Scientists Explain The Effects of Eating Too Much Sugar

Sugar-related illnesses are on the rise. Diabetes, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and even adrenal fatigue are just some of the serious chronic diseases linked to over-indulging in this sweet, yet potentially harmful, substance.

Many people realize they are addicted to sugar when they frequently crave something sweet and comforting throughout the day for a quick energy boost. Have you become a sugar addict? Are you consuming too much sugar? Here are warning signs that you might be.

10 Signs You Are Eating Too Much Sugar

1. Tiredness & Lack of Energy A constant feeling of tiredness or fatigue is one of the biggest indicators of excessive sugar in your diet. While high-sugar foods offer a temporary carbohydrate boost and a feeling of increased energy, the subsequent "sugar crash" can be draining. Feeling perpetually tired might be a sign to reassess your diet and your sugar intake. (Other reasons for fatigue exist and can be explored further).

2. Sugar/Carb Cravings If you find yourself daily craving the sweet flavor of sugary snacks, it's highly likely you've developed a sugar addiction. Sugar consumption can trigger a chain reaction of cravings due to its addictive nature. If you consistently feel the urge for carbohydrates, you might be in the grip of a deep sugar dependency.

3. Frequent Colds & Flu If you're falling ill more often than usual, excessive sugar in your diet could be the culprit. If every circulating virus seems to affect you, your preference for sugary treats might be to blame. Consuming too much sugar can weaken your immune system, compromising your body's natural ability to fight off colds, flu viruses, and even chronic diseases. (Tips for naturally boosting your immune system are available).

4. Anxiety or Depression Just as high sugar intake can lead to a physical crash, it can also cause an emotional one. Once sugar's energy-boosting effects wear off, the physical fatigue of a "sugar crash" can be accompanied by psychological fatigue. Feelings associated with depression, such as lethargy, sadness, and social withdrawal, may be experienced by sugar addicts. Feelings of anxiety, including nervousness, a sense of impending doom, and constant worry, can also signal that your sugary diet needs adjustment. (Natural treatments and essential oils for anxiety and depression can be explored).

5. Skin and Feet Problems (Including Dark Circles Under Your Eyes) Sugar has an inflammatory effect on the body when consumed, which can contribute to inflammatory skin problems. If you suffer from acne, rosacea, eczema, or even just excessive oiliness or dryness, sugar could be responsible. Many people report significant improvement in their skin issues (and overall health) by cutting sugar from their diets.

6. Weight Gain The human body can process a limited amount of sugar. When this limit is exceeded and sugar intake continues, the excess sugar calories are converted and stored as body fat. This can quickly lead to weight problems like obesity, which, in turn, carries a risk for a host of health issues, including high blood cholesterol levels, cardiac problems, sleep apnea, and more. (Various strategies for weight loss, such as specific spices, drinks, walking, and simple lifestyle changes, can be considered).

7. High Blood Pressure Blood pressure issues may not always be due to sodium in your diet, but rather to sugar. A 2010 study by researchers at the University of Colorado – Denver, which examined over 4,500 adults, found a link between hypertension (high blood pressure) and excessive sugar consumption. So, if you have high blood pressure, consider your sugar intake before solely blaming the salt shaker.

8. Dental Issues It's widely known that sugar is detrimental to your teeth. If you frequently find yourself at the dentist for cavities and root canals, the sugar you consume could be the problem. Sugar tends to lodge in the crevices of your teeth, where it can erode tooth enamel and penetrate the tooth, leading to painful dental problems. (Helpful tips for natural dental care are available). Sugary drinks, specifically, can cause white patches on your teeth by damaging the protective enamel, resulting in a stained appearance.

9. Diabetes Eating too much sugar or sugary foods can lead to weight gain, which increases your risk for developing type II diabetes. Even without a full diabetes diagnosis, many people are "pre-diabetic" without realizing it. If you experience constant thirst or hunger despite regular eating and hydration, feel flushed after a sugar binge, or feel extremely weak and "off" when you skip a meal, you should discuss your diabetes risk with your doctor. (Other early warning signs of diabetes should not be ignored).

10. Heart Disease A diet high in sugar has the potential to severely impact heart health. A study conducted on rats at Case Western Reserve University found that a high-sucrose diet hastened death and increased the risk for cardiac issues more than diets high in fructose, fat, or starch. While these findings cannot be directly applied to humans (as the subjects were rodents), the fact that sugar overconsumption increases the risk of illnesses negatively affecting human heart health suggests a clear connection. (Foods that can help maintain optimal heart health are worth exploring).

How to Overcome Sugar Addiction

Reducing your intake of refined sugar and simple carbohydrates is a crucial step towards better health. Given the potential for numerous health problems and overall malaise, there's no reason to continue consuming sugar-laden foods and drinks.

If a close look at your diet reveals that sugary items are a common theme, it's time to commit to purging excessive sugar from your life. Many healthy foods, like fruits and sweet potatoes, are naturally sweet. Once you eliminate processed sugars found in candies and soft drinks, your taste buds will be able to appreciate a healthy level of sweetness even more.