Over the past few weeks we had a look at the effect that blood sugar levels can have on the functioning of the brain. I also drew attention to some of the best (and the worst!) ways to manage blood sugar levels. This week’s article will conclude the ‘mini-series’ on blood sugar levels by summarising some of the key insights that were shared in the previous articles on this topic. This will be done by highlighting the top ‘ADD/ADHD Blood Sugar steps’:
1. Be aware: It is very important that we continually remind ourselves of the fact that the brain is a major consumer of energy and that it is therefore also very sensitive to changes in the availability (or not) of glucose in the blood. Oversupply will lead to the brain enacting ‘emergency measures’ to bring the levels back into line, while low blood sugar will almost inevitably lead to a reduction in brain function. The role of impaired brain function in triggering the effects of ADD/ADHD has been established by many different studies. Those dealing with these effects should therefore be very aware of anything that could lead to the brain struggling to function at optimum levels. Blood sugar spikes and troughs obviously create ‘brain conditions’ that are far from ideal and should therefore be avoided as far as possible.
Great information, thanks!
This is wonderful information. For the past month and a half I have been studing many different sources on the subject of ADD/ADHD. I have also been working with my sons school hoping that they would be willing to work with me. I have found that this will not be the case. With all of the different avanues that I have taken, I have found Jon Bennet to be one of the most valuable imformative, and willing to be ongoing support there is. This has been the first time that I have commented because I have been in panic moad since I started on this investication of this contriversal topic. I’m sorry for miss spelled words because I have alway’s had a poblem with spelling. But for the 1st time in my life I have an understanding of why I have had a difficult time with education growing up. I am sure with all that I have learned that I have ADD/ADHD along with my son. I’m so grateful for the ongoing resurch that Jon Bennett had done to find natural way’s to deal with this Problem. Thank you so much!
Natalie,
Thank you for your kind comments. Your timing is perfect
I wish you the best of luck and I promise to keep giving everyone the best information possible. -Jon
Hi guys, I don’t think you realize how much it means to me to hear comments like this. It really makes my day!
Natalie, Thank You
Jon
Jon
I am sorry this is really long, but I think you and your readers might find it beneficial. I found your article and site will doing some research about my 6 year olds newly found diagnoses of ADHD combined. And it ends up being just a little more added to the pile of reasons we have/are cutting most all artificial sweetners out of our diet at our house. The first came last winter when my mom had a stroke and I went with her to see her doctor for a check up. One of the first things she said to my mom was to dump the diet pop, that she was better off risking gaining weight than to continue to drink diet pepsi. She explained something to us that was like a total DUH! to me. Artifical sweetners do not provide the natural “high” or satisfaction that real sugar provides the brain when you have something sweet. So your brain says.. “well that wasn’t enough, I want more” and hense the cycle starts. I have had an extreme “sugar” addiction for as long as I can remember. I used to hide food, candy or other sweets from my kids and husband. I would run errands just to go and have something. After seeing my moms Dr. I decided to drop my diet coke habit as well. But I took it a step farther and ditched the pop all together. The first few weeks were horrible, but after this had subsided and I was free of the caffiene, artifical sweetner cravings things became calmer. Then I started looking at other things in our kitchen that had artificial sweetners and low and behold – they are everywhere. I systematically began replacing low cal / low/no fat items that were artifiically sweetned with higher fat/cal natural products and an amazing thing happened, my cravings began to subside. I wasn’t constantly hungry -I used to be hungry even though I was full. My son also began to calm down and I could see drastic differences in my kids constant wanting to eat. Since June 1 which is when I was pretty much totally off caffiene and artifical sweetners I have lost over 25 lbs and I am more active, happier and calmer than I have been in a long time.
I think we all need to look at a more natural unprocessed approach to food, for more than just the ADHD effects.
This is totally what “3 Steps” has been preaching!!! Awesome job
Hey Jon ! Just wanted to tell you your book is GREAT! I am raising 3 of my grandkids, 2 of them have ADD, ADHD, and OD. I They have been on so many drugs and needless to say I for do not want them on those . There are too many side effects and the risk is too great. I have been reading your special report faithfully and the book. We have gone with extra vitamins and DHA cut out sugar and have been watching what we eat. They are no longer on the drugs. They are soooo much better, now they seem to be normal children, but you can tell when someone gives them something that has sugar in it. I for one Greatly appreciate you and all you do. I was about ready to pull out my hair , thanks to you I can keep it awhile longer!!!! THANKS AGAIN, Robin