Home | health | 11 Potential Warning Signs Of Excess Sugar Intake

11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

Processed foods like cakes, cookies, candies, and breakfast cereals contain added sugar, and most people find them delicious and irresistible. However, they have little nutritional value. Eating too many sweets can increase the risk of several health issues. For instance, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and heart disease. When a person eats too much sugar regularly, the body begins to give signs that it is time to cut back on sweet foods.

High blood pressure
Besides monitoring salt intake, people suffering from high blood pressure should watch their sugar intake because eating too much sugar is also linked to high blood pressure. According to a study, foods high in sugar can reduce nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which can, in turn, impact blood flow and lead to high blood pressure.

Mood swings or irritability
Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed on and off is a common sign of high sugar intake. Mood swings occur as foods high in sugar affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Sugary foods also negatively impact gut function, another factor linked to a person’s mood.

Low energy or tiredness
Binging on sugary snacks wreaks havoc on one’s blood sugar levels. It first causes blood glucose to rise, providing a boost of energy. But this energy does not last for long. The body produces excess insulin to lower high blood glucose, eventually leaving the person tired and lethargic. This is why many experience low energy levels around 30 minutes after savoring a sugary snack. High-sugar foods are low in protein and fiber, depriving the body of enough nutrients to stay energized consistently.

Craving sweets all the time
Eating sugary foods causes the brain to release dopamine, the hormone which makes us feel positive and happy. After avoiding sugar for some time, dopamine levels drop, leading to withdrawal symptoms. As a result, the body craves more sweets like candy and cake, increasing a person’s dependence on them.

Acne or other skin issues
Frequent sugar consumption triggers the production of hormones like androgens, which may result in acne around the jawline and the mouth. So, if a person notices breakouts on their skin, it is a potential sign to cut down on added sugars. Besides causing breakouts, a high-sugar meal plan makes the skin appear wrinkly. This happens as sugar destroys collagen, the protein responsible for maintaining skin elasticity, structure, and strength.

Cavities or tooth decay
While dental problems could arise due to many reasons, they are also a famous indicator of excessive sugar intake. Sugary foods or drinks allow bacteria to thrive in the tiny spaces around the teeth, ultimately leading to oral health problems. When sugar combines with saliva and bacteria, it can form plaque on the teeth and result in dental issues like tooth decay and cavities.

Sleep problems
Foods high in refined sugar, such as ice cream, pastries, and candy, are linked to sleep disorders. Many people who eat such foods close to bedtime find it challenging to sleep. Even if they fall asleep, they find it hard to get quality rest and do not feel refreshed the following day. So, those who find themselves restless while sleeping and wake up tired or sluggish should look for excess sugar in their nutrition regimen.

Brain fog
A high-sugar meal can make a person feel confused and distracted. This is called brain fog. The rise and drop in blood sugar levels may affect one’s ability to stay focused at work. The elevations and crashes in blood sugar can also cause inflammation in the brain cells, resulting in memory loss over time and other complications that are hard to manage.

Joint pain
Joint pain is a popular symptom of aging and joint conditions like arthritis, but it could also result from excess sugar consumption. High sugar intake can cause chronic inflammation and pain in the joints. Moreover, research has shown that drinking sweetened soda regularly increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in some women.

Food no longer tastes sweet enough
If one feels the need to add more sugar to their meals to satisfy their sweet cravings, it could be because their taste buds expect a higher level of sweetness. Reducing sugar intake gradually can help such individuals feel content with what they eat. Avoiding artificial sweeteners is also crucial, as they are sweeter than natural sugar and can increase overall sugar cravings.

Digestive issues
Foods high in sugar lack fiber, leading to digestive issues. So, those experiencing bloating, diarrhea, or stomach pain should pay attention to their sugar intake. Sugar may worsen the symptoms in some people with Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis. Individuals with these disorders should swap sugary foods with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to prevent gut problems.

Eating too much sugar can lead to several health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. This condition has no cure, and managing it can be difficult. The health treatments to manage high blood sugar can vary depending on the type of diabetes. General diabetes care usually includes monitoring blood glucose levels, following a healthy nutrition plan, and staying active. However, severe cases may also require medical treatments. Consistently high blood sugar can lead to complications like chronic kidney disease (CKD), which also requires specific health treatments.

Those with diabetes and CKD should visit a doctor nearby and use the health treatments that work best for them. A healthcare expert can recommend the right health tests and the top health treatment options. They can also help patients develop a strategy to cut back on sugar and manage their sugar cravings. This can not only help lower blood sugar levels but also contribute to better overall health and well-being in the long term.

