Soft drinks and their impact on children's nutrition

The consumption of soft drinks is taboo in any society as there are many myths surrounding the drink that generates great addiction. It is common to see today how they fill a baby’s bottle with soda. That’s why there are a couple of things to keep in mind before exposing our children to this drink. We present some results of an investigation. Can soft drinks cause childhood obesity? These drinks are largely composed of sugar, making them a quick and highly concentrated source of energy. According to studies, it is estimated that its consumption of more than 500 ml per day can have a negative effect by displacing other foods, while it can cause an imbalance in the diet and eating habits, deteriorating the quality of the child’s nutrition. It is estimated that there is a 35% relationship between the consumption of soft drinks and the appearance of obesity. Does consuming soda cause cavities? Inside our dental plaque you can find a bacteria that is dedicated to breaking down the sugars contained in soft drinks. This produces lactic acid, which dissolves in 10 minutes in the tooth enamel and will end up causing cavities. These drinks are acidic, so the damage they do to your teeth is greater. Can a child who consumes soda be hyperactive? Since studies have been carried out on this matter, it has been agreed that some destructive aggressive behaviors in children are related to the consumption of sugars. According to studies, there is evidence that 40% of children who reduce their consumption of sugar in colorings, artificial flavorings and caffeine improve their behavior. Obviously there is more than one cause for the problem, but somehow era are related, especially due to the stimulating effect of caffeine, which is present in cola soft drinks. Some consequences may also be psychomotor excitement and difficulty sleeping. Are diet sodas appropriate for children? The answer is “NO”. These soda varieties with sugar substitutes are made for adults. Although it has recently been seen that they are implemented in the diets of the youngest, because until now no negative result of their consumption in children has been shown. On the other hand, some authors and researchers, such as those from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, point out that the ingredient that is responsible for replacing the sugar in normal soft drinks can cause allergies, very occasionally, however, it still represents a risk for those who consume it. In the long term, it is not known what excessive consumption of these soft drinks can cause, since the task of investigating it for certain has not been undertaken because there are no records of people who have consumed them since childhood. You should know that soda is not a necessary food for a child’s development, therefore, you should be cautious with the amount your children consume. On the other hand, do not use it as an alternative to calm him down or as a reward, because he tends to take some negative attitudes for his growth in order to be rewarded with soda.