Giving Up Sugar is Best for Your Health
By Virginia Laird
There has been an increasing push for people to refrain from eating sugar. Research suggests that sugar can be bad for the body. Didn't people already know this? This is one fact I like to try to ignore. I try to live by the old adage of "everything in moderation." However, some research suggests that even in moderation, sugar is an enemy to the body. What does this mean for someone (like me) who suffers from a heavy sweet tooth? A lifestyle change this drastic will take time, consideration, and a great deal of research. A few reasons to exclude sugar from the diet include:
- Sugar is costly
- Sugar can make you gain weight
- Sugar is a cause of diabetes
- Sugar can alter kidney function
Sugar is Costly
Although a bag of sugar may not cost a ton of money, the effects of loving sugar can be pricey. Cavities, gum disease, and other effects that can lead to a trip to the doctor can add up quickly. Sugary sweets cost more than a healthy snack and typically eating more sweets causes more hunger. This leads to purchasing more food. Bringing us back to sugar is expensive.
Sugar Can Make You Gain Weight
Although this simple fact is no secret, it is one many choose to overlook. Increased levels of sugar intake can lead to overeating. Sugar consumption can help to throw the hormone levels out of balance. This can cause the body's function to be off kilter, causing the body to gain weight.
Sugar is a Cause of Diabetes
Eating too much sugar over long periods of time can lead to an imbalance in the insulin production. For this reason, more and more people are suffering with diabetes. Even worse, parents who allow their children to consume too much sugar are sentencing their children to a life of diabetes. Habits of healthy or junk eating begin young. Teach your children correctly from the beginning.
Sugar Can Alter Kidney Function
Too much sugar intake can lead to infections of the bladder and kidney. Sugar can cause kidney stones. Another infection that can be caused from too much sugar is an infection of the gut. All of these infections are painful.
No matter what you decide about your sugar consumption, take a minute to consider your overall health goals and exactly how sugar can affect them.
Good luck on your journey to a healthier you!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Happy Valley, Ore.