The Dangers of Sugary Drinks for Children's Health

Annie also highlighted the threat of consuming sugary drinks, such as sodas, juices, and drinks that are considered “healthier.” She emphasized that the human body needs water to support the function of body cells, but sugary drinks are unable to provide the required hydration. In fact, these types of drinks can slowly change children's taste sensitivity, making them reluctant to consume water. Annie recommends parents to avoid sugary drinks, as they not only impair sleep quality, but can also impact children's health.

Controlling Sugar Intake in Children's Food

Controlling sugar intake is also an important point in maintaining children's nutritional balance. Annie also warns against making a habit of giving sugary foods to children, especially at breakfast. Many parents make the mistake of considering pastry or cake as a healthy breakfast option. In fact, a high-sugar breakfast can cause drastic spikes and drops in blood sugar levels that can trigger mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and long-term health risks. As an alternative, Annie recommends a balanced breakfast that is rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, so that children stay energized and focused throughout the day.

The Importance of Sleep and Nutrition for Children

According to Annie, sleep and nutrition have a very close relationship. Lack of sleep can make children more likely to eat unhealthy foods, which can interfere with nutrient absorption, and can lead to fatigue and lack of concentration. To avoid this, make sure your children get enough sleep. For children aged 3-5 years, the ideal sleep time is 10-13 hours per day, while for those aged 6-13 years is 9-11 hours per day.

Eat Fruit Wisely

Not all fruits have the same nutritional value. While fruits like blueberries and cherry tomatoes are rich in essential nutrients, fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are high in fructose and low in fiber. Therefore, Annie recommends that children under 12 years old consume two servings of fruit per day to avoid excessive fructose consumption.

By raising awareness and setting appropriate limits, parents can control their children's nutritional intake. According to Annie, the right balance of nutrients is essential for children's growth. Parents should be able to pay attention to the consumption of caffeine, sugar and fruit, and ensure their children get enough sleep. By doing so, parents can help their children develop healthy eating habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle from an early age.

For more information on child health protection, please contact a medical professional.