Sugar and hyperactivity

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Home : 2004 : November : 20

Sugar and hyperactivity
By Kathy

I've heard for many years that it's a "myth" that sugar causes hyperactivity, but after teaching as long as I have it sure seems to be true!! I am appalled by the things these kids bring for lunch! And drink? I cringe
when I see children who can't focus or sit still downing a bottle of "sugar water"--which is all most drinks are if you check the ingredients.
I had an actual experience one year with a student that was so obviously ADHD he didn't did a diagnosis. (Ater awhile, you can get so you can just tell!!) He literally bounced off the walls!
I did a "Five a Day project" with the kids that

year and even though this particular child never returned any of the sheets where they were supposed to list the fruits and vegetables they had eaten to get their "5 a Day", it ended up being a life-changing activity for the family.

The mom told me later on that when she realized that she was just pumping sugar in her kids every day, she started buyin 100% fruit juice. They also cut out all sugar. (A little extreme I thought!) But I'll tell you the difference in that child was just like night and day. He became so much more settled and focused--it was unbelievable!!

It may not be true for every child, but it sure made the difference in that one!