Are you and/or your family consuming too much sugar? The answer is.. most likely.

Did you know that 3/4 of packaged and processed foods contain added refined sugar? And what’s worse is it can be listed under as many as 61 different names! So how do you really know how much sugar you and your family are actually consuming. It is so good to start young with healthy eating habits, including limiting the intake of refined sugar. Parents I encourage you to be as cautious as possible when grocery shopping for your children, and here is why.

• 1/5 of 4-5 year-olds and 1/3 of 10-11 year-olds are overweight

Being overweight as a child increases the likelihood of becoming an overweight adult. Being overweight causes you to be prone to a wide range of life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers. There are now 2.5 million people suffering from Type 2 diabetes, 90% of whom are overweight or obese.

Currently children are consuming 3 times the recommended amount of sugar. A 5 year old for example should only be consuming 19 grams (5 cubes) of sugar a day.. there are 5 cubes of sugar in just ONE small carton or pouch of juice. With just one beverage children hit their limits. Pop contains 9 cubes!! So you can see how easily sugar adds up in your child’s diet.. just through beverages alone! Along with causing weight gain that can lead to obesity sugar can also cause tooth decay. Your child’s well being will also suffer as they are more likely to be bullied, have low self esteem, and miss school due to more frequent illness.

Simple things like substituting water for sugary drinks such as juice and soda can make a huge difference. Also, staying away from processed and packaged food will help decrease the excess consumption of unwanted sugar. Stay on the perimeter of the grocery stores and try to choose as many whole and natural foods as possible! Chiropractors are not only trained in adjusting the spine but also in nutrition, don’t hesitate to ask your chiropractor what you can do along with getting your child’s spine checked to help your children get the proper nutrition they need!

Dr. Nicole Davis

Dr. Nicole Davis graduated from Logan University with not only her Doctorate in Chiropractic but her Bachelors in Life Sciences. After working with hundreds of clients a week in a busy Ohio Chiropractic clinic, she decided to head home to Des Moines to be closer to her family.  She currently specializes in family wellness care with advanced training in pediatric and pregnancy care, working alongside 2 other doctors in the only Wellness Center in Iowa to offer Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Specialized Pediatric and Pregnancy Care as well as Functional Medicine.  She loves spending time with family, friends and her dog, Maci. She is here to serve her community with love, support and enthusiasm.