We take a look at everything that happens when you eat sugarfrom increased appetite to diabetes and more.
Sugar has been described as highly addictive.
It’s even called a drug in some nutritional circles.
But is sugar really that bad?
“More,” it says, “give me more.”
The truth is, everything in moderation is OK; that includes sugar.
However, most people do not moderate their sugar intake.
Instead, it’s the steady onslaught of sugar day in and day out.
Over time, that excessive amount of sugar adds up.
And, it can do real damage to your body.
Insulin is then released, which allows your body to absorb the sugar and use it for energy.
When the demand is consistently high, your body becomes less sensitive to the hormone.
In other words, your cells won’t be able to use insulin to absorb the glucose.
The excess glucose builds up in your body and can do some damage.
Symptoms of insulin resistance include:
Most people are not aware they have this condition until itdevelops into diabetes.
That’s almost 10 percent of adults in this country.
Sugar-sweetened beveragesare a leading cause of diabetes.
This is especially true in women, according to one study.
However, cutting back on sugar helps lower the risk.
When they eat sugar, they produce acid that can destroy the enamel on your teeth.
Over time, the acid and destruction of the enamel can lead to cavities and dental damage.
Lower rates of dental decay are seen in people with the lowest level of daily sugar intake.
Obesity
Excess sugar consumption is one of themost significantrisk factors for weight-related problems.
In other words, eating more sugar leads to weight gain; eating less sugar leads to weight loss.
Intake of added sugars increases the risk of obesity.
That, in turn,increases the risk of high blood pressure.
Some studies suggest that sodas may be of particular harm when it comes to blood pressure.
Heart disease
In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death.
Other risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and high blood pressure.
The risk is especiallyelevated in women, according to another study.
Uric acid causes crystals to form and accumulate in or around affected joints.
Your body creates uric acid as a byproduct of the breakdown of purines, substances found in some foods.
However, another study found that it’s not necessarily the fructose or sugar that leads to gout.
Instead, it could besugar-induced obesitythat creates gout.
Of course, all elements could play a role.
More research is needed in this area.
The increased risk for colon cancer is especially high in men, according to some studies.
However, another study casts doubts on the relationship entirely.
More research on humans is needed before the picture can be cleared up.
It’s unclear if these same mechanisms are at work in the brains of humans.
Few studies have looked at the addiction-like effects of sugar on humans, so more research is needed.
Increased appetite
Chronic overconsumption of sugar can lead to a condition called leptin resistance.
Leptin is a hormone that tells your brain when you’ve had enough to eat.
Your body is sensitive to that hormone and shuts off hunger cues when leptin is released.
Is All Sugar Bad?
Sugar-sweetened foods often lack any important nutrients.
If you’re unsure how much sugar you should eat, talk with your healthcare provider.
