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 Delete From Your Children’s Diet

They seem harmless enough, but these two drinks can not only make your children gain an unhealthy amount of weight; they can also have other negative side effects. So, try to delete, or at least lessen, the amount of sodas and juices in your child’s diet.

4 Reasons Why Sodas are Bad for Kids

1. They Weaken Bones

The Journal of Adolescent Health reported that teenage girls who consumed soft drinks were three times as likely to suffer bone fractures compared with girls who didn't drink soda. And, since the childhood years are a prime time for developing bone density, children and teenagers who drink sodas can have consequences like osteoporosis in their adult life.

2. They Are Full of Sugar

Would you ever sit your child down and feed them 10 teaspoons of sugar? Of course not, but a can of soda (12 ounces) has 10 teaspoons of sugar.

3. They Pack on Weight

According to WebMD, for many kids who struggle with their weight, giving up sodas can lead to a weight loss of up 15 pounds a year. So on the flip side, when kids have soda as a regular part of their diet, they are not only filling up on lots of sweet calories, they’re consuming those empty calories instead of more nourishing food and drink.

4. Diet Sodas are NOT a Healthy Choice

So, if the sugar is such a big deal, how about letting our kids and teenagers drink diet soda; that solves the problem, right? Not quite. As iSpecialist, Dr. Walt Larimore, explains:

I often have patients ask if I think diet sodas are a healthy substitute for regular soft drinks. I tell them, “NO!” The primary reason is that diet soda consumption may weaken bones and lead to later osteopenia, osteoporosis, and/or bone fractures.

Now, I have another reason to add: Research presented at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference earlier this year suggests that diet soda consumption may be linked to increased heart risks.

[Is fruit juice okay for kids?]