Parents struggle daily with the challenges of raising a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adding to the frustration is that no definite cause has been found for this problem. Some possibilities are coming to light, however – among them is the possible link between pesticide exposure and the development of ADHD symptoms.

The kind of pesticides in question are organophosphates, a group of pesticides commonly used in agriculture. The presence of these types of pesticides was tested on more than 1000 children (ages 8-15) and the results published in the May 2010 issue of Pediatrics. The findings were rather startling. Read the rest of this entry

While undercooked meat and eggs tend to raise red flags among restaurant-goers, salad bars may actually pose just as much if not more risk of food-borne illness. This is not necessarily the result of the owners and employees of the salad bar (although sometimes it is). Often lettuce becomes contaminated during processing, before it even reaches the salad bar. And customers’ unsanitary behavior also contributes to making the salad bar unsafe. Read the rest of this entry

Sometimes called the “dirty dozen,” there are twelve fruits and vegetables that are the most contaminated by pesticides and/or fungicides. Here is a list of the most contaminated produce in loosely descending order and the pesticides used on them.

1. Bell Peppers

Of vegetables contaminated with neurotoxic pesticides, bell peppers came out the winner (or loser, depending on how you look at it). They have a higher level of such neurological toxins than any other crop that has been tested. Read the rest of this entry

Breast milk is absolutely amazing stuff. It can’t be duplicated in formulas, and it has components whose relevance modern science has still not figured out. You may have heard that breast milk is healthy for your baby, but did you know it could also heal?

Breast milk has antibacterial properties. Thus, it can be applied to various types of topical and even internal infections. Here are some things to think about regarding the healing power of breast milk. Read the rest of this entry

Men and post-menopausal women need about 10 milligrams of iron daily, and pre-menopausal women need 15 milligrams. It’s not a large number, but it is an important mineral.

There are two basic sources of iron: heme and non-heme. “Heme” sources are those of animal origin. “Non-heme” refers to vegetable sources of iron. Some experts say that the iron in vegetables and fruits is not as easily absorbed by the body.

Here are two lists of the top sources of iron – a list of ten heme sources and ten non-heme sources. Read the rest of this entry