Occasionally there is a point of contention where personal experiences seem to be diametrically opposed to most research studies, and such is the case with sugar and hyperactive behavior. Nevertheless, the sheer number of parents who have a seen a dramatic improvement in their child's hyperactive behavior by reducing sugar and fast burning carbohydrates is substantial enough to at the very least give consideration to the idea that sugar and hyperactive are linked.
Over four decades ago Dr. Ben Feingold put together a diet plan aptly named the "Feingold Diet" after he observing a link between certain foods and hyperactive behavior in children. While the ingredients which Dr. Ben flagged as triggering hyperactivity were mostly food additives (colorings etc...) sugar was also on the list.
The theory put forward by Dr. Feingold was based solely on first hand feedback from patients leading many in the research community to completely discount his observations.
While there is little evidence from a research perspective that any food will trigger or prevent hyperactive behavior what we do know is a well thought out (and balanced) diet rich in foods shown to improve mental health will benefit anyone.
Talking sugar, research, and mental health
It is a well established fact that sugar produces highs and lows which can have a numbing effect on children thus resulting in sluggishness or tiredness. The current prevailing wisdom in the medical community is that while limited amounts of sugar are acceptable in a diet, large amounts can be detrimental in a number of ways, even if there is no proven link between ADHD, hyperactive behaviors, and sugar.
One study worth mentioning was conducted at George Washington University School of Medicine. This study found that children with ADHD who consumed a high protein diet performed as well or better in school than children without the condition. Foods that are high in protein include fish, soy milk, meat, yogurt, peanut butter, yogurt, and eggs. A few words of caution though: Some brands of yogurt are very high in sugar and many children have peanut butter allergies.
There also seems to be a growing consensus backed by plenty of research, including one study conducted by Oxford University in London, which suggests that adding Omega-3 fatty acids to the diets of hyperactive children will moderate their ADHD symptoms. It is also important to point out that our bodies simply don't produce enough Omega-3 fatty acids to meet our daily requirements. Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, mackerel, sardines, flax, and walnuts.
But perhaps the biggest culprit producing hyperactive behavior in children are what are referred to as refined/simple carbohydrates. These types of foods are converted into sugar quickly causing surges and dips in energy which can lead to extreme hyperactivity following by extreme fatigue (both mental and physical). Foods falling into this category are candy, cake, pasta, white rice, white bread, and potatoes.
In conclusion, making sure your child consumes a brain healthy diet can make a big difference in overcoming ADHD and improving the chances of normalizing problematic ADHD behaviors such as hyperactivity and inattention. A good starting point is to build a solid diet plan around a healthy mix of fruits and vegetables, Omega-3 fats and generous amounts of protein rich foods while avoiding sugar and simple carbohydrates like the plague.
Additionally, many parents have found success by combining diet and all homeopathic ADHD remedies. This powerful combination is an all natural way to manage ADHD symptoms without the risk of unwanted side effects.
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