How harmful is eating too much sugar and how to protect your health?

Sugar comes in two main forms: natural sugar and added sugar. Natural sugar is found in fruits, vegetables, milk, and whole foods, while added sugar is added to processed foods like candy, soft drinks, and fast food.

Although the body needs glucose to function, consuming too much added sugar can lead to many serious health problems, according to the health site Health .

Ms. Anthea Levi, a nutritionist working in the US, shared the harmful effects of consuming too much sugar.

Regular consumption of foods high in sugar can alter the gut microbiome, causing imbalance and causing digestive problems.

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Increased sweet cravings

When sugar stimulates the brain's reward center, feelings of fullness and satisfaction can be impaired, causing people to feel the need to eat more to achieve the same feeling.

Additionally, regular sugar consumption can alter the gut microbiome, causing imbalance and causing digestive problems.

Causing tooth decay

When sugar comes into contact with bacteria in the mouth, they create acids that erode tooth enamel, causing cavities and gingivitis.

In particular, children and people who consume a lot of sugary drinks are at higher risk of tooth decay.

Causes sudden hypoglycemia

When you eat foods high in refined carbohydrates, blood glucose rises rapidly, giving you a feeling of energy.

However, soon after, the insulin spike causes blood sugar to drop rapidly, leading to fatigue, lethargy, and difficulty concentrating. This can affect work performance, learning ability, and mood.

Effects on brain function

High consumption of added sugar may be linked to cognitive decline and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia.

Some studies show that sugar can cause inflammation in the central nervous system, particularly the hippocampus, which controls memory and hunger.

Increased risk of disease

High intake of added sugar can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver and certain cancers.

Cell oxidation occurs more quickly when the body absorbs a lot of sugar, causing tissue damage and weakening the immune system.

Eating a lot of sugar can lead to obesity

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Weight gain

Sugary products like cakes, soft drinks and fast food often do not provide enough fibre and protein to make people feel full, causing them to eat more. As a result, people are more likely to become obese, a major risk factor for many serious diseases.

Makes skin age

Collagen is an important protein that helps keep skin smooth and elastic. When you consume a lot of sugar, the collagen repair process is disrupted, causing your skin to become thinner, less elastic, and more prone to wrinkles.

Stressful

Sugar consumption can affect your mental and emotional health. In the short term, sugar can reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and provide a temporary feeling of relaxation.

However, in the long run, sugar can increase stress levels, worsening anxiety and depression.

According to the US Dietary Guidelines (DGA), added sugar intake should be less than 50 grams/day. Children under 2 years of age should not eat added sugar.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/an-nhieu-duong-gay-hai-nhu-the-nao-va-lam-sao-de-bao-ve-suc-khoe-185250403221102164.htm