It doesn’t matter how often we’re told we shouldn’t, most of us love sugar. The thing is that indulging too much in it can have some not-so-fun consequences. While a little sugar in your coffee or a sweet treat now and then is all good, consuming too much of it can affect you more than you even realize. Here are 10 ways your body’s telling you you eat too much sugar:
Your mood is always swinging this way and that
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Ever feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster? Consuming too much sugar is one of the reasons why that could happen. A high sugar intake can take you on a quick spike, but it will also make you come crashing down. That’s why you may feel jittery, anxious, or even cranky when you eat too much of it. The trick is to balance your sugar intake with protein and healthy fats. For example, if you’re craving something sweet, instead of reaching for a highly processed candy bar, why not have some Greek yogurt with chocolate chips and nuts? It will satisfy the craving but also keep your sugar levels from reaching high peaks and low lows.
Your energy never lasts
Photo by Debashis RC Biswas on UnsplashSugar might give you a quick burst of energy, but it’s often followed by a major crash. This happens because your body quickly burns through the sugar, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish. Once again, the trick is to avoid highly sugary treats and go for complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which provide a more sustained burst of energy. For example, snacking on an apple with peanut butter will provide a longer-lasting energy boost than a Snickers bar.
You’re gaining excess weight
Photo by i yunmai on UnsplashExcess sugar can lead to excess weight gain, particularly around the belly. If you’re going over your healthy weight, it could be time to consider how much sugar you’re consuming. As a general rule, consuming more than your body needs to burn for energy will result in stored fat. The rule here is simple: avoid excess. You can and should have your treats, but make sure your overall diet is balanced and supports your health. Nothing’s ever good in excess!
You’re having issues with your skin
Some people don’t know this, but sugar can wreak havoc on your skin. It can contribute to acne, premature aging, and inflammation no matter your skincare. So if you’re having acne breakouts all the time or you feel like your skin is losing elasticity, you should assess your sugar intake. If you find that you’re consuming more of it than you realized, make adjustments to your diet. You can still enjoy sweet treats, but the less processed they are, the better. Also, you need to stay hydrated! It will make wonders for your skin.
Your dentist is always mad at you
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It seems like every time you go to the dentist, you have a new cavity, no matter how much they tell you to slow down with the sugar. Well, dentists have a point! Even if you have good dental hygiene, consuming too much sugar will mess with your teeth. Bacteria feed on sugar and they produce acids that lead to cavities. If you want to take better care of your teeth, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and brush and floss more regularly.
You have an ongoing battle with insomnia
Photo by Ben Blennerhassett on UnsplashEating too many sugary treats or consuming too much sugar, especially at the end of the day, can mess with your sleep. Remember that sugar will cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. That makes it incredibly difficult not only to fall asleep but also to stay asleep. As a general rule, you should cut off sugary foods and drinks before bedtime. If you don’t want to sacrifice your sweet snack before bed, find alternatives. Such as dates with nut butter, fruit with melted chocolate, smoothies, etc.
Your immune system is as weak as a newborn
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One of the things about consuming too much sugar is that your immune system will be weak. That means you’ll be more susceptible to infections and illnesses. If you’re often sick, too much sugar could be why. What you can do here, besides limiting your sugar intake, is to eat more foods that will support your immune system. Whole grains, lean proteins, fruits such as citrus fruits and berries, and vegetables all contribute to a stronger immune system, so keep that in mind when planning your meals.
You may have a higher risk of chronic diseases
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A diet that’s high in added sugar has been linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Too much sugar consumption can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Especially if there’s a history of it in your family. To prevent that, you need to focus less on added sugar and sugary snacks, and more on whole, unprocessed foods. It will help you lower the risk of chronic diseases and also support your overall health.
Your brain is foggy a lot of the time
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Yes, brain function is also affected by consuming too much sugar daily. If you often feel brain fog or if it’s very difficult for you to concentrate on tasks, that could be why. To have a sharper brain, limit your sugar consumption without sacrificing the things you like. The key is balance! Your diet should contain nutrient-rich foods that fuel your brain, like nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and leafy greens. The more balance you can create, the better you’ll be able to enjoy sweets and sugar without crossing the line.
You crave sugar like an addict
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Did you know that studies have found that sugar is as addictive as cocaine? It can be a difficult thing to accept, but sugar is highly addictive. Sugar releases dopamine and our brain really likes that, so it often leads to a cycle of cravings and overconsumption. That’s why it’s so difficult to quit sugar from one day to the next. To break the cycle, gradually reduce your sugar intake by replacing sugary snacks with healthier alternatives or sugar-free options. Once again, you can still enjoy your treats, but there has to be a balance if you want to enjoy overall health and well-being.
