Tag: Sugar and hyperactivity

ADHD, a common neurodevelopmental disorder, affects over 3% of children and adolescents worldwide. While genetics play a crucial role, certain foods can influence symptom severity. Understanding which foods might affect you is an important part of a holistic management strategy.

According to a 2022 review, while the research is mixed, some studies suggest a diet high in sugar and processed foods may worsen ADHD symptoms. However, the idea that sugar directly causes Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a persistent myth not supported by scientific evidence. Understanding the complex relationship between diet and brain function is key to navigating if and how cutting sugar can help manage ADHD symptoms as part of a holistic treatment plan.

Over 90% of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter often referred to as the "feel-good" chemical, is produced in the gut. This surprising fact points to a profound connection between what you eat and your mental state, suggesting that diet does affect behaviour in significant and complex ways.

Decades of scientific research have repeatedly shown that sugar does not cause ADHD, despite the pervasive belief among many parents and caregivers. The idea that sugary treats are the root cause of hyperactivity has long been debunked, but the myth that sugar can cause ADHD symptoms persists.

Despite popular belief, multiple scientific reviews have debunked the idea that sugar directly causes hyperactivity in children, with or without ADHD. The connection is far more complex, involving blood sugar fluctuations, brain chemistry, and a reward-seeking drive that can make it seem like sugar gives ADHD energy.

While stimulant medications are a proven treatment for ADHD, many people, particularly adults, self-medicate with caffeine. In recent years, a rumor has spread online suggesting that Mountain Dew helps with ADHD, prompting some to use it as a makeshift remedy. However, this approach is both medically unsound and potentially harmful.