Concept photo of a child in front of a soft drink. Next to it is the amount of sugar in a regular can of soft drink. The over-consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks is associated with obesity type 2 diabetes dental caries and low nutrient levels.
DiYES International School – Sugar affects a child’s brain in significant ways, especially when consumed in excessive amounts. While sugar is essential for energy production, too much of it can lead to several health issues, including the potential for addiction. Experts explain that when children consume high levels of sugar, it triggers changes in the brain that can negatively impact behavior and cognitive function. This has become a growing concern for parents and health professionals alike.
Pediatric health experts strongly advise parents to control their children’s sugar intake to prevent addiction and the onset of various health problems. Excess sugar can affect not only the brain but also a child’s physical and emotional well-being. It’s crucial for parents to understand how excessive sugar consumption can alter brain activity and potentially lead to long-term health risks.
The Link Between Sugar and Addiction
“Sugar addiction can exhibit behaviors similar to substance addiction, such as overeating, withdrawal symptoms, and a strong craving to consume more,” said Siska Mayasari Lubis, a member of the Endocrinology Coordination Work Unit (UKK) at the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), during a webinar on November 26.
When consumed by children, sugar enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain. Sugar stimulates dopamine and opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in pleasure and reward mechanisms. With excessive and repeated sugar consumption, the concentration of sugar in the brain triggers dependency-like behavior. It also reduces a child’s ability to regulate their impulses effectively.
The repeated consumption of excessive sugar can disrupt the body’s natural regulatory systems. When sugar levels rise quickly, the body releases insulin to lower blood sugar levels. However, this process causes a rapid drop in blood sugar, which can trigger another desire to eat.
This cycle of sugar spikes and drops creates a craving for more food, leading to overeating. As a result, the child’s brain becomes accustomed to the fluctuations, which can increase the likelihood of developing addictive behaviors over time. In turn, this behavior can become harder to break as it becomes ingrained in their daily habits.
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Excessive sugar intake also affects the digestive system. The body responds to rising blood sugar levels by releasing insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. The rapid drop in blood sugar after insulin is released leads to further hunger and a desire to eat again.
As children continue to consume excessive sugar, their bodies may have trouble maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The fluctuation in sugar levels affects both their energy and mood. These rapid changes can lead to irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which ultimately impacts their daily activities.
Children’s sugar consumption is often influenced by the eating habits of their parents, the types of food available at home, and the food choices made for them. Parents should develop the habit of checking the sugar content in foods, particularly packaged foods.
Siska emphasized the importance of checking the nutrition label on food packages, which typically provides information about the sugar content. However, sugar is not always labeled as “sugar” or glucose. To avoid being misled, parents should look out for other names for sugar listed on the packaging:
Even if the food label states “healthy,” parents should still be cautious and pay attention to the ingredients list. Many seemingly healthy snacks may contain hidden sugars that can contribute to a child’s overall sugar intake.
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Parents play a crucial role in controlling their children’s sugar consumption. Since sugar is often added to processed foods, it is essential for parents to become more aware of the ingredients in the products they buy. By teaching children about the impact of sugar on their health and encouraging healthier food choices, parents can help prevent the development of sugar addiction.
Parents should also be mindful of the emotional and behavioral patterns that excessive sugar consumption can create. In many cases, children who consume too much sugar may develop mood swings, difficulty focusing, and an increased tendency to overeat. These behaviors can affect a child’s social interactions, school performance, and overall well-being.
By monitoring the foods children eat and educating them on the dangers of excessive sugar consumption, parents can help mitigate these negative effects and support their children’s long-term health.
