Let Your Kids Enjoy a Healthy Halloween

Halloween is an exciting time for kids, but it poses challenges for parents, who want their children to enjoy this festive holiday but are mindful of the health effects of consuming such large quantities of sugar. In this Patch post we will provide tips on how to embrace Halloween, while staying true to the nutrition principles that you embrace the rest of the year.

Check the treats your young goblins are gobbling.

Halloween candy often contains a significant amount of high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars that are not beneficial to our health. Sugar suppresses the immune system, providing great opportunity for your little ones (and you) to get sick, as well as promoting weight gain. Check the nutrition labels and be mindful of the ingredients in the candy your children come home with after a night of trick-or-treating. Also make sure your child’s candy hasn’t been opened and is in its original packaging.

Spread out the Halloween haul.

Moderation is key for many aspects of healthy living, particularly when it comes to your diet. Set limits on the amount of candy your child eats on Halloween night and the following days, allowing a little candy each day, rather than a child binging and feeling ill.

Buy healthy Halloween treats to distribute at home.

Buy healthy products when you’re stocking up on goodies for trick-or-treaters so your children get the message that there are healthy (and tasty!) Halloween treats available. Fortunately, there is now a variety of organic and vegan options that are more healthful and that parents can offer to children as an alternative to traditional Halloween sweets. Some examples of these products include sugar-free gum, organic lollipops, organic fruit snacks, organic popcorn, mini bags of pretzels and dark chocolate kisses.

Dark chocolate actually has many health benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. Research has shown that flavonoids can reduce and prevent cardiovascular damage, lower blood pressure and have a positive effect on blood cholesterol – pushing the bad form (LDL) down, and raising the good form (HDL).

Protect your child’s teeth from creepy cavities.

Halloween is the perfect time to remind your children of the importance of proper dental hygiene. Foods containing high amounts of sugars can be harmful for our teeth, particularly in children who are already susceptible to cavities. Sugars cause plaque to build up on the surface of our teeth, releasing toxins that attack the hard enamel coating that protects our teeth, causing cavities, gingivitis or gum inflammation. The Mayo Clinic says the best way to fight against tooth decay is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.

Make sure your child’s costume is safe.

Ensure your child can be seen by drivers by adding bright, reflective gear to their costumes. If your child is wearing something dark, decorate their costume and goody-bags with reflective tape and patches. Also be sure that no aspects of your child’s costume impair their vision, especially wigs, hats, masks, eye patches, etc. Your child should carry a flashlight to improve visibility of sidewalks, steps and paths.

Halloween is just one day a year, so let your children enjoy the holiday while educating them about the healthy choices they should be making the other 364 days.

Steve Bernardi is a registered compounding pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email steve@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.