SUGAR HIGH

The Myth

I think we have all been there. Certainly, we have all heard it: Sugar makes kids hyperactive. And I have been to enough birthday parties or family get-togethers where a bunch of kids are all running around screaming and having a great time. But what does the science say?
Parents everywhere are probably going to roll their eyes here, but studies on the subject have shown that sugar does NOT cause hyperactivity in children. In fact, there have been many studies done on this subject. Findings showed that children given sugar showed no discernable differences from those given a placebo.

So, what gives? Why do so many people believe what has been proven wrong again and again?
First, I think so many people believe in the sugar / hyperactivity connection, that they don’t bother looking into it. So, many people outside of the medical industry don’t even hear about these tests. Second is expectations and societal reinforcement. Parents see kids drinking sugary drinks, eating candy, and acting crazy to which they say, “See, sugar did that.” other parents or adults will just agree. They say, “If everyone agrees with me, I must be right.” Finally, if you see kids consuming sugar and acting hyper, it’s understandable to draw the conclusion that they must be connected.

The Truth

Take a moment and think about those times you see kids acting like they have endless energy and you will probably start to notice something other than sugar is present: Other children. I can’t be the only one that notices when kids get together at a party or any other type of get-together they are almost always off-the-rails crazy. Sure, most of the time soda and other sugary drinks as well as carb-heavy foods are present but take those items away and I all but guarantee the same result. Kids enjoy the company of other kids, and they run, they yell, they laugh, jump, fall down and then cry. And at the end of the day, when the kids go home, they crash and wake up at noon the next day.

Now you know, the next time you hear someone say something about sugar making kids hyperactive, you can smile and nod your head in agreement like we all do to avoid arguments or coming across as a know-it-all, but now you will know the truth, it’s not the sugar.