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8 signs that indicate excess sugar intake

8 signs that indicate excess sugar intake

Sugar can be an addictive ingredient in food and drinks. With all the processed and fast food available at every store, it becomes difficult to avoid this component. While some are strict about their diet, some do not keep a tab on their daily sugar intake. Let’s look at some of the signs and symptoms that may point toward excess sugar intake in a diet.

Weight gain
Sugars tend to be used up by the body very quickly, leaving it hungry for more. Most processed foods and sugary treats do not have anything nutritious content in them – no protein, fiber, or healthy fats – to keep the body full and satiated. So consuming sugary foods or drinks is like consuming empty calories with no benefits. According to research, it was also observed that sweet beverages promoted weight gain in adults as well as children.

High blood pressure
Research suggests that too much sugar in the diet can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure in individuals. Studies observe that high glucose levels could be responsible for damaging the lining inside the blood cells, making it vulnerable for cholesterol to stick to them. This can cause the vessels to narrow down, making it difficult for blood to flow.

Acne
Sugar intake triggers androgen secretion, which results in break out on the skin. Not just acne, but high sugar content can also cause more wrinkles and make the skin dull. Drink lots of water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out the toxins that could affect the skin’s health.

Low energy
Since sugar is digested very quickly in the body, it can drain the body of its energy. It also then leads to craving more sugar, and the cycle becomes vicious with constant changes in energy levels in the body. This can lower the energy in the body.

Sleep issues
In a study published in 2019 in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, sleep quality is inversely proportional to sugar consumption in individuals. The glycemic control needs to be in balance in order to maintain sleep quality.

Irritability
A study published in Medical Hypotheses in 2020 observed that high sugar intake led to increased inflammation in the body, bad mood, and symptoms of depressive mental health. After eating sugar, the insulin levels spike, decreasing the glucose levels in the bloodstream. This also affects the brain. It needs an optimal level of glucose in the body to function healthily.

Sweet cravings
Eating sweets triggers the dopamine levels in the body. These “happy hormones” are a result of sugar consumption which targets the pleasure senses in the brain called the mesocorticolimbic pathway. Also, the rise of dopamine levels in the body can itself lead to sweet cravings, so the whole process turns into a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. It is important to fill your cravings with whole foods that break this cycle.

Joint pain
This may not just be an age-related pain but a food-related one! Research suggests that about 24 percent of participants in a study who had rheumatoid arthritis said foods like desserts and sodas triggered pain in their joints. High amounts of sugar can cause systemic inflammation, which can affect the joints.

Constant excessive sugar intake could also result in the development of lifestyle conditions such as diabetes. The federal medical insurance program, Medicare, covers diabetes self-management training services for people who are at high risk for diabetes, or those who have already received their diagnosis. Medicare Part B also grants access to regular diabetes screening tests, blood glucose monitors, and supplies such as lancet devices and test strips, as prescribed by the doctor.

Further, excess sugar intake can cause other complications, such as diabetic neuropathy, where nerve damage may occur due to continuous high blood sugar levels. This may lead to pain, tingling, and chronic back pain.

When blood sugar reaches levels beyond 180 mg/dl, excess sugar leaks into the bladder. This increases sugar levels in the urine as well. Too much sugar in the urine can cause kidney damage, especially for those with diabetes.

Diabetic patients with consistently high blood glucose levels are also at risk of developing diabetic macular edema and eye retinopathy. The former condition caused due to damage to retinal blood vessels, is similar to wet macular degeneration but has a slower progression. These conditions may lead to blurry vision or even blindness if not treated on time.

Refined sugar found in processed foods can even cause stomach pain, cramping, bloating, and other problems. So, one may experience symptoms of digestive issues, such as liver damage, diarrhea, and gas, as a result of excessive sugar intake. It is advisable to seek timely professional assistance for defusing health complications related to one’s vital function of digestion. One can also consult a nutritionist to understand the ideal amount of sugar safe for the body.

Apart from prescriptions, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to manage blood sugar, doctors may also suggest Tea Burn supplements for diabetes management, with a specific focus on maintaining a healthy BMI. Gummy supplements may also be recommended to help diabetics meet their nutritional needs. However, one must check the gummies’ sugar content and nutritional facts before use.

Scheduling an appointment with a certified healthcare expert is imperative for people with high blood sugar. Doctors can study the symptoms specified above to diagnose conditions like diabetes and thyroid problems accurately. Once diagnosed, the healthcare professional can help find the ideal treatment for the condition, easing recovery.

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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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6 foods that are surprisingly bad for diabetics

Diabetes is a condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It interferes with the body's ability to process blood sugar, or blood glucose. Every single diabetes patient probably knows that they must eat healthy to maintain normal blood sugar levels. However, the problem is that many foods marketed as healthy and considered diabetes-friendly can actually cause a spike in blood sugar levels. In this article, we've listed foods many people don't know are bad for diabetics. Brown rice When thinking of healthy rice, brown rice is the first thing that comes to many people’s minds. It is a whole grain that has the bran, germ, and endosperm intact. Indeed, brown rice is healthier than white rice, thanks to its rich fiber content. But it also contains a high amount of carbohydrates, which quickly break down into glucose, sending blood sugar levels soaring. Before making a brown rice recipe, it’s important to watch the portion size to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Dried fruits Many people have the habit of noshing on dry fruits. But these fruits, particularly raisins, are bad food choices for those with diabetes. When a fruit is dried, it loses all water, resulting in a higher concentration of its various nutrients, including sugar and carbohydrates. Raisins should particularly be avoided as they have more than four times the amount of carbohydrates as grapes. One should also avoid dried apricots, mangoes, and cranberries. Fresh berries and a small apple are a healthier alternative. Yogurt Yogurt is thought of as a healthy, digestion-boosting food. But that may be true only if it’s plain yogurt with no added sugar. However, most yogurt varieties sold in the market are fruit-flavored, meaning they’re loaded with sugar and carbohydrates. They are typically made from nonfat or low-fat milk, which is prepared by adding stabilizers, thickeners, and more sugar. A better approach is to opt for plain yogurt and top it with fresh fruits for added flavor. Fruit juice Fruit juice is as healthy as the whole fruit, right? Wrong! In fact, it’s one of the worst things for diabetics. It has a similar effect on blood glucose as sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages. Store-bought fruit juices are usually loaded with sugar to improve their flavor. Even if the product doesn’t contain added sugar, fruit juices tend to be high in carbohydrates, and they lack fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients, all of which can be provided by consuming a whole fruit instead. Honey Honey is often used instead of white table sugar in many recipes. However, research claims that honey and other forms of natural sugar, such as agave nectar and maple syrup, can boost blood sugar levels. Moreover, these sweeteners contain about as many carbs as white sugar, despite being less processed. So, it may be wise to steer clear of all forms of alternative sweeteners. Breakfast cereal Cereals are a go-to breakfast option for many people. However, for those with diabetes, it can be one of the worst ways to start a day. That’s because most cereals available are highly processed and contain excess sugar and carbohydrates. Besides, they provide a minimal amount of protein, which plays an important role in maintaining a stable blood sugar level throughout the day. For breakfast, it's best to skip cereal and opt for protein-rich, low-carb recipes.

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