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5 gastrointestinal issues caused due to high sugar

5 gastrointestinal issues caused due to high sugar

Despite the satisfaction sugar provides, the consensus is that it harms one’s health. The pitfalls of excessive sugar intake include poor liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye, and mental health. It can build a bed of severe conditions such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and gastrointestinal distress. High sugar levels severely impact your gut health, giving rise to various unpleasant symptoms. To avoid complications, switching to a less sugar-dependant lifestyle is prudent.

Acid reflux
Heavy reliance on sugary foods can lead to symptoms like acid reflux. It is a concerning sign of gastrointestinal disorders caused by excessive sugar intake. High amounts of sugar in the body can result in restricted functioning of the pancreas, causing bacterial overgrowth. It can lead to excessive acid in the digestive tract and a suppressed absorption of nutrients. This acid is known as acid reflux when it finds its way back up into the esophagus.

Bloating
Bloating is a result of various factors. Some might experience it as a combination of menstruation symptoms, food sensitivities or intolerances, overeating, and swallowing air. Another common factor for bloating is the intake of excessive sugar. The intestine works hard to absorb water needed by the body. However, sugar can stop that and draw water away from the intestinal cells. This can cause a feeling of heaviness or bloating. If this continues for a long time, it is essential to consult a doctor and seek an appropriate solution.

Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of digestive distress. Gastrointestinal disorders often cause loose or watery stools making frequent bathroom visits a necessary evil. Based on the cause of diarrhea, it can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. If not dealt with properly, it can cause severe dehydration in the individual. Triggers for diarrhea include food intolerance, excessive sugar intake, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease. Sugar can cause the gut to release electrolytes and water back into the body, causing stool loosening. If one experiences prolonged diarrhea, it is prudent to speak to a doctor and find out the cause of it.

Constipation
A meal that lacks the appropriate amount of fiber can cause bowel movements to slow down. So does the presence of excessive sugar in meals, contributing to constipation. When the dehydrating effect of sugar is combined with insufficient fiber in meal plans, it can harden stools and cause constipation. It can be resolved by switching to high-fiber and low-sugar meal plans. However, if the problem persists, it could be a sign of poor gastrointestinal condition and indicate the presence of an underlying condition caused by excessive sugar.

Gas
Gas is another common symptom associated with gastrointestinal disorders that can occur because of excessive sugar intake. When too much sugar is present, the body might have difficulty breaking it down. As a result, the food remains in the intestine for a long time and can start to ferment. When fermented sugar moves through the large intestine, it feeds unhealthy bacteria and yeast leading to gaseous buildup. Someone who experiences gas due to excessive sugar intake may also have to deal with painful spasming or cramping of the stomach region.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Symptoms of liver disease due to excessive sugar

The liver performs many vital functions in the human body. For instance, it promotes digestion by secreting bile, regulates chemical levels, and stores iron, copper, and fat-soluble vitamins. However, like any other organ, its working can get affected due to specific illnesses. One's food habits could also affect the liver severely. Here are a few common signs of liver disease due to excessive sugar intake that should not be overlooked. Fatigue and low energy Tiredness or constant fatigue could be an early sign of liver disease brought on by excessive sugar consumption. People who enjoy too many sugary treats can develop insulin resistance. It is a condition where the body's cells stop responding to insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood glucose. As a result of insulin resistance, blood sugar levels rise constantly, affecting the liver and leading to chronic lethargy and exhaustion. Digestive issues The liver supports gastrointestinal function. So, when the organ is affected due to excessive sugar, it can trigger digestive problems like gas, bloating, and even indigestion. Since the organ can no longer break down food effectively, it can even lead to constipation and bowel complications. Moreover, bile secretion problems can worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of other health concerns. So, it is essential to take digestive discomforts seriously and ascertain whether they result from kidney disease caused by high sugar intake. Inflammation Inflammation can result from various health conditions and can also be a sign of liver disease due to excessive sugar intake. When a person eats too many sweets regularly, the body's cells start to swell up with fluid. This leads to inflammation in different organs, including the liver. When inflamed, the liver cannot function properly, increasing the risk of numerous other health complications. Hence, those who suspect inflammation should visit a healthcare professional. Fatty liver disease When a person eats sugar, the body breaks it down into glucose, which is used to produce energy. However, when the body receives too much sugar, not all of it is utilized. While some of the glucose is used for energy immediately, the excess is stored in the body in the form of fat cells. These fat cells can sometimes accumulate in the liver, causing fatty liver disease. The condition can lead to a range of discomforts, such as a swollen abdomen, weakness, and drowsiness. If the problem is ignored, it can increase the risk of health complications. According to a study published in 2021 by Duke Health researchers, fatty liver disease not caused by certain lifestyle factors can only be controlled by regulating blood sugar. And one of the most crucial things to regulate blood glucose is to avoid sugary foods as much as possible. While this might be challenging initially, it is necessary for better liver and overall health. The study suggested that those with fatty liver disease conditions could develop liver scarring and eventually liver failure due to poor blood sugar control. Hence, individuals who struggle to manage their condition should consult a healthcare professional.

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