10 negative effects processed sugar has on children
Sugar, aka processed carbohydrates, is in my opinion one of the greatest threats to our health in the modern day. It has a great impact on multiple layers of health, especially the health of children. A highly cited study in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found that sugar, as pervasive as it is, meets the criteria for a substance of abuse and may be as addictive as drugs. This is very unfortunate, because children are being exposed to huge quantities of this substance daily.
In this post I could only fit 10 negative impacts sugar has on the body, yet there is so much more. Sugar is not only a toxin, but it is also pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidative, and affects every cell in the body negatively.
Quick Answer
Processed sugar is one of the most damaging substances in a child’s diet — research shows it meets the criteria for a substance of abuse, and it drives inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysfunction across nearly every system in the body. Removing processed carbohydrates, soft drinks, and sugary snacks is one of the single biggest changes you can make for your family’s long-term health.
Key Takeaways
- ✔ A highly cited study found sugar may be as addictive as drugs.
- ✔ Sugar is pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidative, and negatively affects every cell in the body.
- ✔ Effects range from weight gain and diabetes to brain fog, mood issues, and fatty liver.
- ✔ These impacts aren’t limited to children — adults experience the same effects.
- ✔ Cutting processed carbs, soft drinks, and sugary snacks is the single biggest change you can make.
The Damage It Does
Side effects sugar has on the body
- Weight gain.
- Insulin resistance.
- Blood sugar dysregulation.
- Promotes diabetes.
- Promotes brain fog.
- Promotes poor concentration and poor memory.
- May cause behavioural issues.
- Suppresses immune function.
- May aggravate asthmatic symptoms.
- May lead to chronic skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and hives.
- May promote and worsen allergies.
- Promotes cancer.
- Causes gastrointestinal inflammation, bloating, flatulence, heartburn, reflux, constipation, and others.
- May promote fatigue.
- Promotes irritability.
- May cause fatty liver.
- May cause high cholesterol.
- May lead to metabolic syndrome.
- Causes oxidation and inflammation systemically throughout the body.
- May worsen arthritic pain and joint pain.
- Promotes ageing.
- Promotes tooth decay.
What To Cut Out
What foods to stay away from?
All processed carbohydrates and sugary drinks fall into this category:
Bread Pasta Pizza Cereals Crackers Chips Chocolates Sweets Ice cream Hot chips Nuggets Burgers Soft drink Juices Energy drinks
Parents, you are your children’s guardians — protect them from this toxic, addictive, and life-destroying substance.
These negative impacts aren’t only limited to children. With the right tools and education, you can feed your family foods that promote optimal health and wellbeing — minimising the risk of disease long-term.
Want help building healthier habits for your family?
Book a consultation and get a practical, tailored plan for reducing sugar and supporting your children’s long-term health.