Hi there! As a neuro-spicy therapist, I know that mental health is deeply connected to our physical well-being. One important connection to understand is how blood sugar levels, 'hangryness,' and ADHD are linked. If you are dealing with ADHD, this post will shed some light on how what you eat can impact your mood and behavior—and offer some practical tips to help manage it all.
What Happens When Your Blood Sugar Spikes?
Glucose, a type of sugar, is the main source of energy for our body and brain. When we eat, especially foods high in sugar or carbs, our blood sugar levels rise. In response, our body releases insulin to help absorb the glucose and provide energy. But eating too much sugar or high-carb foods can cause your blood sugar to spike quickly and then crash just as fast.
These sudden changes in blood sugar levels can really mess with how you feel. When your blood sugar drops, your brain gets less energy, making you feel irritable, tired, and unable to concentrate—a state often called being 'hangry' (hungry + angry).
What Is 'Hangryness'?
'Hangryness' isn’t just a funny term; it describes a real physical reaction. When your blood sugar drops, you can feel more irritable and emotional. For someone with ADHD, who already has trouble with emotions and impulses, these blood sugar swings can make things even harder.
Research shows that keeping your blood sugar stable is super important for a steady mood and good thinking skills. That’s why managing blood sugar levels can be a big help for managing ADHD symptoms.
How ADHD and Blood Sugar Are Connected
ADHD is a condition marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some studies suggest that people with ADHD might process glucose differently, leading to bigger swings in blood sugar levels. This might explain why changing up your diet can sometimes help with ADHD symptoms. Eating balanced meals with lots of protein, fiber, and healthy fats can keep your blood sugar levels steady and might make ADHD symptoms easier to handle.
What You Can Do
Here are some tips to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce ADHD symptoms:
Learn About the Connection: Understand how diet affects your mood and behavior. Knowing this can help you make better food choices.
Healthy Eating Habits: Eat regular, balanced meals and snacks to keep your blood sugar stable. Focus on low-glycemic foods that release glucose slowly. Focus on eating fiber, then protein/fats, then carbs- in that specific order!
Mindfulness and Monitoring: Pay attention to how different foods affect your mood and energy levels. Keep a food diary to track what works best for you.
Work with a Professional: Consider working with a nutritionist or dietitian. They can provide personalized advice that fits your specific needs.
Address Emotional Eating: Sometimes, emotions drive our eating habits. Learn to recognize and cope with emotional eating triggers to maintain a healthy diet.
Understanding the link between blood sugar levels, 'hangryness,' and ADHD can make a big difference in managing symptoms. By incorporating healthy eating habits and being mindful of how food affects you, you can help keep your mood and energy levels stable.
If you have any questions or want to dive deeper into this topic, feel free to reach out. Together, we can find the best approach to support your well-being and manage ADHD symptoms effectively.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact me. Let’s work together towards a healthier, more balanced life.
Comments