Parents of kids with ADHD often hear that certain foods make ADHD symptoms worse, or even cause ADHD symptoms themselves. Some try cutting out things like sugar or artificial additives from their kids’ diets. In some cases, they say taking kids off sugar appears to help make them less hyperactive and able to concentrate more. But is there research to back up these claims? Research does show that eating nutritious meals helps our brains function, and when we don’t eat, we struggle to think clearly. But there is no solid research showing that sugar and other food items affect ADHD symptoms.