Can You Eat Sugar and Still Be Healthy?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sugar. For most of us, sugar is the most delicious addiction we'll ever have. There's something about satisfying a sweet tooth that just feels so good. But should we be eating sugar? Or are we actually ruining our health? If you're interested in maintaining good health, take a look at the dangers of sugar, plus some tips for finding a good balance in your everyday life.
The Dangers of Sugar
The over consumption of sugar brings multiple dangers to your health. First and most obvious, it can lead to weight gain. This can affect you both physically as well as mentally and emotionally. Along with an increased risk of weight gain, excessive sugar can raise the risk of major diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Some claim it even raises the risk of certain kinds of cancer. Other common complaints include problems such as headaches, insomnia, and an inability to focus. These issues may be due to the sugar itself, or it may be because we can become physically addicted to sugar. With so many potential risks and so few advantages to sugar, it makes more sense to reduce your overall consumption for the benefit of your health.
Finding Balance
Of course, giving up sugar altogether isn't easy. But luckily, it's not necessary either. You don't have to live a sugar-free life. Instead, you can simply learn a bit of restraint and balance. Try measuring the amount of sugar you're eating every day, and then cutting back a little at a time. You can also try satisfying a sweet tooth in another way, such as with fruit or other natural sweeteners. Finally, it's possible to completely do away with sugar if you're willing to use alternatives such as stevia, Splenda, or agave nectar. It might take some time and self-discipline, but it's possible to consume less sugar without too much extra effort. You don't have to give it up, but learning to manage sugar consumption will go a long way in your fight for better health overall.
Sugar isn't the enemy, but too much sugar can definitely send you in an unhealthy direction. Find the balance. Use these tips to have your cake and eat it too. With the right balance, sugar can be a wonderful addition to your diet and add a little sweetness to your life as a whole.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Anaheim, Calif.