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Carbonated drinks are often very attractive to children, but they are not recommended for their good health. The best thing is to instill in them the habit of drinking pure water on a regular basis from the age of 2.
Carbonated beverages are products that are within the reach of any average family. In fact, they have a high consumption, despite in recent years there have been warnings about its harmful effects.
This is worrying, especially when children are one of the segments of consumers of carbonated drinks. While it is true that carbonated waters are less harmful than sugary soft drinks, it is also true that they have some negative effects.
Carbonated drinks are often very attractive to children, since they come in different flavors and have attractive presentations. At first, if any of them is consumed very sporadically, it would not cause problems. On the other hand, if they were ingested on a regular basis, they could cause health difficulties.
What are carbonated drinks?
Carbonated drinks are the same as fizzy drinks or fizzy drinks. This means that carbon dioxide has been added to give them effervescenceas well as a mild sour taste.
Unless it’s carbonated water, these types of drinks also usually have a wide range of components. Among them are natural or artificial flavors, preservatives, fruit juices, emulsifiers, colorants, etc.
Usually, these types of drinks come in bottles or cans. Some have more fizz than others, depending on their composition. Although carbonated waters are often promoted as a healthier alternative, some also contain caffeine and similar substances.
Types
In general terms, there are four types of carbonated drinks according to the components they include. Such types are as follows:
- carbonated waters. They include sparkling mineral water, club soda, tonic water, and seltzer water. With the exception of the latter, all have added minerals. Seltzer doesn’t have them, but it does have added carbonation.
- Refreshments. They are known as “fizzy drinks” and have considerable levels of sugar. The most striking thing is its taste. There are also versions Light or without sugar.
- Rehydrating or sports drinks. They contain low doses of sodium and promote rehydration. Within this category, energy drinks are also usually grouped, which contain stimulants.
- Nectars. Carbonated beverages that include natural fruit flavors are generally called this.
Carbonated drinks and children
Carbonated drinks are not recommended for children. There is enough information about the harmful effects of high levels of sugar in soft drinks. Also, it is clear that children’s consumption of energy drinks is unacceptable.
Confusion arises around carbonated waters, which are usually presented as a healthy and safe alternative for children. Even this way, the general consensus is that the best drink for little ones is plain water.
One advantage of carbonated water over other carbonated beverages is that it does not contain high levels of sugar. Therefore, can be considered a good alternative to abandon soft drinks, when children are very adept at them. However, it does not offer any nutritional advantage over plain water.
Another advantage of carbonated water is that can help develop children’s taste for pure water. This presentation is very attractive to them. The important thing is to take care that it is a low sodium water.
Impact of carbonated beverages on children’s health
Carbonated beverages, including carbonated waters, can have negative impacts on children’s health. The first of them is that can increase the Feeling fullin an artificial way. This may lead to a lack of appetite for more nutrient-dense foods. Other possible effects are as follows.
Digestive problems
Carbonated beverages often cause gasboth in children and adults. Each organism reacts differently, but this is very usual. Also, they can cause stomach upset. It applies to both sugary drinks and carbonated water.
Overweight and obesity
When carbonated drinks contain very high levels of sugar, become a clear risk factor for developing overweight or obesity. Both conditions, in turn, become risk factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high triglycerides.
teeth and bones
Carbonated drinks are more acidic and some of them have high levels of sugar. This leads to calcium leaks out and doesn’t get to the bones properly. The consequence is that it can weaken them.
Also, this can damage the teeth. May erode tooth enamel and promote tooth decay. An investigation noted that carbonated beverages with a pH below 4 are considered harmful to teeth. This includes flavored waters.
allergies
Sometimes children are allergic to some of the components of carbonated drinks. Even carbonated water contains different elements than water itself and these can cause this reaction.
Age and consumption of carbonated beverages
Most pediatricians agree that no child should consume carbonated beverages before the age of 7. In fact, the most advisable thing is not to ingest these types of products at any age, or to do so in a very moderate way.
Babies under 6 months should only have breast milk or formula. It is not necessary for them to drink water, even if it is hot. This can lead to a condition called “water intoxication,” which leads to excessive sodium loss through the kidneys.
After 6 months, the baby can be given a few sips of plain water occasionally. Bottled water, even if it is not carbonated, can contain elements that can harm you. Much less should he be given carbonated water.
With respect to children older than 2 years, it is indicated to follow these recommendations:
- teach by example. When adults prefer pure water, children learn to imitate them.
- Start the day with a glass of water. It’s a wonderful habit.
- Make sure your child drinks enough water throughout the day so they are always hydrated.
- Always have a pitcher of pure water on the table. It is the best choice when eating.
- Teach him to drink water before, during and after playing sports.
Better to drink natural water
Although carbonated water is a better choice than other carbonated beverages, There is also no particular reason to prefer it over plain water.. This type of drink is more treated and, therefore, always has additional components that, perhaps, do not contribute anything.
In addition, children who drink this type of water develop a taste for them, due to the sensation of effervescence, and in these conditions they become more likely to end up drinking carbonated drinks with sugar. It is best to prevent.
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