It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing. The temperature is dropping. Our streets will soon be crowded with heroes and villains, celebrity look-a-likes, cops, fireman and, unfortunately, clowns. As Halloween approaches, many of us will be stocking up on sweet confectionary treats to pass out to the ghouls, ghosts and goblins that will be crowding our front door on Halloween night. It is estimated that Americans buy nearly 600 million pounds of candy each year for Halloween. Just for Halloween, that’s not considering the other holidays!
We consume, on average, 160 pounds of sugar a year. We all know that too much sugar invites cavities, but it leads to other maladies as well. Sugar effects your insulin levels, raises stress hormone levels and causes inflammation, which, again, effects your insulin and hormone levels and lowers your immune system. It can also increase your risk of heart disease, promotes belly fat and can be toxic to your liver. On top of that, sugar is very addictive. Recent studies have shown that sugar can be just as addictive as cocaine!
That’s just sugar! High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is another culprit to be wary of on Halloween night. HFCS is not natural, so our bodies do not process it like sugar. In fact, it raises our blood sugar level, but does not stimulate insulin, which helps to regulate your blood sugar level. HFCS also limits leptin production, which is the hormone that tells us when we are full, so we end up eating more than we should. In addition, since HFCS is metabolized in the liver, it favors the production of body fat. It also elevates your triglyceride levels and increases your risk for Type 2 Diabetes. HFCS is damaging to your intestines as well. It increases the permeability of the intestines – leading to Leaky Gut. Leaky Gut triggers your immune system and can lead to inflammation and new food sensitivities.
So instead of handing out sugar in a pretty package, here are some alternatives for Halloween night. Temporary tattoos are a great choice, no matter if they’re Halloween themed or not. You can hand out bubbles or stickers. Glow sticks/necklaces are another option. Mini Play-Doh or slime would do well. Halloween themed pencils, pencil toppers, or erasers are another option. Bouncy balls, mini slinkies, or whistles (or other noise makers) can be a hit. Plastic bugs, spider rings, or vampire fangs may work as well.
So what to do with the candy your kids do collect? You can use it as a teaching moment and read the labels with your child(ren). Help them to learn what they are putting into their bodies and why it’s important. You can pay them – pay your kids for their candy. Or trade them – offer to trade their candy for a toy (or if they want a treat, offer a healthier alternative). Another option is to donate the candy. There are various organizations that will take your Halloween haul and send it elsewhere. organizations such as Operation Gratitude, or Soldiers’ Angels, will collect your candy and send it with care packages to troops overseas. There are also local dentist offices and businesses that will “buy” back your Halloween candy with cash, toys, toothbrushes or coupons. The candy is then sent to these organizations.
Whatever you decide to do, be safe this Halloween season!
In health,
David Medina, DC