Children are naturally hyperactive especially when they start to walk and talk. Activity levels in children vary with their age like a 2-year old compared to the active level and attention span of a 10-year old child. This also varies depending on the interest of the activity but the level of caloric intake of children however was believed to amplify these levels. Because of these, an increasing problem of overweight and obesity among children have been observed. Based on the Expanded National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) 2019 data, an average of 2.9 percent among Filipino children under five years are overweight, and aged five to ten years old is around 9.8 percent. This may predisposes children to developing early disease conditions such as diabetes, heart-associated condition, and other metabolic diseases which are collectively called non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Questions circulating about overweight and obesity related to the intake of sugar and sugary products and early detection of excessive sugar intake link to hyperactive children. What foods should I let my kid/s eat? Is there a link between sugar intake and hyperactive children?
Hyperactive means an increase in movement, impulse action, being distracted, and shorter attention span. Some people believe that children are more likely to be hyperactive if they eat sugar and artificial sweeteners. But according to medical news today, after conducting a meta-analysis of the reported studies to date found that sugar does not affect the behavior or cognitive performance of children. It means it does not correlate with the intake of sugar and hyperactivity in children. Hyperactivity disorder or sometimes called attention deficit resulted from a blood relative from a parent or siblings and is another mental health disorder, it is sometimes caused by too much exposure to lead found mainly in paints. Now that we know that sugar intake does not affect hyperactivity, we need to know what food our children should consume.
Let our children consume complex carbohydrates more than simple carbohydrates. Based on the 2015-2020 dietary guidelines, consume complex carbohydrates as it breaks down slowly in the body so digestion takes time and it’s easier for the body to regulate them. Around 50-60 percent carbohydrate intake is required for maintaining healthy growth and development in children. Vegetables and fruits are essential than sweetened beverages and processed with refined sugar contents.
Exercising and exploring outdoors with your children are a good start to an active and healthy lifestyle. Let them play outside and be physically active as it is recommended that at least 60 minutes of active playtime for toddlers and 120 minutes for preschoolers must be accomplished. As parents, our primary concern will always be the health benefits of our children. We just want what is best for them and help them achieve their full potentials through our best nurturing care and provide them the safest and happy growing environment possible.
NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar
References:
- DOH, int’l orgs call for action against childhood obesity
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1132562
- The Center for parenting Education
https://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/nutrition-and-healthy-lifestyle/sugar-and-our-childrenwhats-the-deal/
- Carbohydrates and Sugar
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sugar.html
- Kids and Exercise
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/exercise.html
- Medical myths: Does sugar make children hyperactive?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-does-sugar-make-children-hyperactive