entry for 9/17

In Slate magazine there was an article titled "Are food additives making your kid hyperactive? And more." This article states that there is scientific proof that the additives in foods, such as food coloring, can cause a child to have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Link: http://www.slate.com/id/2173911/fr/flyout .

Since I am ADHD myself, well, more ADD, not hyperactive, I can relate to this article. For instance, since I take medication to control my symptoms, I am given a form of Ritalin, which is kind of like a controlled form of speed. The medication, therefore, makes me a bit immune to caffeine, since it is a stimulant, just as caffeine is. However, I have noticed that when I drink sodas, such as Vault or Mountain Dew, I become "twitchy" later on that day when my medication begins to wear off, but the caffeine from the drinks begin to kick in a bit. I have also noticed that if I have drinks or foods with certain food colorings, I will become very "jumpy" and chipper, when I normally am not that hyper.

The article is written more on a fact basis, but the author's opinion is clear that he agrees with the findings in the final paragraph of this part of the article titled "Remaining Questions." He states "it certainly looks as if we should rethink the additives we put in food and drink." His language is also kind of relaxed, showing that his audience is mostly parents and childcare providers and other normal, everyday people who would be providing children with their foods and drinks, since they are the ones who will have interest in the article.