With the holidays coming up, delectable sweets will be everywhere, and children will be consuming perhaps more than their usual share of sugar. This raises concerns about issues such as diabetes, obesity and ADHD.
There has been much debate over whether or not there is a link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD. The Feingold diet is an elimination diet often used as an alternative treatment for ADHD. This diet eliminates refined sugars, food colorings and specific preservatives from the diet based on the belief that a sensitivity to these ingredients and additives triggers ADHD symptoms. Research is inconclusive, however, as to whether or not sugar actually contributes to ADHD in any way.
A study performed at the University of Kansas looked at the impact diet has on four neuropediatric disorders, including ADHD. Researchers reviewed the literature and found that conclusions were contradictory and that nothing conclusively proved a link between sugar and ADHD. While sugar rushes have been shown to cause a momentary increase in energy in average individuals, it doesn’t appear to exacerbate the hyperactivity symptoms of ADHD specifically, and elimination diets such as the Feingold diet may or may not help treat ADHD.
Obesity is another problem often associated with excess sugar consumption. Because obesity rates are on the rise in the United States, researchers want to know why refined sugar appears to contribute so greatly to incidences of obesity. One study performed at Princeton University looked at the similarities between binge eating of sugar foods and drugs of abuse such as opiates. They found that rats displayed similar signs of addiction when “hooked” on sugar as they did when “hooked” on drugs of abuse. Rats would binge on sugary foods, suffer withdrawal symptoms when sugary foods were removed from their diets, and show an increased intake after abstinence. Obesity may be linked with sugar because sugar intake can lead to symptoms of addiction and sugar abuse, greatly increasing calorie intake and contributing to weight gain.
While sugar may not cause ADHD, it does appear to contribute to an increase in obesity, and nutritionists agree that sugar intake for both children and adults should be limited. If you’re concerned about the amount of sugar in holiday treats, look for healthful alternatives. Dried fruit, nuts, fresh fruits like oranges and apples, whole grain crackers and lowfat cheese are all good options which make for great treats, without all those troublesome diet tricks.
© Copyright 2007 Insight Journal Online Magazine.
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