A Healthier Take on Halloween

NEW ORLEANS, Oct 24. - It's that time of year again! Everyone is putting away the picnic tables and swim gear and pulling out the pumpkins, costumes and of course, the candy! Buckets of it.

And while BCHS would never suggest banning chocolate, it's worth thinking about what all that sugar does to our bodies, impacting our teeth, energy, focus and overall health.

So, grab your pumpkin spice coffee, pull up a chair, and let's chat about how to make this Halloween sweet in all the right ways.

The Sugar Rush Rollercoaster

The sugar rush we all get, especially the kids, after raiding the candy bowl is real. Sugar gives your body a quick jolt of energy and what goes up must come down.

After the rush comes the crash, which can lead to mood swings, headaches, and that "why am I so tired all of a sudden?" feeling.

Too much sugar can also mess with your focus, sleep, and even your immune system, which is not ideal when flu season is creeping around the corner.

To combat the impact, try eating a balanced meal before dipping into the candy stash. Protein and fiber slow down how your body absords sugar, so you wont feel the instant spike and crash.

What Sugar Does to Your Teeth

Here's where our dental team starts shaking their heads, lovingly, of course.

When eating candy, bacteria in your mouth feeds on the sugar and produces acid. That acid can start to break down your enamel (the protective layer on your teeth), which leads to cavaties over time.

Stick candies (like caramels and gummies) and sour candies are the biggest culptrits because they hang around longer and create more acid.

Our Public Health Specialist, Sara Thomas, explains, "When you eat candy and sweet stuff, the pH in your mouth drops and becomes acidic. If you give your saliva time to neutralize that acid and give your teeth a little break, you’ll be better off in the long run."

So encourage your little ones to enjoy their candy after dinner, when salive production is higher, helping rinse away some of that sugar naturally. Most importantly, brush before bed!

A Healthier Halloween: Yes, It's Possible!

The goal isn't to take the fun out of it, but to enjoy it without feeling haunted by sugar regrets.

Here are some realistic ideas to help:

• Mix it up. Pair candy with non-sweet snacks like pretzels, popcorn or trail mix.
• Go mini. Fun-sized candies can be fun but try sticking to a few ideas instead of a handful.
• Drink water! It helps wash away sugar and keeps your body hydrated.
• No treats, try toys. Pass out items instead of candy. Stickers, glow bracelets, or mini toys are always a hit!
• Brush before bed! Even superheroes brush their teeth after fighting crime and calling it a night.

From all of us at BCHS, we wish you a fun, safe and healthy Halloween!