The 7 Scary Effects Sugar Has On Your Body

Mar 28, 2018 by apost team

You already know that sugar is everywhere! Obesity rates keep rising, and the amount of information available about the effects of sugar can be confusing and overwhelming. It is challenging to know what is safe, and what is detrimental to your health. 

Here are seven things that sugar can do to your body: 
 

Your body needs sugar, but how much is too much? Studies have shown that the sugar we consume on a daily basis is often directly linked to weight gain.

If you eat more sugar than your body needs, it will turn into fat to be stored for use in the future. This may be a good thing if you were going into hibernation, but humans have come a long way since needing to store fat for the winter. The excess fat on your hips, arms, and tummy are just unnecessary weight. 
 

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Sugar doesn’t actually cause cavities. No, your mother didn’t lie to you about your candy; it’s actually the leftover waste, from the interaction between the surface of your teeth and the sugar, which causes an acidic substance to eat away at your teeth. It hurts just thinking about it, doesn’t it? 
 

Sugar addiction is a real thing! Your brain tells you that you feel good when you eat sugar because it releases dopamine. This is the same chemical that is released during sex. So, naturally, your body wants more of it. There is no hard evidence stating how addictive sugar is, but scientists are working on the answer to that question. One study demonstrated that rats exhibited the typical signs of addiction when given unlimited access to sugar. The rats showed signs of bingeing, withdrawal, and cravings.
 

This contradicts what we just said, doesn't it? Even though a “feel good” feeling comes from eating sugar, it is short lived. Once the "sugar high" is over, you are left with a diet that can lead to inflammation, depression, anxiety, and stress. 
 

Research has shown that a diet that is high in sugar can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. According to a study published in JAMA as stated by The American Heart Association, a study revealed that participants who consumed approximately 17 percent to 21 percent of their calories from added sugar had a 38 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. This might seem a bit over-the-top, but it is an eye-opener.
 

Just like harmful chemicals or drugs, sugar has a strange effect on your brain. When you consume sweeteners on a regular basis, your body doesn’t know when it is full, and therefore, you end up overeating empty calories that will go straight to your hips. 
 

Sweetness comes at a price, in this context at least. Studies have shown that sugary diets have a negative effect on our short and long-term memories. Oregon State University recently discovered that putting lab rats on a four-week diet of high fat and high sugar caused a decrease in brain function and memory retention. 

It can be a tough nut to crack to quit sugar. I suggest taking it slow, rather than trying to cut yourself off completely. Small successes lead to long-term goal completion. No one says it will be easy, but if you stick to it and cut back, the health benefits will outweigh the struggle by far.

Do you know someone who is having trouble kicking their sugar craving? Pass this article their way!