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As we move into the holiday season, many people will find it hard to resist the chocolates, lollies, and desserts that seem to have become synonymous with the season. The thing is, sugar is just as bad for you right now as it is during Christmas, so here’s a refresher on some of the main reasons you should avoid overindulging. Effect 1: Is Extremely Addictive Researchers have concluded that sugar can actually be more addictive than cocaine…which is one of the most addictive substances known to man. That “sweet tooth” that so many people talk about may very well be a bodily craving for a fix of dopamine, a feel-good chemical triggered in response to a “reward” like a slice of cake or sugary soft drink. And the more you eat, the more hooked you’ll be. Effect 2: Contributes to Chronic Diseases Refined sugar has been linked to a long list of health problems and conditions, including: Cancer High blood pressure Diabetes Heart disease Obesity Hypertension Depression Fatigue Hypoglycemia Inflammation High cholesterol, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Because of all this, I really don’t think it’s an exaggeration to call refined sugar “poison”. If you count the number of deaths in the above list, you’ll find that refined sugar kills more people than smoking. Effect 3: Impairs Cognitive Function Studies show that high-sugar foods are linked to cognitive decline. It impairs memory, both short-term and long-term, slows reaction times, and makes it more difficult to solve problems or adapt to new situations. If you want to perform at your best, limit your sugar intake to 6 teaspoons that the World Health Organisation recommends. Effect 4: Causes Metabolic Harm When a person consumes sugar, it triggers a release of insulin in the body. More sugar means more insulin is released, and over time, this can cause insulin resistance, which prevents the hormone from working as it should. Eventually, it can lead to full-on metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more. Effect 5: Damages Hair, Skin and Teeth Most of the problems so far have had to do with your internal health. But it’s human nature to want to look good as well as feel good, and our hair, skin, and teeth play large parts in making us look healthy and attractive. Sugar harms all of them – it can make the hair and skin look dull and lifeless, contribute to dental decay and enamel loss, and even cause extreme issues like hair loss and inflamed skin. These things impact not only your physical health, but also your self-esteem. Although the best thing you could do, of course, would be to ditch sugar entirely, I’m aware that that’s not a very attractive option! We all have our comfort foods, and indulging in moderation won’t kill you. But don’t forget that the key word is moderation. As I mentioned, aim for less than 6 teaspoons a day, and don’t just count super-sweet sources like soft drinks, but include fruit juices and other foods as well. You might be surprised how much sugar is hiding in places like bread, spaghetti sauce, “healthy” granola bars, yoghurt, and more. So be vigilant! To help you track your intake, consider keeping a “sugar journal” in your kitchen or on your smartphone instead of leaving it up to guesswork. Keeping your body healthy is well worth the few extra seconds it will take each day. For more natural health tips visit our blog at: http://www.alkalife.com.au/blog
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