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How Excess Sugar In Your
Daily Diet Could Cause Problems
There’s increasing
awareness among people about health; the importance of a healthy lifestyle
that includes a balanced diet and physical activities is known to us. This
combination of wholesome food and regular exercising plays a major role in
keeping most diseases and illnesses at bay. One of the most researched
aspects about health is how consumption of sugar affects us. It’s a
well-documented fact that sugar intake must be limited. While
sugar from
milk, fruits, honey, and other such naturally available sugar sources are
beneficial for health, you should be looking to cut down on added, refined sugar and artificial
sweeteners in the diet.
Diabetes is one of the many health issues that
may occur with a diet that provides a regular consumption of
large quantities of sugar. Such people find it difficult to
metabolize their blood sugar. They need careful monitoring of the sugar in
their daily diet. An imbalance in the blood sugar level could cause
glaucoma, hypertension, anxiety, elevated triglycerides, and kidney
diseases. A diabetic could find performing even day-to-day activities very
difficult. Sugar also affects the immune system as it may cause a lower number of
white blood cells that are needed to fight disease causing bacteria. This is
a chronic condition and hence has to be handled carefully.
Refined white sugar has almost zero nutritional value. For it to be burnt
off, vitamins and minerals are used up thus lowering the levels of these
essential components. Sugar is also detrimental for optimal absorption
of minerals. There are numerous problems associated with reduced vitamins
and minerals. This sugar whose chemical composition is almost the same as
that of alcohol is also addictive. So when you’re making changes to your
diet to cut down on such sugar, you could exhibit withdrawal symptoms such
as headaches, flu, and mood swings. It thus makes sense to seek expert
guidance when you decide to do away with refined sugar products.
Sugar intake is related to weight gain. Beverages, processed foods and
drinks that are high on fructose don’t supply the nutrients required by the
body. Instead they could make you overweight. Calorie consumption is known
to be proportional to the sugar taken. If you’re leading a sedentary
lifestyle, this situation is all the more dangerous; while on the one hand
you’re piling up your calories due to excess sugar, you’re not even burning
them off. As a result obesity, heart problems, and arthritis are some of the
related health issues you may have to deal with. You may have to
determine how much sugar you need for the kind of life you lead and work on
a diet that provides the approximate quantity.
Cholesterol could be good or bad. Excess sugar causes the levels of bad
cholesterol to be high while lowering that of the healthy constituent. The
arteries could be blocked. Another complaint is that of tooth decay and gum
diseases. Regular brushing of teeth could help, but it’s advisable to keep
the sugar intake lower. In some people suffering from an irritable bowel,
sugar could only aggravate the condition; the increase in the acid content
in the stomach is attributed to the high levels of sugar.
Consuming too much sugar can also cause weakness and
fatigue. An increase in
the level of Tryptophan causes Serotonin levels to rise more in the body.
This causes the individual to binge eat. Sugar highs are almost always
followed by sugar lows. Such mood swings are due to the endorphins or the
natural tranquilizers being released in large amounts. Some people also
suffer from insomnia while others could feel extremely sleepy. To avoid such
extreme feelings, foods that are on the lower end of the
glycemic index such
as beans and lentils are better than polished rice, cakes, and bread.
Recent studies have also indicated that sugar causes an imbalance in the sex
hormones. The levels of testosterone and estrogen are affected as the excess
sugar is converted into lipids. These lipids bind the sex hormones thus
hindering the normal functioning. Acne, polycystic ovaries, uterine cancer,
and infertility are some of the problems that could occur in women. Sugar
could deter the absorption of proteins or even modify its structure.
In pregnant women, sugar level is closely monitored. Preeclampsia is a
condition that could have severe effects on both the mother and child. Such
women are advised to go on a sugar-free or a low sugar diet. Over an
extended period of time, gestational diabetes could lead to diabetes in the
mother. Osteoporosis or weakening of the bones is another common condition
that’s known to be caused due to high sugar consumption.
Fructose is needed only in small quantities and fruits are a great source of
this sugar. Don’t consume sucrose in large amounts. Honey not only supplies
sugar but is also high on calories. Hence, you must use it very carefully.
While there are sweeteners that are considered to be a boon for those
suffering from diabetes, some people are still skeptical about them,
especially aspartame, as their consumption could lead to other problems.
However, studies have determined that these sweeteners can be used if you’re
healthy.
Check with your physician before making any changes to your diet. Simply
because your sweet is sugar-free doesn’t mean that it’s also calorie-free;
sugar substitutes should be checked to see if they’re zero calorie.
Irrespective of the type and quantity of sugar consumed, you must ensure
that only adequate amount of sugar is stored.
Switch to fruits and fresh juices instead of sodas and canned punches. Check
for the sugar content when you’re picking food items off the shelf in your
supermarket; corn syrup is high on fructose. You must try and get your
nutrients from natural sources. For instance, Calcium must be obtained from
milk instead of sweetened drinks that could have the mineral as an additive.
When you consume such drinks, you’re only compounding the problem of lack of
nutrients by eating ‘bad’ sugar. Strike to maintain a balance between the
calories consumed and calories burnt. Make exercise a part of your daily
routine to stay fit and healthy. While sugar is a great source of energy,
you must use it only in limited quantities and sensibly to make the most of
it.
Sweetener & Additive problems
added in Foods
References:
http://www.diethealthclub.com/sweeteners/natural-sugar-substitutes.html
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/learn-it/fat-free.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com/sugar_consumption.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/444869/too_much_sugar_affects_sex_hormones.html
http://www.ei-resource.org/articles/general-environmental-health-articles/sweet-poison-/
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-common-health-issues-related-to-sugar.htm
http://www.healingcancernaturally.com/sugar-health-effects-risks.html
http://www.school-for-champions.com/health/fleming_food_mood.htm
http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/sugar.htm
You must seek approval from your doctor
before starting any new diet.
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