[dropcap]E[/dropcap]ating a balanced diet can be a challenge when so many tasty treats are readily available at almost any food store you visit. Donuts, candy, cookies, and ice cream are all so tempting and can provide a measure of comfort when you are feeling stressed out or anxious. However, the physical and psychological need to satisfy that sugar craving may have more negative consequences than simply putting on a few pounds. Several different parts of the body can suffer damage from excess sugar consumption and put you at risk for chronic illness and pain.
The Heart
When you go on a sugar binge, you could be damaging your heart. Some studies show a possible link between sugar and heart disease, which could lead to a coronary event, such as a heart attack. Sugar also raises inflammation levels in the body, and when these rise, they could damage the blood vessels and valves around the heart. While it may cause years for an excess of sugar to harm your heart, the eventual result could be deadly.
Eating too much sugar can also raise your blood pressure, which has a direct effect on your heart. When your blood pressure starts to rise, it causes the heart to work harder to pump blood through your body. This exertion can cause the coronary arteries to grow narrow and increase the chances of clotting. Cutting back on sugar can improve your heart health and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
The Liver
You probably already know about how drinking too much alcohol can damage your liver, but eating an excess of refined sugar can be just as harmful. The liver is responsible for metabolizing sugar, especially fructose. This type of sugar is stored in the body as fat; however, if you eat a lot of food or drink beverages that contain high-fructose corn syrup, it can lead to a buildup of fat within the liver. Over time, your liver can become fatty and eventually lead to cirrhosis, which can be deadly.
Fortunately, you can slow or stop the development of a fatty liver with a few lifestyle changes. Daily exercise and a diet low in sugar may be effective, especially if you are overweight.
The Brain
You may think your sugar cravings are your stomach’s desire for the sweet stuff, but in truth, they are all in your head. The brain triggers cravings because when you give into them, it floods your body with dopamine, which are reward endorphins. Therefore, the more sugar you eat, the more often your brain tells you that you want it. This can create a vicious cycle that can lead to weight gain, binging, and even eating disorders like bulimia.
Sugar may also cause a lack of focus. You may recognize this as the infamous sugar crash you might feel after eating a meal filled with bread and refined sweeteners, which is can be caused by the interaction of sugar with insulin in the brain. Over time, the battle between the two can cause synaptic nerve damage and cause a loss of focus and a duller memory as well.
The Teeth
Few body parts are more prone to damage by excess sugar consumption than your teeth. This can be especially true of sugary drinks, such as soda. Some brands contain over 50 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to downing ten teaspoons of the sweet stuff. Consuming sugar-filled drinks can increase the amount of acid in your mouth, which can lead to faster tooth decay.
While it may be difficult to reverse the ravages of sugar on your teeth, there are a few steps you can take to improve your oral health. Cut back or quit soda consumption and visit an oral surgeon, such as Dr. George Hatzigiannis, who can advise you on tooth replacements, crowns, and other options for tooth repair. Use a daily mouthwash that fights plaque and remember that starchy foods, such as bread, break down into sugar and can harm your teeth over time if you do not brush or floss properly.
The Digestive System
How many times have you overindulged in sugar at a fair or a birthday party, only to spend the rest of the evening running to the bathroom? This is due to the inflammatory properties of refined sugar, which can wreak havoc on your colon. Your large intestine may have a difficult time absorbing large amounts of sugar, and this can lead to bouts of diarrhea and painful cramping. Over time, it may lead to chronic bowel problems.
One of the most effective ways to curb sugar-related bowel problems is to change your diet. Before you do, however, it is a good idea to talk with your physician first so he or she can create a dietary plan that best suits your age, lifestyle, and physical condition.
Eating too much sugar can have extremely negative effects on many different parts of your body. However, practicing moderation and good dietary habits can allow you to enjoy sweets on occasion instead of letting them rule you.
