Education logo

How can you find out that you eating too much sugar

How to Know if You're Eating Too Much Sugar: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions (Follow-Up to my Guide on How to Stop Eating Sugar)

By Lillian FormelováPublished 4 days ago 4 min read
2
9 signs that you eating too much sugar

1.Sugar is widely considered to enhance the taste of food, making it more enjoyable. However, excessive consumption of sugar can lead to various health issues. One of the signs that you may be consuming too much sugar is experiencing muscle and joint pain. When your body has an excess of sugar, it triggers inflammatory responses that can result in muscle aches, joint stiffness, and swelling. These symptoms can eventually lead to more serious conditions such as arthritis, cataracts, heart disease, and memory loss. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor promptly, even if you believe it is not related to your diet. Living with constant pain is never acceptable.

2.Our bodies can develop a dependency on sugar, leading to increased cravings for sweet foods. Consuming sugary foods releases dopamine, a chemical that controls the brain's reward and pleasure centers. This creates a cycle where the more sugar you eat, the more your body craves it. However, foods high in sugar do not provide useful nutrients, leaving you feeling hungry even after consuming them. To combat sugar cravings, opt for fruits like apples or pears, which contain natural sugars and are both healthy and effective alternatives.

3.The fluctuation of energy levels can be influenced by the consumption of sugar. While glucose is essential for providing energy to the body, consuming excessive amounts can lead to energy imbalances throughout the day. When sugary foods are consumed, the pancreas releases insulin to transport glucose to the cells, resulting in a temporary energy boost. However, once this cycle ends, energy levels drop as the body craves more sugar, potentially leading to a cycle of overeating. To avoid this trap, opt for lean proteins and healthy fats instead of sugary foods. These nutritious options will provide sustained energy without the negative effects of energy spikes and crashes.

4.Constant skin breakouts, specifically acne, can be a clear indication of an underlying issue within the body. Excessive glucose in the bloodstream can lead to inflammation, and acne is a form of skin inflammation. The insulin surge triggered by the pancreas can stimulate the oil glands in the skin, resulting in the appearance of pimples. If you are struggling with persistent skin problems and find that no acne treatments are effective, it may be worth considering a change in your dietary habits. While completely eliminating sugar from your diet is not necessary, reducing your consumption of foods with added sugars could be beneficial. Once you witness the positive changes in your skin, you will be motivated to maintain a healthier diet and avoid excessive sugar intake.

5.Weight gain is a common consequence of consuming excessive sugar. Discovering that your clothes no longer fit comfortably can be an unwelcome surprise. Even indulging in a sugary treat can lead to unwanted weight gain. It is important to be mindful of your sugar intake, as excessive consumption can result in the storage of excess fat around your midsection. Remember to monitor your sugar intake and practice self-control to avoid this outcome.

6.Consuming sugary foods can contribute to the development of cavities and tooth decay, but it is not solely the sugar that leads to tooth decay. Food debris left in between teeth after eating, if not properly removed through brushing, can result in the formation of plaque on the teeth. This plaque can wear down the enamel surface of the teeth, causing small holes to form. Various sugary foods such as candy, children's cereal, or breath mints can become lodged in hard-to-reach areas between teeth, accelerating the decay process. It is important to always remember to brush and floss teeth thoroughly, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and regularly visit the dentist.

7.A high tolerance for sugar can develop when consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods. As a result, your taste buds become accustomed to the same level of sweetness and may not respond to it as they once did. This can lead to a dulled palate, causing naturally sweet fruits and berries to not taste as sweet as they should.If you find that naturally sweet foods no longer satisfy your taste buds and you crave super-sweet junk food, consider reducing your intake of artificial sugary additives and transitioning to a well-balanced diet. Over time, you will notice a difference.

8.Frequent colds and flu can be caused by consuming excessive amounts of sugar. This is because sugar inhibits the white blood cells of the immune system from effectively attacking foreign bodies. When you fall sick, your body requires vitamin C to combat illnesses. Interestingly, the chemical structure of vitamin C is quite similar to that of glucose. Consequently, instead of seeking out and utilizing vitamin C, your immune system mistakenly tries to use glucose. Unfortunately, glucose lacks the power to effectively combat bacteria and viruses. As a result, rather than fighting off the sickness, your immune system becomes compromised by it. To ensure that your immune system functions optimally, it is advisable to reduce your sugar intake when you are at risk of catching a cold or the flu. Instead, focus on consuming nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that are abundant in vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, and zinc. This dietary adjustment will greatly assist your immune system in winning the battle against illnesses.

9.Feeling bloated, experiencing bloating and painful gas, and other digestive discomfort can be attributed to various foods, with those high in sugar being a common culprit. Bloating is directly linked to your diet and how your body digests it. If sugar is not absorbed into the small intestine, excess amounts will pass into the large intestine where it can ferment and produce gas. Excessive sugar intake can disrupt gut health, so it is advisable to steer clear of artificial sweeteners, diet soda, and sugary snacks. Opt for other foods that promote better digestion. It is crucial to limit sugar intake to less than 10% of your daily energy intake, as recommended by the World Health Organization. This equates to about two tablespoons of sugar per day, ideally sourced from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, nuts, or whole grain cereals.

stem
2

About the Creator

Lillian Formelová

Learning how things works is one of my favorite hobby and i decided to share my knowledge with you,so i hope you learn something new!!:3

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.