Modern diet includes a single worst ingredient, added sugar. It has a negative impact on body metabolism which can cause various health conditions. There are a wide range of reasons responsible for avoiding added sugar. Sugar impairs normal mineral absorption in the body. It suppresses the immune system and can predispose to juvenile delinquency in children. It is an addictive substance that can cause, aggravate and worsen both physical and psychological disorders. Some harmful effects  of sugar on health are shared in this article.

Excess Sugar Causes health conditions in children

Sugar increases the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body that have a potential to damage tissues and cells. Children should refrain from consuming certain foods that contain added sugars such as soda, sweetened juices, and confectioneries. The added sugar in beverages like the soda can make children consume less milk. Some children tend to develop an inability to concentrate, anxiety, eczema, hyperactivity, and crankiness. It can make children develop high levels of adrenaline. School children can develop learning disorders.

Effects of Sugar Consumption on Patients Taking Medicines

Sugar heightens the insulin and glucose response and drops down these hormones to fasting levels in case of subjects that take oral contraceptive pills. It significantly raises triglyceride levels and fasting glucose levels in diabetic patients. Sugar reduces the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL or good cholesterol) in heart patients. It has been researched that sugar raises the blood glucose levels more than the level of complex carbohydrates in a glucose tolerance test.

Bad Effects of Sugar on skin -Premature Ageing

It can make the skin lose its normal tissue function and elasticity. It causes hormonal imbalance, releases free radicals and contributes to oxidative stress thus triggering loss of cell integrity. This process causes premature aging. It alters the collagen fibers in the skin and can cause wrinkle formation.

Triggers wide range of health conditions

Sugar can cause ovarian cancer, acidic digestive tract, chromium deficiency, hypoglycemia and copper deficiency. It impairs the absorption of magnesium and calcium in the body. It can cause age-related macular degeneration among elderly. It can cause pancreatic cancer, dyspepsia (indigestion), gout, gastric cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, trigger blood clot formation, lower learning ability and kidney stones. Major triggering agent of psychological disorders Sugar significantly elevates the neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These brain chemicals are important in undertaking normal brain function and in maintaining mental stability. Neurochemical imbalance can trigger anxiety, panic attacks, alcoholism, stress related disorders, and depression. This addictive substance stimulates the reward area in the brain and can trigger excessive eating pattern in obese individuals. It is as intoxicating as alcohol. It compromises emotional stability and lead to psychological manifestations. It aggravates the symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD) in children.

Contributes to long list of ailments

Sugar can cause dental caries (tooth decay), obesity, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, gastric or duodenal ulcers, varicose veins, arthritis, emphysema, heart disease, atherosclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gallstones, osteoporosis, cataract, diabetes, circulatory disorders, low levels of vitamin E, increases low-density lipoproteins (LDL or bad cholesterol) levels, myopia (nearsightedness), constipation, constriction of capillary lining, migraines and a range of headaches.

Predisposes to infection

Sugar promotes uncontrolled growth of yeast infections, especially associated with Candida Albicans. It causes periodontal diseases by promoting gum tissue recession and bacterial colonization. It increases the acidity of saliva, predisposing to a range ofdental complications. It causes food allergies, and pregnant women can develop toxemia. It slows down the body’s defensive function against viral and bacterial infections.

Hinders body metabolism

It hampers the normal absorption of proteins, alters the structure of the protein and can impair the structure of DNA. It alters the normal physiological homeostasis and interferes with the normal function of vital organs in the body. It decreases the ability of enzymes to perform the normal function and can cause metabolic conditions. It increases fluid retention in the body, increases renal pathology and damages the pancreas. It impairs the normal function of blood proteins such as albumin and lipoproteins, which can alter fat and cholesterol metabolism. It causes salt and water retention and can cause edema.

Triggers gastrointestinal manifestations

It combines with a digestive enzyme called phosphatase and impairs normal digestion. It slows down the food movement in the gastrointestinal tract triggering constipation. Patients with functional bowel disease frequently develop sugar malabsorption. It increases the bacterial enzymes in the colon and bile acid levels in stool. This can increase cancer producing chemicals in the body, triggering biliary tract cancer and colon cancer. It is a known risk factor for gallbladder cancer.

Causes hormonal imbalance

It decreases insulin sensitivity and growth hormone levels in the human body. It increases naturally occurring male estrogen- estradiol levels in men. It aggravates the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. Women should avoid sugar during pregnancy and lactation as it disturbs muscle formation in a developing offspring and can cause neural tube defects.

In conclusion, added sugar should be avoided by incorporating a healthy lifestyle that contributes to body fitness.