Wednesday, May 19, 2010

ADHD- Is food to blame for hyperactivity?

"Hey did you hear ADHD is caused by eating pesticides?"
"No, I heard it was from BPA in canned foods...or artificial sweeteners!"

I enjoy observing the way mainstream media presents scientific data.  Oversimplification, overstating, and flat out misrepresentation of the evidence is commonplace.  However, I feel they mostly do the best they can.  It is very difficult to grab reader's attention, sell copy, and remain objective and rational.

Example: Monday's AP article regarding evidence linking pesticides and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-05-17-pesticides-adhd_N.htm

A friend commented to this news, "of course", which is to point the wise idea "you are what you eat".  ADHD is a complicated clinical diagnosis with likely complex triggers and causes.  This article is encouraging news for parents who have felt helpless with their child's development.  The evidence of research continues to point to the power of nuture in helping young minds focus.  Healthy behavior role modeling, balance of freedom/structure, and yes, healthy diet are all contributing factors for optimal health.  Organic food producers should feel especially encouraged with the research strongly suggesting a change to organic (non-pesticide) fruits and vegetables may reverse or halt this particular ADHD trigger. 

What intrigues me is how readers will often take this information to an end point of assumption: "ADHD is caused by non organic food".  I feel media is complicit in this dysfunction as they often use "prove" or elude to conclusion in presentation of evidence.  Biologic science is a gathering of evidence.  Proof in that arena is a majority agreement of interpreters.  There is often confusion and dissenting viewpoints from reasonable people.  We should be cautious anytime we're referencing an article to prove a recommendation for healthy living.

As far as food is concerned, the current government subsidy (im)balance is tilted sharply towards meat and grains, perhaps this will be one more straw for a public push to promoting healthy diet backed by healthier government policy--one that promotes fresh vegetables and fruits.  Though when that happens, there will be so much more for the media to present incompletely.