HWN Suggests

That Sugar Rush Is All In Your Head

We've all heard of the "sugar rush." It's a vision that prompts parents and even teachers to snatch candy away from kids, fearing they'll soon be bouncing off the walls, wired and hyperactive. It’s a myth American culture has clung to for decades—and these days, it’s not just a kid thing. Adults are wary of sugar, too. Some of this fear is warranted—diabetes, the obesity epidemic—but the truth is, sugar doesn't cause hyperactivity. Its impact on the body isn’t an up-and-down thing. The science is clear: There is no "sugar rush.”

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Featured

 Is There Such a Thing as a ‘Sugar High’?

Many parents blame sugar for their children’s hyperactive behavior. But the myth has been debunked.

Articles of Interest

Curious Kids: are sugar rushes real?

Scientists used to think eating sugary foods and having a “sugar rush” meant sugar would give you lots of fuel to break down into energy. They thought this because people would be happier, and have lots of energy after eating sweet treats.

Do children really get sugar rushes?

We're quick to blame sugar for our children's hyperactivity and our own energy crashes after eating something sweet – but scientific evidence points to a more complex explanation.

Does Sugar Make Kids Hyper?

If a child eats cotton candy, a chocolate bar or any other kind of sugary treat, will a hyperactive frenzy follow? While some parents may swear that the answer is "yes," research shows that it's just not true.

Myth busted: Eating sugar doesn't make kids hyper

Contrary to popular belief, sugar doesn't make kids hyper. The science is beyond settled on this issue.

The Myth Of The Sugar Rush

Common sense and plausible mechanistic arguments suggest that carbohydrates can influence mood. But do they? And by how much?