iSpecialist

Dr. Walt Larimore

Walt Larimore, M.D. has been called “one of America’s best known family physicians.” He is a nationally-known and nationally sought after speaker and health expert. read bio

1 Thing to Decrease in Your Child’s Diet

Fruit juice sounds like a healthy alternative to sodas and soft drinks, but medical experts say that moms need to rethink the way they view juice.

2 Reasons Why You Need to Decrease Fruit Juice in Your Child’s Diet

1. It Has Lots of Sugar

Though juices do have some nutrients, they also have a lot of natural sugar, making them calorie dense. So, children drink juice and then pass up healthier alternatives like whole fruit or milk.

2. It Is Bad for Teeth

When children drink juice from a sippy cup or a bottle over a long period of minutes or hours, they’re basically bathing their teeth in sugar. That’s bad for tooth enamel and overall tooth health. So, give your children juice with food as part of a meal, with a set amount time for drinking.

How much juice is OK?

To ensure that your child isn't drinking too much juice, follow these limits from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association:

Birth to 6 months: No fruit juice, unless it's used to relieve constipation

6 months to 6 years: 4 to 6 ounces (118 to 177 milliliters) a day

7 years and older: 8 to 12 ounces (237 to 355 milliliters) a day

And, as you’re decreasing the amount of juice in your child’s diet, also think about removing soda and soft drinks completely.