6 Health Issues Related to High Sugar Intake

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Sugar is a common ingredient in various foods. You can find sugar even in the most unexpected products like marinara sauce. Processed and fast foods also contain a lot of added sugar, responsible for a significant amount of your daily calorie consumption. In the United States, added sugars account for up to 17% of total calorie consumption in adults and up to 14% in children. 

Sugar intake increases your risk of obesity and various chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. For this reason, it is crucial to control your sugar intake.

Below are 6 health issues that can be related to high sugar intake. 

1. Weight gain

Obesity rates are growing globally, and added sugar is considered to be a major culprit. Particularly sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sodas, juices, and sweet teas high in fructose, are to blame for significant weight gain.

Fructose is the main form of sugar found in starchy foods. Fructose stimulates your appetite and desire to eat more. Excess fructose consumption may also lead to resistance to leptin, a key hormone that controls appetite and signals your body when to stop eating. For this reason, high fructose intake often results in weight gain.

2. Acne

A diet heavy in refined carbohydrates, especially sugary meals and drinks, has been linked to an increased risk of acne. High glycemic index foods, such as sweets, boost your blood sugar faster than low glycemic index foods. Sugary foods rapidly raise blood sugar and insulin levels, resulting in increased androgen secretion, oil production, and inflammation, all of which contribute to acne development.

Acne can significantly worsen the quality and appearance of your skin. If you experience acne, it is critical to visit a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe a special diet and skincare products to treat acne and improve your skin. 

3. Heart disease

High-sugar diets have been linked to an increased risk of a variety of ailments, including heart disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. Obesity, inflammation, and excessive triglyceride, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels are all risk factors for heart disease. 

Furthermore, excessive sugar consumption, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, has been related to atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by fatty deposits that clog arteries and prevent healthy blood flow within your body.

4. Diabetes

Over the last 30 years, the global prevalence of diabetes has more than doubled. There is a definite correlation between excessive sugar consumption and diabetes risk. Obesity, which is frequently caused by excessive sugar intake, is considered the most significant risk factor for diabetes.

Furthermore, long-term high-sugar consumption leads to insulin resistance. Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance raises blood sugar levels, increasing your risk of diabetes significantly.

5. Fatigue

Foods high in added sugar increase blood sugar and insulin levels fast, resulting in increased energy. However, this increase in energy levels is just temporary. Products high in sugar but low in protein, fiber, or fat provide a transient energy spike followed by a significant drop in blood sugar, sometimes referred to as a crash. Constant blood sugar fluctuations might deplete your body and cause fatigue.

Choose carbohydrates that are low in added sugar and high in fiber to prevent blood sugar fluctuations. Another great way to keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable is to combine carbohydrates with protein or fat.

6. Dental problems

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are two forms of harmful bacteria found in your mouth. Both forms of bacteria feed on sugar and build plaque, the sticky material that dentists remove from your teeth during a routine appointment. If this plaque isn't removed, it will ultimately damage the enamel of your teeth.

Sugar, in addition to producing enamel-eating acids, attracts the microscopic bacteria that cause gingivitis and gum disease. These conditions can cause your gums to recede and ruin the protective tissues that keep your teeth in place.