Signs Of High Intake Of Sugar- 7 Signs You’re Consuming Too Much Sugar
Table of Contents
Sugar is a comprehensive word encompassing various sweet carbohydrates, although it is commonly used to refer to sucrose or table sugar, a type of “double sugar.” When the body processes carbohydrates, they are converted into uncomplicated sugars like glucose, which can be easily utilized within the body.
Sugar possesses a complex image when it comes to health. It is present in a natural form in all carbohydrate-containing foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. It is generally acceptable to consume whole foods that naturally contain sugar. Additionally, plant-based foods offer substantial amounts of fibre, crucial minerals, and antioxidants, while dairy products provide protein and calcium.
Excessive sugar consumption can harm our bodies, increasing the likelihood of obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. It can also result in hyperglycemia, which occurs when sugar intake surpasses healthy levels. Below, we will outline the indicators that suggest you may be consuming an excessive amount of sugar.
1. Early Ageing
Consuming excessive sugar can result in enduring harm to crucial skin proteins like collagen and elastin, which can accelerate the onset of wrinkles and premature ageing. Moreover, an overabundance of sugar may disrupt the balance of female menstrual hormones, potentially leading to acne along the jawline.
Undesirable gut bacteria and yeast thrive on sugar, making it their preferred food source, and an excessive intake can disturb the equilibrium of gut flora, triggering inflammation in the body. This inflammation often manifests in skin conditions like eczema.
2. Cravings
Consuming sugary foods can lead to addiction due to their ability to provide immediate satisfaction. Scientific research has demonstrated that sugar-rich foods activate the brain’s reward system by triggering dopamine release, similar to the effects of addictive substances.
The mineral chromium has the potential to restore regular insulin functioning, and studies have shown that taking chromium supplements can help maintain normal blood glucose levels while reducing cravings for sugar and carbohydrates.
Consider trying Lepicol Lighter, a supplement containing seven beneficial strains of live bacteria, chromium, glucomannan, and psyllium husk fibres. This product promotes a feeling of fullness and supports healthy bowel movements.
3. Low Energy
Glucose is essential for energy production throughout the body. However, it is important to keep blood sugar levels balanced instead of experiencing the peaks and troughs that occur when we binge on sugary snacks.
Following sugar consumption, the pancreas releases insulin to help transfer glucose to the cells, meaning we may experience a rush of energy. Once used up, we can experience a dip in energy as the body demands more sugar to start the cycle all over again.
It is not hard to imagine that the higher the sugar peak, the more extreme the sugar dip that will follow.
4. Unexplained Bloating
Undesirable bacteria and yeast in our colon produce gas during the fermentation process of undigested food. These harmful bacteria especially thrive on sugars, while beneficial bifidobacteria, which favour vegetables, are not known to produce gas. Excessive gas production can result in post-meal discomfort, bothersome bloating, and flatulence.
Were you aware that approximately 70 per cent of our immune system resides in the gut and relies on the presence of beneficial gut bacteria for support? Maintaining a healthy balance of these beneficial bacteria is crucial. However, a diet that is rich in sugar provides nourishment to undesirable bacteria and yeast, which can, in turn, affect the optimal functioning of the immune system.
6. Insomnia
Consuming sugary foods in the late hours of the night can cause an energy surge when our focus should be on winding down and preparing for rest. The production of serotonin, our “happy hormone,” largely takes place in the gut and plays a crucial role in generating melatonin, the hormone associated with relaxation and quality sleep.
If you struggle with sleep-related issues, it may be beneficial to decrease the amount of sugar in your diet and prioritize the well-being of your gut.
7. Weight Gain
Glucose serves as a primary source of energy for the body. However, if it is not promptly utilized, the body stores the surplus glucose in the liver, muscles, or as fat around the abdominal region.
This mechanism of glucose storage was beneficial during the hunter-gatherer era when food scarcity was common. However, in modern times, food shortage is rare, leading to an accumulation of excess glucose as abdominal fat.