Top 10 Reasons to Limit Sugary Drinks for Kids

From juices to the sneaky fruit punches, kids are indeed inclined more towards sugar than the actual fruit. But the reality is—even though they may taste good, they pack a serious punch to your little one’s health. And certainly not the good kind. Limiting sugary drinks is the key when it comes to ensuring your child’s health. It will actually turn a game changer in your kid’s diet,

But why exactly is there a need to limit sugary drinks? Read this article to find out the top ten reasons why and how sugary drinks may affect your child in a way you never realized.

Sugary drinks are the perfect example of the phrase ‘empty calories. In simple words, it means each sip is packed with sugar but has no real nutrition. Almost one in five children in the U.S. are obese, and sugary drinks are a major reason behind it. Did you know a single can of soda contains around 10 teaspoons of sugar? And that's almost double the recommended daily sugar intake for children. Furthermore, regular consumption of such drinks leads to excess calorie intake, which is a big factor in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity.

Type 2 diabetes is nowadays common in even children too, unlike a few years back. The American Diabetes Association reports that sugary drinks increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 26%. So, it’s not just a soda, but an exposure to a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Besides, overtime, too much sugar alters the body’s ability to maintain glucose levels.

Yes, you heard this right—tooth decay and sugar are often interrelated. That’s because sugar in drinks interacts with the bacteria in your child’s mouth, producing acid that wears away at the enamel. Did you know that one in five kids aged 5 to 11 has at least one untreated cavity? The reason: sugary beverages. Of course, this is not what you want for your kids after all.

Surprisingly, sugary drinks can actually weaken bones. Kids need strong bones for their growing phase. However, sugary drinks have been proven to reduce bone density. In fact, the high levels of phosphorus found in sodas can obstruct calcium absorption, which is a much-needed aspect of bone development.

Sugary drinks trick kids into feeling full, which reduces the chances of them having a balanced meal. If your child too enjoys sugary drinks, they’re probably missing out on the essential nutrients from healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This eventually leads to poor eating habits that carry over into adulthood.

Surprisingly, sugary drinks contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, even in children. In fact, according to a study, sugary beverages can raise levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in kids, which is a main factor behind heart diseases. Heart disease is not just a problem in the later stage of life; the fact is, habits start young, and so does the risk.

Excessive sugar not only affects the body but also your little one’s brain. Since the brains of kids are in a critical developing age, the sugar rush from these drinks can interfere with their ability to focus and concentrate. Besides, according to a study, researchers have noticed a link between high sugar consumption and attention deficit disorders in children. 

Of course, sugary drinks are liquids. But are they hydrating your kids the way water does? No. Drinks loaded with sugar can actually dehydrate the body because the kidneys need extra water to flush out all that sugar. . So even if your child is quenching his thirst with those colorful sugary beverages, they’re actually doing the opposite.

Sugar spikes can lead to hyperactivity, followed by sugar crashes that make kids irritable and cranky. These are not just the short-term effects. According to a study, high sugar consumption in children was associated with behavioral problems, including aggression and mood swings.

Sugar is addictive. The more it is consumed, the more one craves for it. Did you know that sugar triggers the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone, in the brain, making kids want more and more? And cutting back on this vicious cycle is hard, especially for kids. Therefore, it's important to break the cycle before it takes hold.

While the sugary drinks might seem harmless, the truth is, they could seriously harm your child’s health. From obesity to tooth decay, behavioral issues to long-term heart risks, the effects are not just restricted to sugar rushes. The best thing you could do for your child’s health is cut down on sugary drinks. Instead, go for better choices like water, milk, or 100 percent real fruit juice. It’s because, in the end, what they drink today impacts their tomorrow.