Is your sweet tooth harming your health? The signs of too much sugar

It's crucial to understand that while sugars are a vital energy source, overconsumption can harm our body, ranging from weight gain and elevated blood pressure to memory and concentration issues. Learn to recognize if your body is warning you about excessive sugar intake.

Sweet foods do not make us feel satiated, leading to increased appetite and weight gain. Our bodies' quick sugar burning heightens cravings for more sweets, potentially causing compulsive snacking. Too much sugar can also disrupt sleep, cause irritability and bad mood, and trigger fatigue and low energy levels. As the body rapidly processes sugar, delivering a swift energy boost that soon plummets, this cycle can lead to feelings of tiredness and annoyance.

Persistently craving sweets and finding that they don't taste sweet enough could indicate consuming too much sugar. This increased appetite might stem from an addiction to the sensation of feeling good—sugar boosts the production of serotonin, the "happiness hormone." High blood pressure and digestive issues, mainly when sweets are eaten instead of vegetables or whole grains, are further signs of excessive sugar intake.

An oversupply of sugar can also harm skin health, potentially worsening acne and accelerating the development of wrinkles. Problems with mental clarity, focus, concentration, and memory are common indications, alongside dental issues and gum diseases caused by bacteria that thrive on simple sugars.

Sugar stimulates the brain's reward system, a key driver of pleasure and motivation that, when activated, can lead to addictive behaviours. A study by scientists from Danish Aarhus University revealed that consuming sweets triggers a reward system similar to addictive substances like alcohol or drugs.

Sugar's impact extends to brain function at the cellular level. Glycation, a process whereby sugar attaches to proteins in the body, results in advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which damage cells and tissues and harm health and well-being.

Furthermore, extensive research has explored the link between excessive sucrose intake and memory. Investigations by researchers from the University of Georgia, in collaboration with the University of Southern California team, showed that daily consumption of sugary beverages during adolescence can impair brain function and memory later in life.