Sugar is a natural component of many healthy foods like fruit and milk. While fine in moderation, excessive sugar consumption can lead to health problems in kids. In addition to naturally occurring sugars, refined sugar is frequently added to processed foods such as soda, pastries and breakfast cereals. Learning about the dangers of sugar in small children can help motivate parents and caregivers to make healthier dietary choices for their kids.
Tooth Decay
Sugar is a major cause of dental cavities in kids, according to MedlinePlus. Sugar causes tooth decay by feeding bacteria that produce acids that eat away tooth enamel. While baby teeth eventually fall out, they're needed to help permanent teeth grow in straight and should be cared for properly. Because tooth decay is made worse with longer exposures, it's best to avoid sweets before bed and at other times when the child cannot brush.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity creates a host of problems for children, parents and educators. While no single cause has been identified, sugar is thought to aggravate the condition in some kids. According to MedlinePlus, processed sugar enters the bloodstream quickly, producing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels that can trigger adrenaline release in kids. While not all cases of hyperactivity are helped by special diets, the other health benefits of limiting sugar make them worth considering for a hyperactive child.
Weight Gain
Being overweight or obese is a widespread health problem in the U.S. Children are not immune to the health conditions associated with obesity, such as type II diabetes and high blood pressure. The KidsHealth website states that sugar and other simple carbohydrates induce weight gain by contributing excess calories to the diet. Because many sweet foods and drinks come in large portions and aren't filling, it's easy to overindulge. Often, these foods are also low in nutrients, making them nonessential for proper health and nutrition.
Prevention/Solution
Limiting your child's access to sweetened foods is the best way to avoid the health dangers of sugar. For kids over age 2, carbohydrates should make up about 60 percent of the diet. KidsHealth suggests replacing refined carbohydrates with complex carbs like fruit, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Removing soda, candy and other high-sugar foods from the home can help reduce your child's access to unhealthy snacks. Practicing healthy eating and exercise habits as a family sets a positive example for young children and reduces the risk of disease in family members.
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