, the research connected changes in gut bacteria to neurodevelopmental disorders and identified early signs of mood and digestive problems. Infants who went on to develop these conditions were deficient in many bacteria known to promote gut health, including Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus and Faecalibacterium.
The study also revealed that children who had three or more ear infections treated with penicillin from the time they were born until age 5 were at increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders compared to those in the control group, including being 3.27 times more likely to develop ADHD.28
Meanwhile, both environmental and emotional stress increased the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, and toddlers exposed to secondhand smoke were 4.88 times more likely to develop ADHD. Overall, to protect brain health in utero and during early childhood and beyond, taking steps to not only improve gut health but also avoid toxic exposures is essential.
- 1, 2, 3, 4 Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology May 22, 2024
- 5, 6 American Psychiatric Association, What Is ADHD?
- 7 Front Psychiatry. 2024; 15: 1343314
- 8, 9 J. Xenobiot. 2024, 14(1), 350-367; doi: 10.3390/jox14010022
- 10 Front. Public Health, 13 December 2023
- 11, 12 Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2849
- 13, 14, 15 Front. Public Health, 23 May 2024
- 16 Project TENDR
- 17 Project TENDR, Briefing Paper April 13, 2024
- 18 Consumer Reports January 4, 2024
- 19 Rev Environ Health. 2015;30(2):99-116
- 20 Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy September 2016, Volume 75, Part B, Pages 43-51
- 21 Environmental Health March 24, 2020
- 22, 24 Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov; 17(22): 8674
- 23 Substack, COVID Intel, Dr. William Makis April 2, 2024
- 25 Children’s Health Defense, The Defender May 30, 2024
- 26, 27 Cell April 3, 2024
- 28 University of Florida April 3, 2024
Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.
