Children Suffer Most for Changes in American Diet
James Braly, M.D., graduated from St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1970 and pushed for a deeper understanding of food as an integral element of optimal performance for Olympians and as a mechanism for illness, particularly among children. In his book The Essential Guide to Uncovering Food Allergies: And Achieving Permanent Relief (2008) Braly writes that “of all people, children show most clearly that our twenty-first-century diets and lifestyles are resulting in more and more food allergies and sensitivities. And along with those allergies go a wide range of childhood illnesses and other conditions…” (56) One of which is ADHD.
3 Surprising statistics about ADHD
- 1990: around 750,000 American children were diagnosed with ADHD.
- 2008: an estimated 3 million children were diagnosed with ADHD.
- 1/3 or more ADHD children will grow up to be ADHD adults
*statistics from “The Essential Guide to Uncovering Food Allergies: And Achieving Permanent Relief” by Dr. James Braly, 2008
13 Symptoms Watch
1. inattention, easily distracted
2. antisocial behavior and emotional problems (depression, anxiety, irritability etc.)
3. hyperactivity
4. chronic insomnia
5. headaches
6. seizures/fits
7. abdominal pain or discomfort
8. chronic rhinitis (nonseasonal)
9. frequent sinus and middle ear infections
10. leg aches (“growing pains”), joint pain
11. skin rashes
12. mouth ulcers
13. dark circles under eyes
How is ADHD most commonly diagnosed?
Dr. Braly points out in his book that “There is no laboratory or clinical test available yet that definitively diagnoses the condition; a diagnosis is based on observations of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity so serious they impair a child’s ability to function.” (56) For all the talk of the importance of biochemical testing in determining diagnosis, it seems surprising that a mere observation is information enough to throw additional chemicals (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall) at the problem. Of course, diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications means more money in the doctors pocket, and an ADHD epidemic means dollar signs for pharmaceutical companies. For plenty of reasons, the role of food allergies and chemical-food-additive sensitivities in children with ADHD remains, in Dr. Braly’s words, “largely ignored.” (57)
Food Allergy testing and ADHD: A Simple, Cost-Effective, and Scientific Solution
The most comprehensive food allergy diagnostic tool is the ELISA blood test, which examines the bodies reaction to 96 different potential food allergens, including gluten, dairy, eggs, soy and peanuts. This simple test also allows health professionals to efficiently check for the severity of allergies, ranging from IgE (most severe), IgA (moderate) and IgG (least severe). This test can quickly and precisely point to exactly which foods may be causing such a severe reaction in a child.
A Call to Action
If your child has ADHD, speak to the appropriate health practitioner about a food allergy test. ADHD medications are potentially harmful, and usually only effective in the short-term. Don’t be another tally in the pharmaceutical companies profit margin. Take control of your health today.
