Binging on sweetened beverages, chocolates and cookies seems tastier to kids than eating fruits which are a source of healthier sugar. However, there are very few children whom we actually see following good habits as far as sugar consumption is concerned. Kids find difficult to control sugar intake because sugar is addictive in nature and it promotes cravings for more. Parents sometimes provide sweet-laden items out of love or as a bribe to keep them involved while they themselves are busy in their household or professional activities. 

If kids are made to lower their sugar intake, they can escape from:

Tooth Decay

         Kids start eating almost all items that make them prone to tooth decay even before their tooth comes out. As they grow a little older, they are exposed to sugar more than adults, and thus the risk of tooth decay is naturally more on them. If the sugar that they consume remains in their mouth for more than twenty minutes, bacteria turn this sugar into acid. This acid attacks the teeth. According to observations of the dentists; an alarming number of children are suffering from damage caused to their teeth due to acid present in their fizzy drinks as well as in many fruit drinks. The first piece of advice that would come from a dental expert would be to cut down the intake of sugary beverages which has become a supplement of water in many homes.

Obesity

         Kids aged 6 to 11 are prone to addiction to harmful beverages and eatables and as a result, the obesity rate in them has increased manifold. Earlier children of a particular social class were in the position of affording sweetened beverages, candies, and cookies. But now these are available at cheaper rates too. With the concept of pocket money, children have greater access to such items, sometimes even without the knowledge of their parents. The intake of sugar sweetened beverages replaces the appetite for milk and water, which is a dangerous phenomenon leading to obesity.

Diabetes

            Drinking sweetened drinks cause weight gain. Weight gain puts a person at a higher risk of diabetes.  Though more than anything else, genetic factors cause diabetes especially; type 2 diabetes, however, lifestyle too plays a great role in developing this dangerous disease. Unfortunately, we cannot do anything about genes but we can definitely lessen the chance of type 2 diabetes in kids by helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also, if there is the intake of large doses of sugar, there is chromium deficiency in the body. Chromium is an essential micronutrient required for maintaining a healthy blood sugar level, proper insulin function, and maintaining the required level of fat, protein metabolism, and carbohydrate. Lack of chromium can result in type 2 diabetes.

Behavioral Issues

            After consumption of refined sugar, there is a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. Once the glucose level starts reducing; adrenaline gets released. The release of adrenaline is more in children when compared to adults. Adrenaline creates hyperactivity in them. Also, as the glucose level falls, there is a decrease in blood sugar level which results in altered thinking, sweating, and shakiness resulting in behavioral disturbances in kids. Uneven amount of sugar in the blood causes mood changes, constant headaches, quick tiredness, etc. During these circumstances, there is a tendency in children to consume even more sugar and they experience temporary relief but after sometime sugar deficiency and hunger become stronger. This pattern slowly becomes a habit in children and they are not able to control their own moods.

Nutritional Deficiency

            Children are small in age and have a smaller limit of consumption space in their stomachs. They fill up their tummies with soft drinks, candies, and cookies and have little space for water and nutrient-rich food items. So the stomach is full but because it is not full of a balanced diet there is nutritional deficiency.

A balanced diet should have fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Sugar-sweetened drinks and eatables have none. They just increase the glycaemic index. Milk, fruits, cereals, and vegetables are low on the glycaemic index and have the capacity to keep kids fuller for a longer period of time. Thus, just like adults, it is important to control sugar intake in kids as well.