Too much sugar: These symptoms will tell you whether you are consuming too much sugar
is next toonetheDrugs of our time - and onetheRisk factors for chronic or inflammatory diseases. The problem: We often don't even notice that we consume too much. Also because sugar is not only contained in obvious foods such as chocolate or gummy bears, but also in baked goods, tea mixtures, fruit juices and so on.
According to theWorld Health Organization (WHO)should not exceed ten percent of the daily calories of a healthy, balanced dietcome from added sugar. This means: from sugar that does not occur naturally in a food, such as fructose. But who has time to calculate the composition of all foods every day to get the perfect amount? It's easier, says diabetologist Serena Missori, to listen to your body - and try to adjust your sugar consumption if one (or more) of these symptoms apply.
5 signs that you have too much sugar in your body - according to an expert
1. Excessive craving for sweets
“When too many carbohydrates or simple sugars are consumed, a phenomenon we call cravings occurs. This occurs because theWhen sugar is absorbed by insulin, it drops quickly and causes hypoglycemia. As a result, the body looks for more sugar to make up for this waste.”
2. Weight gain
“Insulin acts like a fattening hormone and promotes weight gain. If produced in excess, it can lead to insulin resistance, which in turn promotes fat accumulation and accelerates the onset of hepatic steatosis (fatty liver). This imbalance can also lead to a sudden drop in energy. High blood sugar levels can damage the body’s proteins through a process called glycosylation, reducing the ability of organs and systems to function and reducing their efficiency.”
3. Accelerated skin aging
“Excessive sugar consumption also has negative effects on the. Excess glucose triggers a process called glycation, which leads to the formation of compounds called AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products). These substances cause inflammation in the cells and break down the two proteins elastin and collagen, which keep the skin supple and soft. But that's not all: Excess sugar accelerates skin aging by promoting oxidation and loss of elasticity. High insulin levels can also cause the appearance of dark spots and skin wrinkles.”
4. Fatigue and mood swings
“Sugar is the main fuel for our cells, so an adequate amount ensures good energy levels. If the sugar level is too low, there is a lack of energy. On the other hand, if the blood sugar level is too high and the insulin is not working properly, we can feel tired and experience mood swings, sudden sluggishness and tiredness despite the high sugar content in the blood.”
5. Indigestion
“Excessive sugar consumption not only leads to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and a rapid release of insulin, but also to a disruption of the balance in the intestines. This imbalance also alters the gut microbiota over time, promoting dysbiosis, which is the predominance of pathogenic bacteria over beneficial bacteria. The most common symptoms of dysbiosis include various digestive disorders such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and a feeling of heaviness after meals. The consequences of dysbiosis are diverse. Not only does it impair the gut’s ability to absorb vital nutrients, but it also weakens the immune system, more than 70 percent of which is located in the gut, worsening the body’s overall health.”
