We all know it can be hard to control the amount of junk food that our children consume, especially over Halloween, but health experts are urging parents to monitor their child’s intake of sugary snacks during the holiday.
Why? Well according to boffins, large amounts of sweets and chocolate could leave your child more vulnerable to colds and flu as the temperatures start to drop.
Consuming lots of junk food which contains high levels of sugar can suppress your child’s immune system, leaving your little one open to infection from airborne viruses.
A recent survey conducted by Rubex Back to School revealed that almost three in four families have been hit by cold and flu symptoms since the start of the school year last month. 31 per cent of families suffered from colds, 11 per cent were battling the flu and six per cent were struggling with sore throats.
Too much sugar could leave your child open to viruses like a cold or the flu.
“If you consume sugar-containing foods several times per day during Halloween, you will in fact be suppressing your immune system at the time when you need it the most,” said Bernard McCormick, a spokesman for Rubex.
“Vitamin C is the essential nutrient that helps strengthen the body’s immune system,” he added.
Typically the cold and flu viruses are spread from person to person via sneezes, coughs and the respiratory droplets that are expelled when a person talks. Naturally enough these viruses tend to increase in September as children are put in close proximity of others for long periods of time during the school day.
In order to keep your little monsters health and happy this Halloween, allow them the odd treat but encourage them to eat healthy treats such as apples, oranges or raisins instead.
