You might have read or learned enough about nutrition right now to know that sugar is BAD. It is responsible for the rising rates in childhood obesity, diabetes and inflammation related diseases (which is pretty much all of them…). Sugar is hidden in so many things now from salad dressings, to condiments, to spices; sometimes you have no idea you are even eating it! The best advice is to always read the nutrition labels so you can see where the hidden sugar is. In case you don’t take the time to learn about these food labels, take a look at what happens to your body when you eat too much sugar.
One of the first signs you’re eating too much sugar is changes in your energy levels. That term “sugar high”? Yeah, that’s a real thing. And with a high comes a crash. So when you have eaten too much sugar, your energy (and insulin levels) spike. Your body realizes that it can’t sustain energy from this sugar for long (it needs real calories from complex carbs and protein), and so the result is a severe energy crash and lethargy. You pretty much will just feel lousy.
Sugar can also wreak inflammatory havoc. Foods with a high glycemic index (this means those that spike your blood sugar umore quickly) can cause a decrease in levels of antioxidants in the blood, which can cause a rise in free radicals and tissue damage. A decrease in antioxidants are tell-tale markers of chronic diseases. Almost all chronic diseases are caused by inflammation; these are diseases like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s, and so many more. High sugar levels in the blood can lead to inflammation, increasing the odds of contracting one of these chronic diseases.
Your skin also takes a hit when you eat too much sugar. Insulin spikes cause an increase in skin oils. This causes clogged pores, and yes, acne. Not to mention your body tries to get rid of the junk you are eating so when you sweat (your body’s natural way of detoxing) all these increased oils are on the surface on your skin and mix with these toxins being released and yes…even more acne. Sugar substitutes can have some similar and even more negative sides effects so don’t replace one vice with another!
If you’re looking for something sweet, try a piece of whole fruit first; it will give you the sugar you’re craving but also fiber and antioxidants. You can also try a piece of dark chocolate (no, not Hershey’s milk chocolate) which will also offer some antioxidant benefits! Even better, try this Hu variety pack 🙂