Sugar Shock: What Hidden Sugars are Doing to Your Body

   It’s hard to be able to control the amount of cravings you may have throughout the day, and that may be related to how sugar affects your body.

   Sugar is a source of energy for the human body, and eating too much of it may result in weight gain, kidney stones, tooth decay, heart disease, or a health concern that’s called insulin resistance. Insulin is what regulates blood sugar levels. 

   Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells don’t respond well to the insulin, and may cause excessive hunger and cravings, irritability, detrimental quality of sleep, and excess body fat. It is important to note that when your body has become too used to resisting insulin, it may result in a major health condition called “hyperglycemia”. Hyperglycemia is usually found connected to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, and more. 

   According to Harvard Health- The Sweet Danger of Sugar, “ ‘the American Heart Association suggests that women consume no more than 100 calories (about 6 teaspoons or 24 grams) and men no more than 150 calories (about 9 teaspoons or 36 grams) of added sugar per day’.” (2)

   Lots of food that may contain numerous amounts of added sugar are brown sugar, corn sweetener, or fruit juice concentrates. Some great substitutions may be meat, such as pork or beef, or grains like brown rice, quinoa, or oats. 

   It’s reasonable to have a favorite craving every once in a while, but when it’s a daily occurrence, it may not be beneficial in the long-run. It’s critical to be able to eat healthy, balanced diets that benefit not only yourself, but your bodily functions as well!