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Does Sugar Cause Hyperactivity In Kids?

by Sharon Hopkins

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Sugar provides calories, devoid of nutrients, referred to as ‘empty calories’.

It is devoid of nutrients, but calls for a few of them for processing, thereby depleting the child of its nutrients. Research reveals the correlation between sugar and hyperactivity on the basis of two schools of thought. Hyperactivity is a result of an allergy to refined sugar is the primary one. The next idea is that children undergo functional reactive hypoglycemia, similar to adults. This is a condition, wherein the blood sugar levels are very low, when on a high carbohydrate diet.

High protein diets reduce this risk.

This proves the theory that low sugar is a part of raised activity. Certain studies prove the presence of low sugar in hyperactive children. Hyperactive children are exuberant and have a short attention span. The term 'Hyper', also refers to hyperactivity. It usually occurs as a secondary disorder.

Lead poisoning, excessive activity of the thyroid, lack of sleep, anxiety and depression are the contributing factors for hyperactivity.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a psychological behavioral disorder affecting the mental state of children showing symptoms, such as lack of concentration and attention, raised activity and impulsive behavior. Hyperactivity or hyperkinesis is a syndrome of ADHD. The causes are still under research, though, inner cause is primary. Studies also prove that elimination of artificial flavors and colors helps in treatment of behavioral problems. Salicylates in vegetables and fruits also are better removed. Sugar and certain other carbohydrates increase the neurotransmitters in brain, resulting in balance and relaxation.

Genes play an important role in ADHD. Studies in children who were fed foods and drinks with sugar affected the behavior. Physicians generally advise a low sugar diet for hyperactive children. The greatest load of sugar is received by children in parties, resulting in hyperactivity. This was contradicted by the fact that children who had not consumed sugar were also equally active.

Of late, research reveals the lack of correlation between hyperactivity and sugar intake. But, parents state a relation between the two, without any objective measurement, and are only on subjective measures. Parents often associate behavioral change with the latest intake of food and its effect on behavior. Conduct disorder or ADHD affects the mental state of children and should be addressed by health professionals.

Hyperactivity is also a result of poor parenting techniques, excessive watching of television, poor motivation or lack of parental attention. At the same time, it is unlike physically or physiologically identifiable diseases. Children, many a times expose raised activity. It does not always ensure hyperactivity. Research proves that children become hyperactive, irrespective of the sugar intake. Hence, sugar cannot be held a culprit for your hyperactive children!

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