10 Signs of Excessive Sugar Intake That Can Cause Health Issues
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Several scientific studies have demonstrated how excess sugar damages the human body over time. One of the most alarming consequences is the development of diabetes, which can lead to various other complications. It is important to monitor and regulate blood sugar to prevent such complications. We can do so by having a healthy and balanced meal plan, indulging in an active lifestyle, and taking proper treatment to manage the condition.
Excessive sugar intake is linked to a wide range of lifestyle and autoimmune diseases, including type-2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and fatty liver disease. Doctors suggest treatment options based on the nature and severity of the health condition. For example, the use of an insulin pump, islet cell transplant, frequent monitoring of blood-sugar levels, and switching to a healthy lifestyle are some remedies suggested for diabetes. However, since prevention is better than cure, it is important to detect signs of high sugar intake early and address the root cause. Here are some signs of excessive sugar intake:
Constant craving for sugary things
The reward center in your brain activates when you ingest some food or drink containing sugar. When sugar enters your body, your brain responds to dopamine, also known as feel-good chemicals. To put it simply, the brain informs your body that it feels good and wants more of that sweet-tasting thing. The issue with such a feeling is that your brain gets addicted to it over time and starts craving more. This is similar to how you develop an alcohol tolerance and need more of it to feel the buzz.
Feeling lethargic throughout the day
The pleasure of the sweet taste spikes your insulin, which makes the brain happy. But after this initial high, it is inevitable for your brain to come down and feel low. It must be noted that your energy levels directly correlate with your glucose intake. If your glucose intake levels are stable, your energy levels will also remain stable. However, if you ingest too much glucose, your energy levels will go up suddenly and then have an abrupt landing, making you feel sluggish all day. To maintain your energy levels, it is vital to complement your sugar intake with lots of fiber and protein.
Developing skin problems
Excessive sugar intake leads to sudden insulin spikes. This sets off a gush of hormones which starts showing in the form of acne or rosacea. Furthermore, several studies show an intimate relationship between excessive sugar intake and wrinkly or saggy skin. Collagen is a protein that ensures youthful and supple skin. An excess of glucose and sugar intake generates advanced glycation. In other words, it leads to collagen weakening, resulting in loose, saggy skin.
Being moody
According to some studies, people who consume too much sugar are more inclined to experience mood swings and depression. Besides that, excessive sugar also affects your gut health, which, in turn, affects your mood. Your gut flora is home to various bacteria strains, producing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating your mood. As your gut health is affected by sugary-rich meals, you tend to experience a bad mood.
Developing more cavities
Your teeth experience the brunt of having too much sugar first. The bacteria in your mouth are responsible for metabolizing the sugar you ingest. However, as a byproduct, they release acid, reducing your mouth’s pH from a neutral 7 to an acidic state. As your mouth’s pH level dives below the critical pH of 5.5, your teeth begin to dissolve. It is not before 20 minutes that your saliva finally succeeds in restoring your mouth to its average pH level. That is why you need to reduce sugar intake, as repeated exposure to sugar for longer periods can weaken your teeth and develop cavities.
Having a foggy brain
When you ingest too much sugar, your blood glucose levels fluctuate from high to low. When your sugar level drops, you may feel confused, hazy, or unable to focus. This is known as brain fog. Only a moderate sugar intake can save you from experiencing such cognitive issues.
Having a disrupted sleep schedule
Sleep is vital to let the body absorb the benefits of workouts, proper recovery, and ultimately weight loss. However, several studies demonstrate a direct correlation between excessive sugar intake and poor sleep quality. On the other hand, lack of sleep creates a vicious cycle of increased hunger hormones (ghrelin) and decreased satiety hormones (leptin), encouraging you to eat more sugar when you are fatigued. This cycle continues, eventually leading to weight gain.
Energy fluctuations
Excessive sugar consumption can lead to energy fluctuations throughout the day. When one consumes a lot of sugar, they may experience a rapid spike in energy followed by a crash, causing fatigue and lethargy. This can negatively impact productivity and overall well-being. Reducing sugar intake and opting for balanced, nutrient-dense meals can help stabilize energy levels.
Overeating
Too much fructose in the body increases one’s appetite to abnormal levels, causing one to overeat.
Headache
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels due to excessive sugar intake can cause debilitating headaches.
Excessive sugar intake may also lead to more severe health conditions that require immediate diagnosis and treatment. For instance, high blood sugar may damage the eye’s blood vessels and lead to diabetic retinopathy, resulting in blindness if left untreated. It could also lead to high blood pressure, which could damage artery walls, leading to cardiac issues. Fatty liver and impotence are other potential health complications one might develop if they do not control their blood sugar.
Health issues caused by excessive sugar intake
Some health issues caused by excessive sugar intake are as follows:
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin to process sugar. Studies directly link excessive sugar intake to the onset and worsening of this condition.
Cholesterol
Studies have shown that excessive sugar can lower the levels of good cholesterol and increase LDL cholesterol levels in the body.
High blood pressure
Fructose increases uric acid levels in the blood, causing elevations in blood pressure.
Fatty liver
Diabetes, induced by excessive sugar intake, increases one’s risk of fatty liver disease, or the accumulation of excessive fat in the liver.
Blindness
Diabetic retinopathy is caused when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the retina.
Impotence
Erectile dysfunction is a common issue among persons with diabetes. Chronically high blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels involved in causing an erection.
Managing daily sugar intake
The symptoms mentioned above are also the principal signs of diabetes mellitus, a condition that gives rise to several complications. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is one complication for which your doctor may prescribe Ingrezza.
Is Ingrezza for diabetic treatments?
Ingrezza is not for diabetes. However, it treats diabetes-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD) by curbing the surplus dopamine signaling and monitoring the brain region liable for uncontrolled movements. Diabetic patients are also prone to developing eye complications. These include diabetic macular edema (DME), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To deal with these issues, your doctor may prescribe medicines like EYLEA, an injection containing aflibercept.
Your daily food regimen may have sugar disguised under many names. Therefore, creating a low-sugar diet plan comprising loads of proteins and fibers is vital to monitoring your sugar intake. This will make your stomach feel full for extended periods, reducing sugar intake. Apart from preparing a diet plan, you must visit a doctor to confirm if your blood sugar levels are satisfactory or not.
Seniors are vulnerable to high blood sugar due to the decreased functionality of their pancreas. Fortunately, senior living homes and senior living communities offer medical assistance to address this issue, and treatment costs may be covered by medical insurance. Also, certain vaccinations and booster doses help tackle this issue.