Sugar is the new smoking. Both previously thought fine for you and a normal part of life, smoking was called out years ago as toxic to the body. Sugar is now under scrutiny for the same reasons.

Sugar has become more and more integrated into the average American diet. Sugar is hidden in things you would never even think of in the form of corn syrup and other sweeteners in items that are considered nonsweet such as bread and even chicken salad. Add to that the sweet treats we do consume and the sugar intake has skyrocketed over recent years.

The Dangers of Consuming an Abundance of Sugar

Tooth Decay. Sugar is sticky. It adheres to the surfaces of your teeth and feeds the bacteria in your mouth. The result is decay leading to cavities.

Your Liver.  Eating sugar excessively can do almost as much damage as someone who drinks alcohol excessively. This is due to the high fructose content in sugar. It turns into fat and after it lodges itself in the liver you can develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Type II Diabetes. Eating too much sugar regularly often results in the body building insulin resistance. This can result in toxic glucose in the blood. This can cause a number of conditions to develop, perhaps the harshest of which is type II diabetes.

Cancer. Numerous studies have alluded to the fact that there is a connection between sugar consumption and cancer. It is once again related to insulin – sugar creates elevated insulin levels where the body can’t properly regulate the abnormal growth and multiplication of unwanted cells, potentially leading to cancerous cells.

Addiction. Sugar works on the same pleasure centers in the brain as opioid drugs and is just as addictive. It may be difficult for people to use moderation when eating sugary foods. When trying to quit they often experience disconcerting withdrawal symptoms.

Obesity.  Fat gained from sugar consumption tends to build in a specific area – around your gut.

Heart disease. Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death, and recent studies show that a diet high in sugar could be a major factor. High levels of fructose raise your blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as make you obese, in as little as two to three months.

Depression. Sugar contributes to your overall mental and cognitive health and may offer an explanation as to why you feel so tired shortly after eating something high in sugar. It can also explain if you experience anxiety or depression, and may even be related to memory failure later in life.

For further guidance and life-changing diet advice, make an appointment with the onsite nutritionist available at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800. Not only are our physicians dedicated to keeping your heart health at its best, but we’ll do anything we can to help you improve your everyday quality of life through important lifestyle choices. www.tampacardio.com.