Trick or Treat: How much sugar is too much? Beware of the Halloween candy stash.

Kim Gubbins, CPNPFrom the desk of Pediatric Nurse                       Practitioner Kim GubbinsWe know that dietary and lifestyle habits are major contributors of chronic diseases including Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, elevated blood pressure, obesity and dental cavities. We have seen childhood obesity on the rise and many studies have linked sugar intake to this increase.According to the American Heart Association (AHA), “children should consume less than 25 grams (g), or the equivalent of 6 teaspoons, of added sugar per day.” This is significantly less than what most of our children are receiving. On average kids are getting around 80 g of added sugar per day! The experts are telling us that half of this sugar intake it from drinks (juice, sweet tea, sports drinks or soda) and half of this sugar is from food. The AHA more specifically suggests that we only allow our children 8 oz of a sugar sweetened beverage, justone time per week. Yes, ONCE per week not ONCE per day!!!“Sugar sweetened beverages are the largest source of added sugar and an important contributor of calories in the diets of children in the United States. ” And we know that added sugar and higher calories can lead to insulin resistance which places are kids at a much higher risk for type 2 diabetes and obesity.As parents, we need to start looking at labels and limiting ...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Healthy Habits Source Type: news