If you struggle to keep up with diabetes treatment, Medicare health insurance has some options. It covers not just some supplies but offers services and runs preventive programs for those at a higher risk. It also covers CGM devices or Continuous Glucose Monitor devices to help one track their blood sugar levels.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, is a chronic digestive disease of the esophagus caused by an allergic condition. It is characterized by chest pain, heartburn, and solid food dysphagia. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause esophageal remodeling and stricture formation. This disorder is also marked by eosinophilic inflammation and impacts the quality of life of the affected person. You can check out various reliable health websites to get information on eosinophilic esophagitis. A patient with EoE must be very careful with his health and meal plans, as research suggests that EoE is linked to food allergies. Therefore, the six most common food items that are responsible for such allergies include: Dairy Cow milk is said to be one of the most common reasons for EoE. Milk protein can trigger too many eosinophils. You should avoid food items made up of milk, buttermilk, lactose, and other related dairy products. You can replace dairy products with coconut hemp, dairy-free yogurts, cashew ice cream, etc. Soy Soy-based food items include tofu, soy butter, soymilk, and miso. Soy cheese, soy nuts, soy milk, etc., should be avoided and can be substituted with refined soybean oil or coconut aminos. Wheat You might think wheat is only found in bread, cereal, or baked goods.
Read More
5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

One of the most vital systems in our body is the digestive system. It is responsible for the digestion of food and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body to meet the bodily requirements for energy, development, and cell repair. Issues in the digestive can interfere with the body’s ability to get energy from food. While some gastrointestinal issues can go away with healthy eating habits, other concerns may require treatment.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the cluster of varied symptoms categorized as IBS is brought on by changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. The primary sign is abdominal pain, which can develop before or after a bowel movement, and is a reliable indicator of IBS. Additionally, one may experience both constipation and diarrhea. The form of IBS can be determined depending on whether a person has diarrhea or constipation more frequently or both equally. Other IBS signs and symptoms are incomplete bowel motions, white mucus in the stool, and bloating. Nutrition is important for managing the symptoms of IBS, which includes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals and avoiding common trigger foods when the cause of the condition is unknown. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection are common causes.
Read More
8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Most of us make it a goal to keep our house clean and tidy. Cleaning the house may look like a straightforward task, but there are certain aspects that are generally overlooked. Cleaning is a time consuming and tedious activity. And most of us make common cleaning mistakes that do not provide us with the results we expect. So here is a list of cleaning mistakes to avoid for better results and a sparkling clean home. Mixing cleaning chemicals You may think mixing two or more cleaning products will increase the cleaning power. However, this can be very dangerous as it might release toxic fumes. For example, household cleaners like Clorox Pinesol should never be mixed with bleach as they can react together to produce hazardous chlorine gas or even chloroform. Similarly, Pinesol disinfectant should not be mixed with room spray sanitizer as the chemicals could react together to unleash a toxic cloud of gases that can trigger respiratory problems and even cause skin burns. Instead of mixing chemicals, use a single cleaning agent or solution and stick to a reliable brand. Alternatively, you can also enlist the help of a cleaning company, like Servpro Services, which offers a range of affordable home cleaning services. Using feather dusters A feather duster may seem very useful, but all it does is spread the dust from one surface to another.
Read More
Thyroid Cancer – Types, Causes, Symptoms, and More

Thyroid Cancer – Types, Causes, Symptoms, and More

The thyroid is a tiny butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the throat and is a component of the endocrine system. It produces hormones that regulate the metabolic rate, heart rate, and body temperature. Thyroid cancer develops when cancer cells form in the gland. A mass of cancer cells – the malignant tumor is capable of spreading into neighboring areas. While there are multiple forms of thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most prevalent. In approximately 70–80% of cases, it often affects only one lobe of the thyroid gland. About 20% of thyroid cancer cases are follicular thyroid carcinoma. Types of thyroid cancer Researchers have uncovered four primary categories of thyroid cancers: Papillary thyroid carcinoma If a person is detected with thyroid cancer, they are more likely to be this type. Although it frequently invades the lymph nodes in your neck, its growth is typically modest. So, the patient still stands a strong chance of recovering fully. Follicular thyroid cancer 17-20% of thyroid malignancies diagnosed around the world are follicular thyroid tumors. In addition to easily spreading into your blood vessels, it can also expand into your lymph nodes. Medullary cancer 4% of thyroid cancer cases reported are medullary cancer.
Read More