Have you ever wondered why many chronic diseases that occur today seem to be linked? Do you know of any research that has been done on the relationship between sugar and chronic diseases? Just like you, we are very interested in learning more about this topic so that we can help to prevent our family members from having the same fate.
Over the past few years, sugar has become a dirty word. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that Americans’ consumption of added sugars in foods and drinks results in up to 184 pounds per person per year – much more than previously reported levels. It remains to be seen what effects this has on our health and well-being, but there’s clearly something wrong. Our weight ballooned while our health stats worsened.
This article will take you through the common diseases and what they have to do with sweet tooths. It may be time for low sugar in your life.
Sugar and Your Heart
Sugar is the main ingredient in candy and desserts,but it’s also found in sweetened beverages like soda and juice, as well as many processed foods you’d never expect — like ketchup, bread, and even peanut butter!
Research shows that consuming large amounts of added sugars increases your risk for heart disease by increasing triglycerides (fat) and lowering HDL (good) cholesterol levels. These changes may be caused by the body converting excess sugar into fats known as triglycerides, which can build up in your blood vessels until they become narrowed or blocked. This condition is known as atherosclerosis — a hardening of the arteries that puts you at risk for heart attack or stroke.
Sugar and Your Liver
Sugar is one of the leading causes of fatty liver disease, a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver.
A study published in The Journal of Hepatology found that fructose was far more toxic than glucose regarding liver damage. While both sugars were damaging, fructose caused greater inflammation and oxidative stress, associated with increased risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Fructose also increases the production of uric acid by the liver, which can lead to gout and kidney stones. High uric acid levels are also linked to hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
Sugar and Your Brain
Sugar is not just a source of empty calories. It can also affect your mood, concentration, and memory. If you’re having trouble sleeping or feel like you’re losing interest in things that used to be fun, sugar may be the culprit. Sugar can also interfere with the way your brain functions by triggering an increase in the level of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). This leads to a decrease in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that’s essential for learning and memory.
Sugar and Your Joints
The body needs glucose for energy, but consuming too much sugar can cause spikes in blood glucose levels. These fluctuations can cause inflammation, which can contribute to chronic pain in the joints. Sugar is also known to worsen existing joint problems like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Sugar and Your Kidneys
High blood sugar causes damage to many organs in the body, including the kidneys. This damage occurs because high blood sugar causes oxidative stress — a process that produces free radicals and other harmful substances in the body — which can damage DNA and cell membranes. If left untreated, oxidative stress can lead to cell death and eventually result in organ failure.
Sugar and Cancer
Sugar is a cancer-causing substance. The reason why is that it increases blood glucose and insulin levels. The pancreas releases insulin to help regulate blood levels, but if there’s too much sugar in your diet, your body will release too much insulin, which can cause cells to grow uncontrollably and become cancerous.
Sugar and Weight Gain
Sugar is often blamed for weight gain because it can increase your energy intake without providing nutrients or fiber. A high-sugar diet also may contribute to weight gain by promoting overeating and causing insulin resistance, which makes your body store extra fat around your abdomen instead of burning it as fuel.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there are only three known causes of obesity: genetics, age, and behavior. Genetics play an important role in determining whether someone will be overweight or obese — such as having a family history of diabetes — but there are lifestyle choices that can influence how much you weigh over time.
Takeaway
The debate between the pros and cons of sugar is far from over. There are conflicting studies that claim it helps prevent health conditions, and some that say it can cause them. The best way to know if added sugars can affect your health positively or negatively is to get your doctor’s advice individually. However, one good way to hedge your bets is to limit your intake of added sugars, especially those high in fructose content. It’s the easiest way to be sure that the sweet stuff won’t hurt you in the long run.
