Start Me Up

Whew. So far today I have had a huge cup of coffee, two and a half donuts and two cans of sugarfied soda. I am wired for fun. How I allowed myself to consume such things? Don't ask, because really, I have no idea how it happened - it just did. Sometimes it's better to not ask such questions of yourself.

I am unable to focus on anything. However, according to Sugar.org sugar does not cause hyperactivity:

The belief that sugar consumption causes hyperactivity - or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - is one of the most common and pervasive of all sugar myths, despite literally dozens of studies refuting any connection between the two.

After examining all available scientific evidence, the Food and Drug Administration's Sugars Task Force concluded in 1986 that there is no evidence sugar consumption causes behavioral changes in normal children or adults. More recent studies have confirmed this finding, including one that found that sugar might actually induce a calming effect.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports, "Reducing or eliminating sugar to treat ADHD has widespread support among lay persons and in the lay press. However, controlled trials have not shown that the ingestion of sugar has an effect on activity or aggression in normal or hyperactive children." (American Family Physician, Sept. 2001)

So why has this myth persisted? Because, say some, parents still believe sugar makes their kids hyperactive. A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology found that parents who think their child's behavior is affected by sugar are more likely to perceive their children as hyperactive when they've been led to believe their child has just consumed a sugary drink.

Kerstin, I did it...I did a blockquote!

My ode to sugar and my response to Sugar.org (and also to contribute to my weekly goal of introducing a new "the hell that is a song that stuck in your head"):

If you start me up
If you start me up I'll never stop
If you start me up
If you start me up
I'll never stop
I've been running hot
You got me ticking gonna blow my top
If you start me up
If you start me up I'll never stop

(Don't read too far down in the lyrics 'cause all those things your parents accused rock-and-roll of being, yeah...well this song proves that they are true. It also proves that this song really isn't about sugar. *gasp*.)

Have these "researchers" (if that's what they call themselves,) never been on a plane with a 3-year and their mother who feeds the kid candy to keep it quiet?! Yah, well I have. And it is counter-productive.... sugar does make 3-year olds stuck in planes more hyper.

It's a drug I tell yah.

Hmmm, I think I'll go home and make some cookies.