Being Mindful of Your Sugar Intake

Another Podcast format:

Link to the slide show mentioned: 12 Ways Too Much Sugar Harms Your Body (webmd.com)

The post below was converted to a PDF and is mentioned in the podcast as well.

Excess sugar consumption can have a significant negative impact on your health. Here's a breakdown of how it can affect your body:  

1. Weight Gain and Obesity

• Calories: Sugar is calorie-dense, meaning it provides a lot of energy without filling you up.  
• Fat Storage: When you consume more calories than you burn, your body often stores the excess as fat.  

2. Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases

• Type 2 Diabetes: Excess sugar can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where your body's cells become less responsive to insulin. This can lead to type 2 diabetes.  
• Heart Disease: High sugar intake can contribute to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.  
• Liver Disease: Excessive fructose, a type of sugar found in many processed foods, can overload your liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.  

3. Dental Problems

• Cavities: Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that can erode tooth enamel.  

4. Mood and Energy Fluctuations

• Blood Sugar Crashes: When you consume a lot of sugar, your blood sugar levels spike, followed by a sharp drop. This can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and cravings.  

5. Increased Risk of Certain Cancers

• Some studies suggest a link between high sugar intake and an increased risk of certain cancers, including colorectal cancer.  

To minimize the negative effects of sugar, it's recommended to:

• Limit your intake of added sugars.  
• Opt for whole, unprocessed foods.  
• Choose natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.
• Be mindful of hidden sugars in packaged foods.

By making these changes, you can protect your health and enjoy the benefits of a balanced diet.