Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders experienced in children, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This condition, which is characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, is usually treated with medications and behavioral intervention. Although research has shown mixed results, some individuals with ADHD and parents of children with the disorder claim that dietary changes that include eliminating sources of refined sugar can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Check with your doctor or pediatrician before making significant dietary changes.
Simple vs. Complex Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrate foods, which include table sugar and milk sugar, don't contain dietary fiber and are quickly absorbed by your body and used as energy. In contrast, according to the website Ask Dr. Sears, complex carbohydrates are absorbed more slowly by your body due to the presence of fiber. Medline Plus explains that foods that contain refined, simple sugars may affect the behavior or the amount of activity exhibited by some children. Additionally, some studies have shown an association between the consumption of foods that contain additives like colorings and an increase in hyperactive behaviors. These foods also tend to contain significant amounts of simple sugars, and avoiding them may be helpful in identifying any behavioral effects.
Side Effects of Sugar
Simple sugars, as well as some artificial sweeteners, may cause side effects such as behavioral problems in certain individuals, according to Medline Plus. A 2011 study published in "The Lancet" found that a diet that restricts foods that contain additives or simple sugars did not appear to produce changes evident in blood testing of children with ADHD. The researchers, however, did suggest that removing potentially troublesome foods such as simple sugars can be an effective way to evaluate the effects of sugar on behavior in children with ADHD.
What the Research Says
The research regarding the association between sugar and ADHD is mixed, although many parents still claim that eliminating simple sugars from their child's diet helps decrease ADHD behavioral challenges. The American Dietetic Association suggests that any increase in energy in children following a sugary snack could also be attributed to a combination of food and activity. Dr. William Sears of Ask Dr. Sears adds that some children may simply be more sensitive to the energy imparted by sugar. Still, a diet that emphasizes healthy foods also tends to be lower in simple sugars and can decrease the risk of obesity and tooth decay at the same time.
Recommendations
Medline Plus explains that refined sugar in your child's diet should be limited, regardless of behavioral changes that may occur. Simple sugars provide nutrient-poor calories and no dietary fiber. In contrast, complex carbohydrates provide vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber and are associated with maintaining a healthy weight. They add that adding natural sources of fiber to your child's diet may also help manage adrenaline release in the body, which can lead to sharp changes in energy levels. They also recommend that you help your child learn to manage his behaviors together and with the help of a professional if necessary.
References
- National Institutes of Health: What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
- Ask Dr. Sears: Sweet Facts You Should Know About Sugar
- Medline Plus: Hyperactivity and Sugar
- "The Lancet"; Lity M. Pessler, et al.; Effects of a Restricted Elimination Diet on the Behaviour of Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (INCA Study): A Randomised Controlled Trial.
- American Dietetic Association: Does Sugar Make Kids Hyperactive?
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