{"id":28242,"date":"2022-01-11T02:49:26","date_gmt":"2022-01-11T02:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifeandnews.com\/articles\/?p=28242"},"modified":"2022-01-12T23:37:10","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T23:37:10","slug":"how-does-excess-sugar-affect-the-developing-brain-throughout-childhood-and-adolescence-a-neuroscientist-who-studies-nutrition-explains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifeandnews.com\/articles\/how-does-excess-sugar-affect-the-developing-brain-throughout-childhood-and-adolescence-a-neuroscientist-who-studies-nutrition-explains\/","title":{"rendered":"How does excess sugar affect the developing brain throughout childhood and adolescence? A neuroscientist who studies nutrition\u00a0explains"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lina Begdache<\/a>, Binghamton University, State University of New York<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Parents often stress about their kids\u2019 sugar intake, but it can be hard to know how much is too much<\/a> \u2013 or what to do about it. <\/p>\n

Glucose \u2013 a simple sugar that forms the basis of most carbohydrate-rich food<\/a> \u2013 is the primary source of energy for the brain. Healthy brains require a continuous source of energy and nutrients to fuel growth, learning and development. <\/p>\n

However, that doesn\u2019t mean extra consumption of sugar is good for the developing brain. In fact, too much sugar can actually be detrimental to the normal growth of the brain. <\/p>\n

I am a clinical nutritionist and a nutrition scientist with a neuroscience focus<\/a> whose research revolves around<\/a> understanding the impact of diet and lifestyle on brain function and mental well-being. Preliminary results from my research indicate that consumption of sugary food is associated with mental distress \u2013 such as anxiety and depression \u2013 and disrupted sleep. <\/p>\n

\n\"A
\nEating too many sugary foods can overstimulate the brain, leading to hyperactivity and mood swings.<\/span>
\nJamie Grill via Getty Images<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sources of sugar in kids\u2019 diet<\/h2>\n

Processed foods, such as donuts, sodas and sweetened cereals, often contain added sugars. Unfortunately, these foods tend to be easily accessible to children and teenagers \u2013 whether it be after sports games or at birthday parties. <\/p>\n

Chemically processed foods<\/a> are those that have been altered by adding components not naturally found in them. These foods often contain added sugars, preservatives, salts and trans fats \u2013 all aimed at increasing taste, texture or shelf life. <\/p>\n

As a result, processed foods have a lower nutritional value than whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. One of the most common sweeteners in U.S. food products is high-fructose corn syrup, which contains not only glucose but another simple sugar called fructose. Too much fructose has been associated with increased body fat<\/a>. High-fructose corn syrup is found in sodas and baked goods like muffins and donuts. <\/p>\n

Diet, brain and function<\/h2>\n

Certain dietary components such as amino acids, which form the basis of proteins, act as precursors for brain chemicals. Amino acids also play important roles in mood, learning and cognitive functions.<\/p>\n

Like car engines that require the proper fuel to run efficiently, brains also require an adequate diet for optimal functioning<\/a>. The brain is made up of<\/a> nerve cells, or neurons, and housekeeping cells, called glial cells. Although these two types of brain cells have different metabolic needs, glucose is the primary source of energy for both. <\/p>\n

Despite the fact that the brain accounts for only 2% of human body weight, it requires about 20% of the human body\u2019s energy needs<\/a> to perform all of its functions, including learning, memory and cognitive processes. Research suggests that this number is even higher in children whose brains and bodies are developing rapidly<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Brain function and growth are regulated by brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters<\/a>, which should dictate the architecture of brain development<\/a>. Depending on the stage of brain growth, an imbalance of critical neurotransmitters<\/a> may cause a myriad of ailments, affecting learning, mood and behaviors. <\/p>\n

Similarly, a low-quality or imbalanced diet, such as one high in processed sugar, can throw off the brain\u2019s chemical equilibrium. <\/p>\n

\n