By Dr. Jason Haas Blog, Weight Loss
Why You Should Stop Eating Sugar
10 Reasons Why You Should Stop Eating Sugar
As adapted from 10 reasons.org
Stop Eating Sugar.
We mean it.
Right now.
Sugar may be sweet and delicious, but this white little additive may be killing you. If you need a reason to stop eating sugar, then check out our top ten list below.
1. It Can Suppress Your Immune System
According to Mayoclinic, “Consuming too much sugar suppresses immune system cells responsible for attacking bacteria. Even consuming just 75-100 grams of sugar. . .reduces the ability of white blood cells to overpower and destroy bacteria.” Keep that in mind the next time you grab a soda!
2. It Can Contribute to Depression
Sure, sugar may seem inviting and rewarding at first, but this sweet little deceiver can contribute to depression if you’re not careful. Sugar can raise endorphin levels and boost your mood temporarily, which is part of the reason why so many people are addicted to sugar.
However, too much sugar can slow down the production of endorphins (the body’s way of keeping balance). Once you cut back on the sugar, you experience depression, and you have to eat more sugar to feel good again – creating a vicious circle.
3. It Can Raise Your Cholesterol
Researchers at WebMD have discovered that “eating large amounts of added sugar more than tripled the risk of having low HDL, which is a major fact for heart disease.”
4. It Can Age Your Skin
Sugar in the bloodstream can attach to proteins in the bloodstream, resulting in AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products). These molecules can then damage collagen and elastin production (which are responsible for maintaining your skin’s elasticity).
5. It Can Trigger Tooth Decay
Within minutes after eating sugar, sticky glycoproteins (carbohydrate and protein molecules) start sticking to your teeth, forming plaque that can build up and damage your teeth.
6. It Can Make You Fat
Sure your metabolism may be high now, but as you age, your body won’t be able to handle the empty calories that sugar packs on. Studies have shown that humans (and animals) have a sweet spot for sugar, and when used to enhance already unhealthy foods, sugar can definitely lead to fat accumulation. Sugar can pack as much as 4 calories per gram – so skip the sugar if you want a slimmer waistline.
7. It Can Increase Your Risk of Diabetes
While sugar does not necessarily cause diabetes, it can certainly increase your risk of it. Studies have shown that obese individuals on high sugar diets are more likely to experience diabetes, heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
8. It Can Cause Kidney Damage
High blood sugar levels can disrupt the structure and function of your blood vessels, which in turn can put added stress on your kidney’s filtering system.
9. It Can Produce Headaches
As your blood sugar levels rise, your body releases insulin to move the sugar from the bloodstream and into cells. But as soon as the blood sugar is gone, you’re left with an excess of insulin, which can result in a “sugar crash” and headaches.
10. It Can Promote Fluid Retention
As you already know, sugar will raise insulin levels, but this in turn can inhibit sodium excretion as well. Water is attracted to sodium, and if your body is holding on to the sodium, it will also hold onto more fluids as well.
Suggestions?
Attend our nutrition class this coming Tuesday night to learn how we can help you stop the sugar habit and get healthy!
Call to sign up 970.686.9117