By Luigi Gratton, M.D., M.P.H.

Kids today are on sugar overload! According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, kids are getting a staggering 29 teaspoons of refined sugar per day. This overconsumption of sugar is causing a variety of problems and health issues. A high-sugar diet can suppress the immune system, cause tooth decay and even lead to diabetes.

Tips:

• Avoid giving your kids a high-sugar snack before a practice or game. Too much sugar causes energy peaks, followed by a crashing low which leaves them tired, irritable and unable to concentrate.
• Offer your kids a healthier snack alternative, such as fruit. It’s a naturally sweet snack that also contains fiber and vitamins they need.
• Watch the high-sugar breakfasts. Kids’ cereals contain about 52 percent more sugar than adult cereals and have less protein and fiber.
• Be careful of sugar-sweetened sodas. Each 12-ounce carbonated soft drink contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories.
• Beware of juice-flavored drinks. They often contain as much added sugar as soft drinks and also tend to be high in calories and low in valuable nutrients.