All of us fall victim to our sweet tooth from time to time. Although there is nothing wrong with enjoying sugar sparingly, countless individuals consume far too much and too often. Refined sugars like sucrose and fructose) are found within many foods and when taken to an extreme, they can lead to some serious health risks. Let us, therefore, take a look at some of the negative side effects directly associated with sugar consumption. Appreciating these dangers is the first step for those who wish to make lifestyle changes in order to ensure a healthy future.
Sugar and Stress
We are all aware that excessive levels of sugar can make us feel nervous and jumpy. However, the effects go far beyond such transient implications. It has been shown that unhealthy consumption can contribute to anxiety, a rapid heart rate and sleepless nights. All of these scenarios can cause more serious problems if they are left unchecked.
Sugar also releases certain hormones into the bloodstream. Some of the most common ones include epinephrine and cortisol. The main issue here is that such a spike in the levels of these substances soon fades, leading to sugar crashes. Furthermore, excessive levels of cortisol have been linked to visceral fat. Visceral fat accumulates in the abdominal region and beneath the muscles. This fat can eventually place pressure upon the liver, kidneys and intestines. So, it only stands to reason that excessive levels will lead to other serious health issues. One of the best ways to avoid such complications is to reduce your sugar consumption sooner as opposed to later.
High Blood Pressure and More
It is a well-known fact that sugar can contribute to high blood pressure over time. Thus, those who are unwilling or unable to curtail their consumption are much more likely to develop cardiovascular issues as they age. However, the associated dangers are just as profound for the younger generation.
As if the cardiovascular effects are not enough, we need to keep in mind that high levels of sugar can lead to problems with insulin sensitivity. This increases the chances of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Obviously, such a condition poses a host of additional health risks.
There are likewise a host of superficial effects directly associated with excessive sugar intake. For instance, the chances of developing acne are much higher. It has also been claimed that sugar can impact the appearance of our hair and nails. Furthermore, this substance will inevitably contribute to weight gain in general.
It is now clear that there is no better time than the present to make serious lifestyle changes. The good news is that there are plenty of foods that are incredibly tasty and low in sugar. It is also possible to utilize sugar substitutes in order to satisfy a stubborn sweet tooth. Either way, refined sugars should be limited at all costs in order to ensure an overall healthy lifestyle.
