Effects of sugar consumption in children

Humans have craved sweetness and sugar since the beginning of time. Indigenous people risked being stung by thousands of bees just to get a spoonful of honey, and kings and queens kept the public happy with sweets. It was something pleasant to enjoy, without much excess and without causing many problems.

Sugar is still highly desired; the problem is that nowadays there is excessive consumption, which leads to diseases—especially in children. From the age of six months, children are exposed to artificial formulas that contain excess sugars, and they are rewarded with sweets during holidays such as the Tooth Fairy, Christmas, birthdays, and more.

Sugar consumption is becoming more common and recurrent

Today, sugar is not only consumed during holidays, but it is increasingly common for a child to consume refined sugar every day. Breakfast cereals loaded with sugar, artificial fruit juices for snacks, candy and sodas at lunch and dinner. Because of this, our children—the future generation—are paying a high price.

First of all, children are unconsciously becoming addicted to sugar; they want more and more each time, as it becomes less satisfying. This makes them only want to eat sweets, while consuming fewer fruits and vegetables. This contributes to excessive calorie intake, leading to weight gain.

Sugar and its effects on the body

Weight gain

This is the basis for other lifestyle-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (now being seen in children as young as 12 years old), high blood pressure, and sky-high LDL levels. Moreover, excessive sugar consumption not only affects body weight but also affects the brain.

Children with ADHD, Asperger’s, and Autism are advised to keep sugar intake low, as it can worsen their condition.

It affects learning

Excessive sugar consumption affects memory, learning, and brain development. Studies show that when children consume a high-sugar diet, they are less able to remember what they learn and less able to concentrate, which may result in poorer academic performance. There is even evidence suggesting that sugar exposure in the womb is associated with future learning ability when measured in early and mid-childhood.

It disrupts the growth of vital organs

An “obvious” example is how sugar can destroy developing teeth. Children are more susceptible to cavities caused by sugar in the mouth. The reason developing teeth are more vulnerable to acid is that they do not yet have enough enamel to protect them.

Stop sugar: the hidden danger to children’s development and health (and also adults)

It disrupts the gut microbiome

A high-sugar diet can alter how the gut microbiome develops, and this may be irreversible. Another example is how fructose and artificial sweeteners—even in very small amounts—can alter cell development and make developing cells more likely to turn into fat cells.

It feeds Candida albicans

This fungus secretes toxins and interferes with normal development. It also compromises the body’s ability to fight disease (Haas, 2012). As a result, we are seeing sick, tired, overweight children who are unable to function properly.

What can we do?

1. Limit added sugar at breakfast

A high-sugar breakfast puts children on a sugar rollercoaster that can cause a visible cycle of blood sugar highs and lows, along with cravings for more sugar that can last all day.

Remove highly sweetened cereals, yogurts, smoothies, and juices, and replace them with foods high in protein and fiber.

2. Avoid overusing sweeteners

Sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, sugar alcohols, and sucralose are sweeter than regular sugar and reinforce the preference for sweet taste in children, making them want more sweets. Although they may be a good sugar substitute for adults, in children it is best to avoid them, especially in the early years of life.

3. Do not use sugar as a reward or punishment

The important thing is to keep sugar consumption moderate. The idea is to help cultivate a love for natural foods and make children’s palates prefer a lower level of sweetness.