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Some of us are more addicted to sugary foods than others. This sweet tooth could have a negative impact on your health in the long run. Here are a few health problems that can be caused by eating too much sugar, how to spot them and how to prevent them.
Tooth decay
The most obvious health problem associated with eating too much sugar is tooth decay. In order to break down sugar, our mouths produce bacteria that release acids - these acids wear away at our enamel, destroying our teeth. If you and your family all consume a lot of sugar, consider finding a dentist that offers exceptional family dentistry and get a checkup. A good dentist will be able to offer advice and treatment for any current dental concerns. You can then start taking measures to cut down on your sugar intake.
Obesity
Consuming too much sugar can also cause excessive weight gain. Our body ordinarily converts sugar into energy, but when we’re consuming too much of it, our body doesn’t know what to do with the excess amounts and so stores it as fat. While you can do exercise to help fight this weight gain, the best thing you can do to beat sugar-related weight gain is to reduce your sugar intake.
Diabetes
Our bodies produce a hormone called insulin to help regulate our blood sugar levels. After years of continuously consuming too much sugar, you may find that your body struggles to produce enough insulin to keep up with the sugar that you’re pouring into your body. As a result, too much sugar ends up in the blood - a condition known as diabetes - which can cause extreme fatigue, thirst, frequent urination and blurred vision among other symptoms. Diabetes can be treated but it is very hard to cure. By reducing your sugar intake, you can reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Heart disease
Consuming lots of sugar causes weight gain and high blood pressure, both of which can end up leading to heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease include chest pain, shortness of breath and frequent dizzy spells. A heart attack is the worst case scenario if you don’t take measures to treat your heart disease. Cut down on sugar and you could maintain a healthy heart longer.
Cancer
Overconsumption of sugar has also been linked to a higher risk of developing cancer. Sugar is also known to help with cancer growth - if you develop a tumor, you could find that it grows faster if you’re not restricting your sugar intake. To reduce your risk of developing cancer, consider cutting down your sugar intake.
How to consume less sugar
Cutting down on sugar isn’t simple - our body develops cravings that can be similar to withdrawal from a drug. You should try to fight through these cravings as much as you can. Drinking more water and upping your protein intake can sometimes quell sugar cravings without having to turn to sugar itself. Opting for sugar-free alternatives and targeting healthier sources of sugar such as fruit could meanwhile help you to get your sweet fix.
