Your Body On Sweets: The Alarming Impact Of Added Sugars
There are many foods with added sugar that form part of your diet. In some cases, there aren’t significant health consequences. However, there are times when too much sugar can affect your body and lead to health risks such as type 2 diabetes and impact your cardiovascular health.
There are various reasons why sugar should be kept at a minimum in your diet. Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet and reducing your sugar intake can improve your overall health in the long run. Read on to find out how your body reacts to the impact of added sugars.
Things Too Much Sugar Does to Your Health
Fatigue and Tiredness
Consuming too much sugar can raise insulin levels, resulting in energy spikes. While this may seem like a good thing when you need an energy boost, it can lead to potential health risks. The surge of energy is temporary and causes significant fluctuations in your blood sugar levels that can increase the likelihood of an energy crash, resulting in fatigue and extreme tiredness.
Poor Skin Health
Did you know that sugar is one of the leading causes of poor skin health and premature ageing? Excess sugar consumption worsens skin inflammation, oil production and damages essential skin proteins. For most people, sugary foods can contribute to hormonal imbalances that can cause acne and eczema.
Weight Gain
Research suggests that consuming sugary foods and beverages contributes to obesity. Most importantly, a diet high in sugar can reduce leptin production, a hunger-regulating hormone. In other words, added sugars prevent your body from knowing when to stop eating, which results in weight gain in the long run.
Insomnia
A midnight snack doesn’t seem like a bad idea occasionally. However, if your preferred snack is sugary treats, your sleep cycle might be affected by the possible surge of energy before bedtime. If you want sound sleep, consider reducing the sugary treats you consume at night.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
A high-sugar diet increases the health risks of chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, inflammation, and obesity, which are common risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, too much sugar has been linked to clogged arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. The increased risk of cardiovascular disease intensifies the chances of having a stroke.
Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
According to research, there’s a link between the severity of type 2 diabetes and excessive sugar consumption. Sugary foods affect your insulin levels, leading to various degrees of insulin resistance. Prolonged consumption of added sugars can fluctuate your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Irregular Bloating
A diet high in unrefined carbohydrates and sugar can disturb your healthy gut flora. The bacteria and yeast found in your stomach produce gas levels that vary when digesting specific food in your stomach. A high sugar intake can lead to an overproduction of these gases, resulting in bloating that causes severe abdominal pain when left untreated.
Causes Cavities
A combination of good and harmful bacteria lives in your mouth. When you consume anything that contains sugar, the harmful bacteria produce a specific type of acid that can break down the minerals in your teeth to help with digestion. Continued consumption of added sugars leads to a repeated cycle of acid buildup, which may erode tooth enamel and cause cavities over time.
How to Reduce Your Sugar Intake
If you want to reverse the effects that sugar has on your health, you should consider these tips:
- Try to avoid foods with a high sugar content.
- Ensure you consume a well-balanced diet with fruits that have lower fructose levels.
- Avoid processed foods.
- Be mindful of your intake of brown sugar and honey.
- Brush your teeth after consuming sugary foods and beverages.
Reducing your sugar intake can benefit your physical and mental health. If you continue to have added sugars in excess, you might increase your risk of chronic health conditions. When you have Affinity Health coverage, you can access a vast network of doctors who can provide helpful advice on maintaining a nutrient-dense diet to promote a healthier lifestyle.
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