6 Ways Sugar Affects Your Body’s Ability to Function Well

Sugar has been linked to many health problems.

We all know that sugar can be tasty. After all, some of the food items we crave the most are chock full of it: ice cream, candy, sports drinks, fruit juices, and more. Unfortunately, though it is acceptable to consume some sugar in small doses, too much of it can be pretty bad for our health. Sugar is commonly linked to health issues, including high blood sugar, obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, tooth decay, and gum disease. Further, it is also linked to weakened immune systems, nutrient deficiencies, premature aging, stress, and anxiety.

And though we know that sugar is bad for us and can lead to all of those previously mentioned ailments, do we understand the severity? Check out this list of 6 ways that sugar affects our body’s ability to function optimally before you let that sweet tooth take over. 

 1. Sugar causes peaks and valleys in our blood sugar levels.

Unstable blood sugar can create mood swings, exhaustion, and headaches. Consumption of too much of it can also contribute to cravings, making us feel hungry even though we are not. People who try to limit their intake of sugar are far less likely to experience food cravings and, as a result, are often able to control their emotional energy better. 

2. Consumption in excess can contribute to your risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

We must clarify here that unless your medical practitioner has instructed you otherwise, it is just fine to indulge once in a while. When we go cold turkey and don’t let ourselves enjoy some of our favorite treats, it can lead to a binge and purge cycle, which is also quite dangerous for our health. However, too much indulgence can contribute to a greater risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. High-glycemic diets are also commonly linked with various forms of cancer. 

3. Sugar can have a detrimental impact on your immune system.

Being under the weather is no fun, but you should know that too much sugar can interfere with your body’s ability to fight illness and disease. Yeast and bacteria feed on sugar, so when too much glucose is in your system, it can cause these organisms to build up and cause infections.

4. When it is a staple in your diet, you need to work out twice as hard to stay in shape.

Most medical practitioners will advise you to obtain at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Moderate exercise includes walking at a pace of approximately four miles per hour, vacuuming, mowing the lawn, bicycling, or playing tennis or badminton.

However, when you consume more sugar than the recommended daily intake of no more than six teaspoons (24 grams) for women and nine teaspoons (36 grams) for men, you will need to increase your daily exercise to offset the extra calories. This said, even if you exercise to help burn off the extra calories coming in from the extra sugar, it doesn’t mean that the other health risks we have mentioned don’t still exist.

5. Too much sugar can lead to a chromium deficiency.

Chromium helps regulate blood sugar in your body. While chromium is found in meats such as beef and pork, seafood, and plant foods, most Americans still don’t get enough of this trace mineral because of refined carbohydrates. These refined starches also leach chromium supplies from foods, so the best way to increase your mineral levels is to limit your intake of carbohydrates.

6. Excess of this sweet substance can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

As with most dentists, the team at Valley Dental Clinic encourages all patients to brush twice per day (especially after meals), floss once daily, and rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash. A primary reason for this is that when sugar sits on your teeth, it can lead to tooth decay more than any other food. Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing can help keep sugar from leading to the build-up of plaque and bacteria.

Let the Valley Dental Clinic team help you curb your cravings.

If you aren’t convinced about the impact of excess sugar on your teeth and overall health, then it is time to pay a visit to your dentist in Wasilla, Alaska. We work with patients every day who have lost their battle to the sweet tooth and must undergo procedures to treat their tooth decay. When you can get that sweet tooth under control, you lessen your risks for tooth decay, tooth loss, and a variety of other health concerns.

So if you have a sweet tooth and are worried about tooth decay, now is the time to schedule an appointment with the Valley Dental Clinic team. We look forward to meeting you and helping you get your sugar cravings in check so that you can take better care of your whole self. After all, cutting down on your sugar intake is just one of many dental preventions for happy, healthy teeth.