How Sugar Can Worsen ADHD in Adults

ADHD in adults can make life a little challenging. You try to focus at work and manage your irritability with your coworkers. You try to remember important tasks and events. You want to keep the peace with your spouse and concentrate on what she says, but your thoughts race to the next thing.

To make matters worse, it seems like every time you overindulge in sweets or drink a sugar-laden soda pop or tea, your symptoms get worse. Is there a connection between sugar and a worsening of the symptoms of ADHD in adults?

The symptoms of ADHD in adults

The following are the most common symptoms of ADHD in adults:

• Hyperactivity, restlessness, and fidgeting.
• Lack of focus and concentration.
• Impulsive behaviors.
• Short attention span and impatience.
• Irritability, grumpiness, and mood swings.
• Anxiety and depression.
• Forgetfulness and being easily distracted.
• Not finishing tasks or projects.
• Sleep problems.

Some adults take medication, seek counseling, and make lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms.

The effects of sugar

The effects of sugar are similar in many areas to the symptoms of ADHD:

• Mood swings.
• Irritability.
• Difficulty concentrating and lack of focus.
• Fidgeting and hyperactivity.
• Shakiness.
• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Bloating.
• High blood pressure.
• Fast heart rate.
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Weight gain.
• Increased risk of Type II diabetes.
• Anxiety and depression.

The effects of sugar are much more damaging to the body in the long term. If you combine these effects with ADHD impulsive behaviors, such as risk-taking actions of overconsuming alcohol, you are now placing your health in danger. Even if you do not engage in risky behaviors, the long-term effects can be detrimental.

The sooner you can break the sugar’s hold over you, the more likely you are to prevent or reverse some of the effects of sugar.

How sugar can worsen ADHD

A study on children with ADHD by the University of South Carolina found a correlation between their symptoms and sugar consumption. For example, their hyperactivity (fidgeting and restlessness) increased. Yale University also did a study and found that children’s ability to focus and concentrate lowers when they consume high-sugar foods.

Parents control their child’s sugar consumption, but what about us adults? Who controls how much sugar we consume? We do. It is not that sugar causes ADHD, but it can worsen the condition’s symptoms. ADHD in adults can be hard to manage when you eat a high-sugar diet.

Sugar affects your brain and emotions. Too much sugar in the form of refined sugar will cause physical problems. Harvard University reported that sugar can cause the brain to atrophy or shrink. Yet, most Americans eat a diet of processed foods that are high in sodium and sugar, as these are the most accessible, but at what cost?

If you suspect that your worsening ADHD symptoms are due to your current diet, consult with a nutritionist to help you find healthier alternatives. Some people can quit sugar cold turkey, while others require a step-down approach to lessen sugar withdrawal symptoms.

Do you need help with ADHD?

ADHD in adults is manageable with the right help. You can still function, work hard at your career, and maintain deep and meaningful relationships. Contact our office today to schedule a call with a counselor. We can help you kick your sugar addiction to the curb and take control of ADHD.