When it comes to health, refined sugar seems to be the new “cigarette”. We all thought it was just fine for us for years to consume a moderate level of refined sugar, just as, back in the ’40s and 50’s advertising had us believe that smoking was non-health threatening.

The truth is sugar is just as dangerous as smoking. Both are appealing because they target the pleasure centers of the brain. Hand in hand, both are highly addictive. Not much was known about the dangers of sugars to the body until recent years.

The harmful effects of a high sugar diet are becoming more publicly known, but many are still unaware. They still view soda, candy, cake, cookies, and other sweets all just as food. While there is other nutritional value to it, that sugar intake adds up quickly.

We all keep hearing “Sugar is bad”, but rarely do you get the explanation behind the statement. Let’s delve into it and see exactly why it’s been deemed “bad”.

You will end up visiting the dentist more often:
Sugar loves your teeth, but it’s a one-way relationship. Sugar sticks to your teeth and feeds the bacteria found there. Over time, teeth can decay and rot as a result.

Your liver has to work harder

Sugar is just plain bad for your liver. Excess sugar consumption has a similar effect on the liver as drinking mass amounts of alcohol. This is because of the high fructose content in sugar, which turns into fat, and after becoming lodged in the liver, it can often develop into non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Sugar can cause type II diabetes.

High amounts of sugar in your diet can result in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can result in an excess of glucose in the blood which is toxic. This can cause a number of conditions to develop, perhaps the worst of which is type II diabetes.

The Big C (Cancer)
Sugar feeds cancer cells. Numerous studies have shown that there is a connection between sugar in excess and cancer. Once again relating to insulin – sugar creates elevated insulin levels, creating an environment where the body can’t properly regulate the abnormal growth and multiplication of unwanted cells, thus, potentially leading to cancer.

Addiction

Sugar attaches to the same pleasure centers in the brain that result from doing heavy drugs and is equally addictive. It may be hard for people to practice moderation when it comes to junk food. Quitting cold turkey can actually lead to withdrawal symptoms. It’s best to ease it out of your diet if you are a big sugar fan.

Sugar contributes to obesity. If you eat a lot of sugar, you will have a higher tendency to become overweight. Fat gained from sugar consumption attaches around your gut, earning itself the nickname “sugar belly.”

Heart Disease

That’s right. Consuming sugar excessively over time can lead directly to heart disease.
Heart disease is the #1 killer worldwide, and recent studies show that a diet high in sugar could be a major contributing factor.

Other issues

Sugar can raise your blood glucose and insulin levels

Sugar leads to obesity

Sugar can make you depressed.

Sugar contributes greatly to your overall mental health

Sugar can bring on anxiety
Sugar has even been related to memory issues especially later in life.

For further guidance please 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.