Sugar may taste delicious and give you a feel good sensation; however, is one the worst things you can eat especially if you want to live a long and healthy life. How can something that tastes so good be so bad for your body, mind, and overall health? Read below to find out 5 ugly truths about sugar binging.
1.) Sugar is addictive.
The brain responds to sugar the same way it does to a drug. After eating sugar, chemicals are released such as dopamine and serotonin which triggers a feel good sensation. So, the more you eat it, the more your body will crave it to maintain that sensation.
2.) The sugar crash.
A hormone called insulin is released from the pancreas to absorb the glucose (sugar) in your blood and stabilize its levels. When insulin has completed its job, the sugar levels start to drop in the blood. This is the period known as the “sugar crash” when you start to feel sluggish and tired. Remember that eating too much sugar on a frequent basis will make you feel tired all the time! It does not have enough nutrients to sustain your energy the way protein and fiber can.
3.) Weight gain.
Here is a simple equation to go by:
⬆️sugar🔜 ⬆️calories 🔜 ⬆️weight
High sugar foods (ex: processed foods) have lots of calories and virtually no protein or fiber; therefore, much more sugar needs to be ingested before feeling full. This can lead to a vicious cycle of frequent eating of foods high in sugar content and never feeling full, so you keep eating.
4.) Diabetes.
If these habits continue long-term, obesity becomes an issue followed by the risk of developing diabetes. For individuals that are overweight or obese, the cells in their body become resistant to insulin and eventually the glucose cannot be used by the body for energy. With excess glucose circulating in the bloodstream for long periods of time, the blood vessels (especially the tiny vessels) that send blood to your brain, eyes, kidneys and heart will start to become diseased. For example, imagine blood full of sugar is like pumping sludge through a tiny pipe. Diabetes can lead to chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and even blindness!
5.) Rampant decay.
The bacteria that are naturally found in the mouth digests sugar and produces acid, and it’s the acid that dissolves enamel of the teeth resulting in cavities. The more sugar consumed in your diet, the higher likelihood of developing cavities.
Sources:
Marturana A. What happens to your body when you binge on sugar. Fox News Health. 1 Jan 2016.
Little JW, Falace DA, Miller CS, Rhodus NL. Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Patient. 7th Ed.
