If you are aware that sugar can cause ADHD, then you may no longer buy sweets, pastries, commercial fruit drinks, and other sugary foods when you do the groceries.  Instead, you purchase sugar-free alternatives and artificial sweeteners. After all, it would be cruel to deprive your child of these sweet treats.  But did you know that sugar-free foods won’t necessarily help your child overcome ADHD? Sugar-free products contain substitutes that children with ADHD can be intolerant to. Below are two sugar-free ingredients that your child needs to avoid, and the surprising truth behind them.

Aspartame

Aspartame (sometimes labeled phenylalanine) is the chemical sweetener behind Equal, Nutrasweet, and other sugar alternatives.   Although it was approved safe for human consumption in the 1970s, this sweet poison is surrounded by controversy.  It is said to be connected to many serious diseases like lymphoma, brain lesions, and brain tumors; often, its side effects are misdiagnosed.  When exposed to extreme temperatures, aspartame can break down into toxic chemicals like formic acid and formaldehyde.  And if taken in high amounts, phenylalanine works like any neurotoxin – it will excite the neurons in the brain until they reach cellular death.

Aside from these toxic effects on the nervous system, aspartame can contribute to ADHD and other neurological conditions in another way.  Amino acids are the building block of neurotransmitters, and low levels of this substance can be the reason behind a neurotransmitter deficiency (biologically speaking, ADHD is caused by a deficiency in the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine).  The opposite can also be true – high levels of amino acids can lead to an overproduction of these neurotransmitters.  Aspartame can cause hyperactive symptoms because of an amino acid excess, especially if your child consumes large amounts of this substance in soft drinks and processed foods.

Sugar alcohols

Sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, isomalt, and other sugar alcohols occur naturally in some plants and fruits. They are often used as low-calorie sweeteners in gum, candy, and other foods because they aren’t easily digested. These sugars are said to be very helpful to those with diabetes because only parts of it get digested. As for the sugars that get absorbed, they enter the bloodstream slowly, avoiding the rise in blood sugar levels often caused by refined sugar.

Unfortunately, it is this very characteristic that makes sugar alcohols a problematic substance for children with ADHD.  The parts that do not get absorbed or digested goes through the intestinal tract and ferments, attracting water and causing dysbiosis – a condition where the gut flora in the intestine gets overwhelmed by harmful bacteria.  These bacteria feast on the undigested sugars and multiply as a result. When there is too much bad bacteria in the intestine, the gut flora cannot absorb nutrients properly, causing nutrient deficiencies, leaky gut syndrome, and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the gastrointestinal tract is connected to the nervous system; any problems with the GI tract will influence neurological well-being.

Natural alternatives to refined sugar

Because of these hidden dangers, it’s best if you avoid sugar-free foods and use natural sweeteners when you cook or bake for your child. Some sweeteners you can use are honey, molasses, brown rice syrup, or maple syrup (the real one). Not only are these free from the additives known to trigger ADHD; they are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients. Just make sure you inspect the label carefully for any additives or ingredients that shouldn’t be in there.