208: Is Sugar Driving Your Child's ADHD Symptoms? with Mike Collins

What if sugar isn't just making your child "a little hyper" but actually changing how their brain functions? In this episode of The Soaring Child podcast, Dana Kay sits down with Mike Collins, a leading expert in sugar addiction and recovery, to unpack what sugar is really doing inside your child's brain. With over 40 years of experience and tens of thousands of detoxes behind him, Mike shares why sugar may be far more than a harmless treat and how it can impact focus, mood, impulse control, and behavior in ways most parents have never been told. You'll hear eye-opening insights on how sugar affects dopamine and the brain's reward system, why cravings can feel impossible to control, and what makes sugar uniquely addictive compared to other substances. Dana also brings this conversation back to real life, helping parents understand how to recognize signs of sugar sensitivity in their child and what to do next. If you've ever wondered whether sugar could be playing a bigger role in your child's ADHD symptoms, this episode will give you practical next steps. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW https://sugaraddiction.com/ https://sugardetox.com/ https://quitsugarsummit.com/ CONNECT WITH MIKE COLLINS Website:  https://sugarfreeman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realsugarfreeman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSugarFreeMan/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SugarAddiction Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sugaraddictionsupport/  KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:01] Sudden behavior changes after sugar exposure [03:36] Introduction to sugar addiction and Mike Collins' work [04:30] Is sugar addiction real? [05:48] Brain function improvements after reducing sugar [08:11] Rise of metabolic psychiatry [09:45] Sugar as a neurotoxin [13:22] How modern fruit differs from historical fruit [15:05] Signs of sugar sensitivity in children [17:01] Dopamine-driven behavior explained [18:34] Why cravings are not about taste [21:04] Sugar vs other addictions [24:07] Dopamine and intermittent reward systems  MEMORABLE MOMENTS "What if sugar isn't just a treat? What if it's actually driving ADHD symptoms?" "I believe sugar causes ADHD." "Their brain came back online." "Sugar is a neurotoxin." "That is the worst thing on the planet… craving with no peace." "They're not looking for a sweet taste. They're looking for dopamine." "The science has outpaced the public's understanding." "They're no