How Does Too Much Sugar Affect Your Body?

Sugar: Odds are, you’ve heard many times over that it’s detrimental to your health. But, despite this widely-known truth, it’s hard to stay away from sugar. Aside from the obvious sources of sugar, like candy and soda, it’s found in many protein bars, soups, bread, tomato sauce, and other savory foods. 

Excess sugar affects virtually all aspects of your health, from your skin to your heart and everything in between. This article will cover the key effects of sugar on the body to help you kick this unhealthy habit. 

Excess Insulin

The pancreas releases insulin, the hormone that regulates your blood sugar, whenever you eat. But, if you eat sugar in excess, your body will lose its sensitivity to insulin. As a result, your pancreas will start creating even more insulin, eventually leading to rising blood sugar levels and an overburdened pancreas. This leads to a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Risk of Heart Disease

Sugar can increase your risk of heart disease in a few different ways. For one, excess sugar can overwork the liver. The liver metabolizes sugar like it metabolizes alcohol, and it turns carbohydrates into fat. So, eating sugar in excess can lead to a greater buildup of fat and a higher risk of fatty liver disease, diabetes, and, ultimately, heart disease. 

Eating sugar in excess also contributes to inflammation and weight gain, both of which increase the risk of heart disease. 

Inflammation

Speaking of inflammation – excess sugar is a key contributor to inflammation. When sugar enters your body, it causes the liver to produce free fatty acids. As the body processes these free fatty acids, it can stimulate inflammatory processes. 

Inflammation can worsen joint pain, contribute to cardiovascular disease, and even speed up skin aging.

At Mind Body Spirit Care in Tampa, we take an integrative approach to health. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about our range of treatment options for various medical concerns.