135: How Excess Sugar Impacts Kids with ADHD with Michael Goran

Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

We all know excess sugar isn't great, but do we really understand just how hidden and dangerous it can actually be, particularly when it comes to our kids' health and behavior? In this episode, discover how excess sugar can impact kids with ADHD.

Joining us today is Michael Goran. Michael is Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Program Director for Nutrition and Obesity at The Saban Research Institute.

He is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and received his Ph.D. from the University of Manchester, UK. His research on infant and childhood nutrition has been continuously funded by the NIH for the past 35 years, raising $80m in funding, and publishing over 400 peer-reviewed articles.

In 2021 he founded the Southern California Center for Latino Health, a regional initiative focused on developing academic-community solutions to chronic disease disparities in Latino families and funded by a $25m grant from the National Institute for Minority Health Disparities. He has received numerous awards including: The Nutrition Society Medal for Research (1996), The Lilly Award for Scientific Achievement from The Obesity Society (2006), the TOPS award for contributions to obesity research from The Obesity Society (2014), and the Rank Prize Lecture in Nutrition (2018). Michael lives in Silverlake, LA and likes to play tennis, cook, eat, hike, walk his dog and travel.

He is the author of “Sugarproof: Protect Your Family from the Hidden Dangers of Excess Sugar with Simple Everyday Fixes.”

Tune in to discover the truth about sugar and some practical solutions.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• Free Breakfast Recipe Guide - http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/breakfastguide

Key Takeaways: [7:12] How Sugar Consumption Has Changed Over Time [10:15] The Misconception of Fruit Juice as a Healthy Option [10:42] Understanding Sugar’s Effect on the Body and Brain [14:24] Common Health Impacts of Excess Sugar in Children [21:21] The Link Between Sugar and Brain Development [23:28] Practical Tips for Reducing Sugar in Children’s Diets [24:31] Seven-Day No Added Sugar Challenge [37:08] Where to Find More Information

Memorable Moments: "Sugar doesn’t just cause energy spikes; it can completely throw off a child’s mood, focus, and behavior."

"Sugar is hiding in 70% of processed foods – and in 80% of foods marketed to children."

"The more sugar you eat, the more your body craves it – this cycle is designed to keep you coming back for more."

"Most parents don’t realize that apple juice has more fructose than soda made with high fructose corn syrup."

"Our seven-day no added sugar challenge helps reset cravings and boosts focus and energy."

"Excess sugar during brain development can cause long-lasting effects, even if it’s only consumed for a short time."

"Fatty liver disease is now a leading cause of liver disease in children – sugar overload is a huge factor."

"Small swaps make a big difference. Replace one sugary product at a time to reduce sugar intake gradually."

"Becoming ‘sugar-proof’ isn’t about avoidance – it’s about knowing where sugar hides and making healthier choices."

How to Connect with Michael Goran

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarproofkids/?hl=en
• Website: https://www.sugarproofkids.com/

Dana Kay Resources:

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