Teaspoon Of Sugar Helps The Medicine Go Down
“A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,” is a well-known phrase from the popular movie Mary Poppins. The phrase has become synonymous with making something unpleasant more tolerable. In the case of medicine, it refers to using sugar to make the taste of medicine more palatable. This article will explore the history behind the phrase, the science behind why sugar helps to make medicine more tolerable, and the pros and cons of using sugar to help with the administration of medicine.
The History Behind The Phrase
The phrase “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” was made famous by the 1964 Disney movie, Mary Poppins. In the movie, the character Mary Poppins uses the phrase to convince the children to take their medicine. However, the phrase was not invented by the writers of the movie. The phrase actually dates back to the 19th century and was commonly used by parents to encourage their children to take their medicine.
The idea behind the phrase is that by adding sugar to medicine, it would make it more palatable and therefore easier to swallow. This was especially important in the days before flavored medicine and chewable tablets. In those days, medicine was often administered in liquid form, which could have a very unpleasant taste.
The Science Behind Why Sugar Helps
The science behind why sugar helps to make medicine more tolerable is relatively simple. When we taste something sweet, our brain releases endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. This is why we often associate sweet foods with feelings of pleasure and happiness. By adding sugar to medicine, we can trigger the release of endorphins, which can help to mask the unpleasant taste of the medicine.
Sugar also has a numbing effect on the tongue, which can help to further reduce the sensation of bitterness or unpleasantness that often comes with medicine. Additionally, sugar can help to stimulate saliva production, which can help to wash away any unpleasant tastes left in the mouth after taking medicine.
The Pros and Cons of Using Sugar to Help with the Administration of Medicine
While adding sugar to medicine can make it more palatable, there are also some potential downsides to using sugar in this way. The biggest concern is that sugar is not healthy for our bodies, especially when consumed in large amounts. For people who need to take medicine on a regular basis, this can add up to a significant amount of sugar over time.
Another concern is that using sugar to mask the taste of medicine can make it easier to accidentally overdose on medication. If a person can't taste the medicine, they may inadvertently take too much, which can be dangerous or even deadly.
Despite these concerns, there are still many situations where adding sugar to medicine is a good idea. For children who are reluctant to take medicine, adding a little bit of sugar can make it much easier to convince them to do so. Additionally, for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, it may be necessary to add sugar to medicine in order to avoid dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
The phrase “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” has been around for over a century and has become a cultural touchstone. While adding sugar to medicine can make it more palatable, it's important to be aware of the potential downsides. As with any medication, it's important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and to never take more than the recommended dose.