The Snowball Effect of Sugar

In recent years, sugar has become a hot topic in the health and wellness community, and for good reason. Americans are increasingly addicted to sugar, and the consequences can be pretty serious. The biggest reason to avoid excess sugar is because it is highly addictive, and can lead to longterm life threatening health issues. Some studies have suggested that it is as addictive as cocaine. People that are addicted to sugar enjoy the dopamine release that it brings, and the withdrawal symptoms often make it difficult to give up. Because of the addictive nature of sugar, it poses serious long term health risks to those who overindulge. To keep this concise, we are only touching on the top health concerns posed by overuse of sugar, but there is plenty of research out there with many reasons to be modest with sugar consumption.

1) Too much sugar can cause hypertension - there isn’t a direct link regarding why this is true, but scientists speculate that sugar can damage the lining of blood vessels, allowing cholesterol to stick to the walls and harden vasculature… leading to higher blood pressure.

2) Weight gain is commonly associated with overconsumption of sugar. This is because eating sugar can often increase hunger, resulting in overeating. Another reason sugar can lead to weight gain is because it disrupts the gut microbiome, which helps regulate blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as manages and utilizes lipids and cholesterol.

3) Sugar can induce inflammation in the body, which over time can lead to heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and cancer. The science shows that when consuming sugar and refined carbohydrates, inflammatory markers remain elevated for several hours.

4) Low energy and fatigue can come from eating sugar, because it is easily digested and within a short amount of time you will require more food or feel tired. Large shifts between blood sugar and insulin can also cause low energy.

5) A study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine cites that sugar consumption was directly related to sleep quantity and quality in 300 college-aged individuals. Sleep cycles are regulated by light, temperature, and glycemic control. For someone that’s overindulging in sugar, sleep cycles can absolutely be affected.

In summary, while sugar delivers a temporary dopamine fix and enjoyable experience (based on taste), the long term effects are infinitely more detrimental than the positive effects of sugar. There are other ways to treat yourself that won’t lead to disease and illness. If you’re interested in learning more about alternative sweet treats, inquire on the contact page!