Find out what happens when you eat sugar…
Sugar is everywhere! You can’t walk down a supermarket aisle without finding some sugar-loaded food. Everything from bread to fruit juice to candy even to many canned foods contain sugar. It’s all but impossible to avoid, no matter how healthy you try to eat. Only by eating raw produce can you reduce the amount of sugar in your diet, but it takes A LOT of work to cut sugar completely.
But what happens when you eat sugar? We’re not talking the natural sugar in fruit or starches, but the refined sugar added to your food. Here are some of the effects of sugar on your body:
- Your brain releases dopamine — This is the same chemical that is released when you take recreational drugs, or when you are in love. The moment your taste buds register the sugar, dopamine is released, flooding your body with a “feel good” sensation similar to a high or romantic feelings. No wonder we want more sugar!
- Collagen and elastin are destroyed –– Once your body digests the sugar, it creates certain byproducts that break down the collagen and elastin in your skin. These two nutrients are vital for healthy skin, and thus excess sugar intake leads to sagging, wrinkled, and tired-looking skin.
- Your stomach suffers –– Your body can’t break down or absorb all the artificial sweeteners and flavorings in your high-sugar foods. This can lead to bloating and digestive problem. It may even cause a laxative effect, as the undigested food goes right through your digestive tract.
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- Your heart suffers –– The rush of sugar causes your body to produce insulin to control blood sugar, which in turn causes damage to your blood vessels. There is inflammation of the arterial walls, weakening them and making them more susceptible to heart disease.
- Your pancreas overwork –– Your pancreas have to work extra hard to produce insulin if your blood sugar levels rise too much. This can strain them, but it will also reduce your body’s sensitivity to insulin. Over time, this insulin resistance can lead to Type 2 Diabetes.
- Your joints suffer –– Did you know that collagen is what helps your joints to move properly? When the sugar byproducts break down the collagen in your skin, they also wear away at the collagen in your joints. This leads to less cushioning between the joints, and can cause inflammation. Over time, excess sugar intake may even contribute to arthritis.
- Your body fat increases –– Your body is designed to use up to 500 calories’ worth of energy at a time. These 500 calories are stored in your liver and bloodstream. Any MORE energy than that, and your body stores it as body fat. The sugar your body can’t immediately use is turned into body fat and stored for later. If you continue to accumulate fat on a daily basis, you will notice a drastic increase in your overall body fat.
As you can see, sugar is NOT your best friend! It may be absolutely delicious, but it’s terrible for your health in the long run. It’s vital that you start cutting back on sugar now, reducing your intake and eliminating high-sugar foods from your diet. For many, this is easier said than done. Sugar is everywhere and in everything, even foods you think are healthy. You should take the time to look at the food in your fridge and cabinets, and find the high-sugar foods that are ruining your health. Get back to the basics by eating only raw, natural foods, and you’ll eliminate most of the sugar from your diet.
