5 Reasons Not To Give Your Child Fizzy Drinks | See Healthier Alternatives

According to a study conducted by University of Cincinnati, Clermont College, some fizzy drinks have over 40 grams of sugar per serving. Consumption of this much sugar can result in undesirable health effects. Why not try healthier alternatives.

In Nigeria, fizzy drinks, are our very popular and some packaged fruit juices or drinks that are especially appealing to children.

The number of fizzy drinks being produced are on a constant rise and most parents give them to their children without realizing what the health risks are. These drinks are made with ingredients like citric acid, phosphorous, enormous amounts of sugar, which are all very harmful to the body in the long run.

Here are 5 reasons to stop giving your child fizzy/soft drinks:

1. They are addictive

A report from a research conducted at the renowned John Hopkins school of medicine, concludes that Caffeine is the most commonly used mood altering drug in the world, and a good amount of it is present in every fizzy drink. Regular consumption of caffeinated products leads to a physical dependence overtime. Children are more susceptible to this effect as they have lower body weights and can get addicted to these drinks over time.

2. They have no nutritional value

Soda will not provide the much needed nutrients that your child needs. It only provides empty calories, and suppresses the appetite. Consuming soda may cause children to eat less of the foods they need to fuel their bodies, which means they get less of vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium, an important mineral to overall health. Also, Kids who drink soda are less likely to consume the necessary amount of milk or other calcium rich beverages with their food, because their appetites are already suppressed.

3. They weaken the bones

One of the main dangers of fizzy drinks is that regular consumption can deprive bones of the much needed amount of calcium. Phosphorus, is a very common ingredient in most of these drinks, it leads to bone loss when it is not in line with the levels of calcium in the body. Caffeine also interferes with the absorption of calcium and bone density.

4. They destroy your child’s teeth

Sugar isn’t good for teeth as they cause cavities, and neither are the acids within soda. Both the citric acid and phosphorus can wear away tooth enamel and lead to decay. So the next time you spot a child with yellow teeth or white streaks across their teeth, just know that it is probably due to these cavities.

5. They can affect their digestive systems

Drinking fizzy drinks or sodas regularly can upset the fragile, acid-alkaline balance of the stomach, making it more acidic than it is naturally meant to be. This prolonged acidic environment can lead to inflammation of the stomach and occasional bloatedness or build up of gas in a child’s tummy. It can even lead to what we call, Jedijedi. That’s when passing out stool with too much acidic content tends to irritate the anal area and it might make it itchy for your child and very uncomfortable.

Healthier Alternatives

• Smoothies – This is the easiest you can make, and we are sure your children will love it. Any combination of milk or yogurt with any fruit, put in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve with ice.
• Infused Water – A bottle or glass of water with either a slice of lemon, water, cucumber, strawberry, or whatever fruit your child takes a liking too.
• Natural juices – Take advantage of the seasons and give your child natural juices from fruits. Oranges, mangoes, banana, watermelon, etc
• A glass of milk, or soy milk