Ever since the advent of low-fat foods, sugar has become an ingredient found in thousands of products in grocery stores. From tomato sauce to nut butters, many foods have hidden amounts of sugar. Consuming too much sugar may have serious health consequences and can lead to dental decay, diabetes and cancer.
Elevated insulin levels caused by eating too many refined carbohydrates such as white bread, rice, pasta, pastries, soft drinks and natural sweeteners also increases the risk of:
1. Weight gain, especially around the stomach area. Sugar alters our appetite-regulating hormones, causing us to crave more of it. We also store excess sugars in the most easily-accessible fat cells around our liver.
2. Joint pain. Excess sugar lead to unwanted inflammation which can lead to inflamed joints
3. Wrinkly skin and "sugar sag". Excess sugar in the diet accelerates the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), which damage key skin proteins like collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging. This process, known as glycation, causes these proteins to become stiff, brittle, and less elastic, contributing to sagging skin, wrinkles, and a dull appearance. AGEs also increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the skin, further impairing skin regeneration and hydration.
4. Liver diseases. It's not just alcohol that can cause liver disease. Fructose from juice, corn syrup and very high fruit consumption can accumulate as fat in the liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fatty liver impairs liver function, increases inflammation, and raises the risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, it can progress to liver scarring (cirrhosis) and liver failure, making it a serious health risk.
5. Heart disease. High insulin levels are caused by excess refined carbohydrates and this can damage arteries. Conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and heart disease.
The good news is that you can completely steer clear of the risks associated with sugar! Simply by making minor adjustments to your diet to reduce sugar intake.
A personalized lifestyle management approach to balance your metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance and weight loss can be achieved using the Metabolic Balance Plan. This highly individualized nutrition plan is created based on your health history, blood test and body measurements. To learn more and book your 15min Health Discovery Call get in touch www.your-nd.com
Yours in Health,
Dr. Tannaz Mokhtari ND
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