Here at News of Month, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. One aspect of this is keeping an eye on your sugar intake. With over 11% of the US population having diabetes, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to prevent this disease from developing or worsening. In this article, we’ll go over some signs that you’re consuming too much sugar and the negative effects it can have on your body.
Digestive Issues
If you’re experiencing digestive issues like stomach cramps, diarrhea, or bloating, it may be time to examine your sugar intake. Consuming large amounts of sugar can irritate your gut, reducing the number of healthy bacteria and causing leaky gut syndrome. This syndrome causes gaps to form in the intestinal walls, allowing bacteria and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to cut back on the sugar and focus on eating healthier foods.
Brain Fog
Consuming too much sugar can also have an impact on your cognitive abilities. Your ability to focus and remember details may decrease, resulting in embarrassing moments where you struggle to remember something you knew just yesterday. This is due to hyperglycemia, where your blood glucose levels are too high, causing inflammation and unwanted pressure on your brain. Studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience brain fog. So, cut back on the sweets to keep your mind sharp.
Pimples
Finding a random pimple on your face is always annoying, but if you’re experiencing acne as an older adult, it could be a sign that you’re developing diabetes. Studies have shown that acne can be brought on by insulin resistance, which can result from consuming too much sugar. So, if you’re seeing those red dots pop up on your face, it may be time to rethink your diet.
Joint Pain
Joint pain can be brought on by a poor diet, especially one high in sugar. Research shows that patients with rheumatoid arthritis often report that their symptoms get worse when they drink soda and consume candy. Too much sugar can spark inflammation in your joints, making it harder for you to move around, and causing pain even when you’re not engaging in physical activity.
Sleep Issues
If you’re consuming too much sugar, it’s not just your diet that will be affected; your sleep cycle may suffer as well. High blood sugar levels can make it hard to stay asleep, resulting in a disrupted sleep cycle. A healthy sleep cycle depends on a healthy diet. Experts have found that people with insomnia are often eating way too much junk food, so it’s time to cut back on the sweets before bedtime.
Fatigue
If all you’re eating are sugary snacks throughout the day, your body is eventually going to crash, resulting in fatigue. A large soda from McDonald’s alone contains 80 grams of sugar, which will eventually leave you feeling tired and unable to stay active. Adult women are suggested to consume no more than 24 grams of sugar a day, with no more than 36 grams for adult men. So, if you’re consuming more than this within 24 hours, don’t be surprised if you’re feeling sleepy.
Oral Health Issues
It’s no secret that too much sugar can harm your teeth. Added sugar sends the bacteria in your mouth into a frenzy, allowing them to thrive and eventually cause cavities. Over time, you may experience extreme pain in your teeth, which will require a visit to the dentist. Gum disease can also result from consuming too much sugar, putting your general health at risk.
Work Performance
Consuming massive amounts of sugar can affect more than just your physical health; it can also have a negative impact on your work performance. If you’re unable to keep yourself awake or feeling gross and sluggish from eating nothing but sweets all day, your performance at work will suffer. This is especially true if your job requires physical labor, where you need to maintain high levels of energy to complete your daily tasks. It’s crucial to avoid eating garbage as much as possible and pack some fruits and vegetables along with a bottle of water to maintain enough energy to work.
High Blood Pressure
Consuming too much sugar can also affect your heart health. When you’re shoving nothing but burgers and fries down your throat, your blood pressure will shoot through the roof, forcing your heart to work twice as hard to pump blood. This is known as hypertension, and it can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It’s essential to cut back on added sugar after being diagnosed with hypertension to prevent heart disease.
Weight Gain
If you’re consuming too much sugar, you’ll notice weight gain, as sugar is not a nutrient that fills you up or keeps you full. Adult males need between two thousand and three thousand calories every day, while adult females need between 1600 and 2400 calories a day. However, if those calories don’t include nutrients like fiber, protein, or healthy fats, the sugar will be all you’re getting, leaving you craving more food throughout the day. It’s essential to cut back on sweets and start exercising to maintain a healthy weight.
Mood Swings
Finally, consuming too much sugar can affect your mood. If you’re feeling irritable, annoyed, or depressed, it could be due to high sugar consumption. Too much sugar can mess with your head and cause mood swings, making you feel like a downer. It’s essential to make some changes to your lifestyle, such as consuming less sugar, to prevent people from pushing you away due to a sudden change in attitude.
Conclusion
In conclusion, monitoring your sugar intake is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Consuming too much sugar can cause various negative effects on your body, including digestive issues, brain fog, pimples, joint pain, sleep issues, fatigue, oral health issues, work performance, high blood pressure, weight gain, and mood swings. It’s essential to consume healthier foods that are low in sugar, such as fruits and vegetables, and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and prevent the negative effects of sugar consumption. By doing so, you can prevent diabetes and other health issues caused by consuming too much sugar.