Do Sweet Foods Really Trigger Cough in Toddlers? Find Out the Truth Here!
Many parents forbid their children from consuming foods or snacks like chocolate, candy, or ice cream because they are worried these foods will trigger a cough in their little ones. Are you one of those parents?
Sweet foods are often associated with coughing. However, these types of foods are usually loved by children. The sweet taste is more easily accepted by children’s palates. In fact, it’s not uncommon for children to become addicted to sweet foods. So, is it true that sweet foods trigger coughing in children?
What is a cough?
It’s important to know that a cough is not actually a disease. A cough is a natural response or mechanism of the body to expel mucus and foreign substances, such as germs, viruses, and dust, that enter the throat and respiratory tract. Additionally, a cough can occur when someone inhales cigarette smoke or pollution.
Based on this explanation, it can be concluded that foods containing sugar are not the main cause of coughing in children. When consumed in normal amounts, sweet foods will not immediately cause a cough in your little one.
However, for some children, consuming excessive amounts of sweet foods can weaken their immune system. As a result, germs and viruses can more easily attack and cause them to become ill.
When your little one gets an infection in their throat, such as from the flu, they may experience coughing symptoms. This is why sweet foods are often considered to be a trigger for coughing in children.
Allergy and intolerance factors
Furthermore, each child has a different level of tolerance to certain types of foods, including those that contain sugar. Some children may have an allergy or intolerance to sugar, causing sweet foods to trigger certain reactions in their bodies.
Although rare, a sensitivity to sugar can also cause coughing or other symptoms, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, swollen lips, and itching after consuming sweet foods. A study conducted on animals also revealed that a non-caloric artificial sweetener called sucralose could cause coughing. However, there has been no specific research proving that artificial sweeteners can trigger coughing in humans.
Based on this information, Moms don’t need to worry too much if your little one occasionally consumes sweet foods. As long as there are no allergy triggers in those foods, there’s no reason to forbid them from eating them.
On the other hand, Moms surely know that excessive consumption of sweet foods can trigger other health problems, such as diabetes and obesity. Additionally, sweet foods can cause dental issues. For this reason, you should limit your child’s intake of sweet foods. Don’t forget to make sure your little one brushes their teeth after eating sweet foods.
As a note, children aged 2-18 years are recommended to consume no more than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of sugar per day, while children under 2 years old are strongly discouraged from consuming any added sugar at all, Moms.
