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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Coca-Cola for ADHD?

First let me say that I don't like soda, at all, anymore. I lost 40 pounds about 3 years ago and many of those pounds were put there by soda. Which I really have never liked. The bubbles are too stabby (a word?) and make me hiccup. But I used to be the kind of person that would eat or drink whatever was around me. Since I have lost weight and worked really hard to maintain my weight loss I have had a ban on soda in the house. I am not tempted by it anymore and had a few sips here and there.

I mainly didn't want soda in the house because of my daughter, she is a sugar fiend like her father. I reluctantly started buying my husband Coke recently only because if I buy it it will be really cheap and if he buys it he will be paying too much. He just has to have his soda. I should give him credit because he only drinks one a day. I digress. I certainly don't let my daughter drink it. It has no nutritional value and she doesn't need the caffeine given her hyperness (is that a word?). Or so I thought......

I just read in someone else's post that the caffeine in a Coca Cola has the same stimulant effect as ADHD meds. The post was full of responses to the news that ADHD meds increases the risk of death in children. One respondent was a pharmacist that said to just give your kid a Coke in the morning because it has the same stimulant effect as meds. I am not a fan of medication unless absolutely medically necessary, especially for my kids. That is why I am excited by the theory that using soda could help my daughter. Nobody ever died from drinking a soda!

She is having a half a can this morning and the other half after lunch. I will inform you of any significant results.

I need to go have my coffee. Yes, I self medicate my undiagnosed ADHD with coffee. 1 cup 2-3 times a day. Who knew medicine could be so tasty ; )

7 comments:

Jenn said...

That is very interesting. I know that hasn't helped my nephew. He has grown up on Coke. He was diagnosed over a year ago and the only thing that helps him his the meds. It probably is a person to person basis. What works for one person my not work for another. I hope things are going well with Olivia! Of course today is a horrible day to start summer vacation. All this rain, and my kids are already bored and bugging me. LOL :)

Wendi Sotis said...

I'd like to see how that goes for her... let us know! It does make sense!!! I wonder if having chocolate or something non-carbonated would be better?

Ohhh ohhh, here is a caffeine content list:
http://www.cspinet.org/new/cafchart.htm

Wendi Sotis said...

Jenn, since he grew up on Coke, he might be used to the caffeine content and would need more? Just a guess.

Queenbuv3 said...

Jenn-Believe it or not, it seems to be working! She has already been much less hyper and much more compliant when I ask her to do her chores! Yipee!

I know that sometimes meds are necessary but if I don't have to give them to my kids I am happy.

So send the chicklets my way for a few hours! Olivia would love playing with the boys and I'm sure you could use a break. Give me a call. I'd love to chat anyway ; )

Queenbuv3 said...

Tripletmom-As I told Jenn it seems to be working : ) So far I am limiting her intake to half a can in the morning and half a can at lunch. Keep your fingers crossed that it works!

Wendi Sotis said...

How is this going?

Queenbuv3 said...

Tripletmom, I see some difference. I still don't know how much of her behavior is normal energetic 7 year-old behavior. Definately makes things hard to gauge.