Seven Signs You're Eating Too Much Sugar
Is there a way to know if you’re eating too much sugar? The answer is yes. Your body constantly sends you signals that your diet is inadequate, even if you don’t recognize them.
However, many people aren’t aware that the physical or psychological problems they’re experiencing may be due to excess sugar in their bodies.
Thus, today we’ll tell you about seven signs that indicate you might be consuming too much of the sweet stuff, so you know how to detect this problem. Are you ready?
Signs you’re eating too much sugar
The excessive consumption of sugar is a habit that can significantly affect health over time. But, firstly, we must clarify what we mean when we say “sugar.” Here we’re referring to the refined kind, not to the one contained in fruit and vegetables, for example.
The latter is known as “intrinsic sugar” and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there’s no evidence of it being harmful to health. In fact, this kind is a must in our diet.
On the contrary, loose (or free) sugar in large quantities can be harmful to health. Continue reading as today we’re going to tell you about seven signs your body gives you when you’re eating too much of it.
1. Constant cravings
According to a study published in the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria, sugars produce a greater feeling of satiety than carbohydrates.
This satiety is short-term though. You’ll very likely feel hungry again shortly after and will want to eat again. This, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet, can lead you to become overweight or obese.
So, if you’re hungry all the time even though you’re eating, it may be that you’re consuming too much free sugar and no real nutrients.
2. Feeling tired
It’s true that, in general, glucose drinks are intended to provide energy and counteract tiredness and fatigue. The most popular energy drinks contain this sugar.
However, its long-term and excess consequences aren’t so clear. In fact, an experiment by researchers at Cardiff Metropolitan University revealed that individuals who reduced their intake of refined sugars improved their levels of fatigue and overall mood.
Even though this study opened the door to further research on the subject, it’s rather interesting and enlightening. As you can see, if you constantly feel tired for no apparent reason it might be that you’re consuming too many empty calories from sugar.
3. Weak teeth
Surely your mother told you your teeth would fall out if you ate too much candy. Well, she was right.
Various studies show that excess sugar, coupled with poor dental hygiene, weakens the enamel. How? Well, first of all, you should know the mouth is full of bacteria – some of it is good and some of it is bad.
Sugar is yummy to harmful bacteria and thus ends up eroding your enamel and this weakens your teeth.
Furthermore, when you don’t pay attention to it you end up with cavities and your teeth begin to break when you eat something hard.
4. Aged skin
According to a study published in the journal Clinics in Dermatology , consuming too much sugar ages your skin faster.
This is because it creates molecules, known as AGES (advanced glycation end-products), that damage the collagen and elastin in the skin.
5. Joint pain
This is a rare symptom, however, consuming too much sugar could lead to pain in your joints. In fact, some research associates excessive intake of carbonated beverages (rich in free sugar) with a higher probability of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women.
This is due again to those AGES molecules we mentioned above as these cause inflammation and in turn, lead to long-term joint pain.
6. Weight gain
You probably won’t be surprised to read this, but if you’re consuming too much sugar, you’re likely to gain weight, especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle.
In fact, we’ve already mentioned that it creates a temporary feeling of satiety, which leads you to eat more and, therefore, to gain weight. We’ve also told you it’s directly related to overweight and obesity.
7. Concentration problems
The effects of the accumulation of sugar in the blood are also perceived in the cognitive abilities and the ability to concentrate.
When you consume too much of this substance, you often want more. This can lead to your brain not working properly when your sugar level drops. This is because it needs it to give you the energy to function.
Thus, there may be periods when you suddenly feel your mind is clouded and you’re unable to concentrate. In fact, various studies associate excessive sugar consumption with certain cognitive dysfunctions.
You may be interested: Is Brown Sugar Better than White Sugar?
Why stop eating sugar?
Did you identify these signs in yourself? Do you think you’re eating too much sugar? If so, you better start taking action. It’s easy to overlook it at first but your lack of control can lead to the development of more serious diseases than those we mentioned here, such as cardiovascular problems.
Thus, you must pay attention and begin to reduce the consumption of free sugars. Also, keep in mind that it’s addictive and the more you consume, the more you need.
According to various studies, this is because sugar releases dopamine, a hormone related to well-being and pleasure that creates addiction. So, take immediate action if this is your case.
