We love everything about Halloween. It’s a time for spooky decorations, jack-o’-lanterns, cobwebs (the fake kind) and scary costumes. And the crisp fall air calls for pumpkin spice and a constant flow of hot tea. But along with this festive season, we are met with another not-so-good creature: candy. And a lot of it.
Jimmy Fallon’s infamous “Halloween Meltdown” videos, which feature children throwing tantrums when they are led to believe all of their Halloween candy has been eaten, demonstrate the volatile relationship kids can have with this sweet substance.
We understand that Halloween can be rather candy-centric, so we want to empower you with information and tips to help reduce the sugar load (and meltdowns) during this season.
Is your child sensitive to sugar?
Refined and processed sugar has an overall negative effect on the body. It causes blood sugar to spike (which then leads to the dreaded “crash” afterwards), creates inflammation in the body and weakens the immune system.
But what exactly does a sugar sensitivity look like? Although sugar can affect everyone differently, these are some common symptoms of sugar sensitivity in children:
- Tantrums
- Inconsolable emotions
- Tummy ache
- Headache
- Skin reactions: rashes, itchiness
Sugar can also contribute to ear infections, runny noses, and dark circles under the eyes, and can cause asthma symptoms to worsen.
Here’s what you can do about it:
We know it can be hard to avoid the sugar overload, especially after a night of trick-or-treating. So we have come up with some ways you and your kids can still enjoy Halloween traditions and not worry about the “sugar meltdown” afterward!
- Choose a few of the healthier Halloween treats listed in our guide—it’s all candy with no GMOs, corn syrups, artificial colors or preservatives.
- Try the “fair trade exchange” program with your child: offer your kids a chance to turn in their candy for a special surprise gift or money!
- Boost your child’s immune system by making sure they get enough sleep. This means getting to bed earlier and having a good 10-11 hours of sleep each night.
- Bring your child in to Advanced Allergy Solutions so they can be treated for sugar, as well as other allergens their body may be reacting negatively to. This treatment won’t reverse the effects of sugar, but it will help with the overreaction their body has to it.
Give these preventative tips a try for a healthier and happier Halloween!