Did you know the average adult eats over 100 pounds of sugar each year? You may not think you are eating that much, but think about it. There is sugar in almost everything we eat. We are aware of it in baked goods and when we add it to coffee or tea or drink a soda, but almost every item you pick up off the shelf at the store has some kind of sugar in it. That pasta sauce? It has sugar in it. Be careful of cereals with high sugar contents. Sugar comes in many names, such as evaporated cane juice, any word ending in “ose” and a host of others. Look for the amount of sugar per serving to see just how much you are getting.
The problem is that excessive amounts of sugar in our diet can create an imbalance in our bodies, especially the B vitamins. Excessive intake of sugar can cause mood disorders such as depression. It can also contribute to weight gain, insomnia, fatigue, crying spells and over time, emotional issues. To much sugar suppresses the immune system and can cause us to have more illnesses.
To much sugar can throw off our mineral balance which include magnesium, calcium and iron. When these get out of whack, you may feel ill or fatigued. It can also cause inflammation of the bones and joints leading to Arthritis.
Eating to much sugar can accelerate the signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and grey hair. It can damage the pancreas which can lead to diabetes or hypoglycemia. Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are fatigue, headaches, depression, memory loss and heart palpitations.
Children can be especially vulnerable to eating to much sugar and some common conditions they may suffer from are anxiety, obesity, trouble concentrating, and hyperactivity. It is especially important to monitor children when they reach puberty and their hormone levels increase.
How we eat affects our mood and our body chemistry so it is important to look at the nutritional content of the food you are eating. If you can just change one meal per day and make it a whole nutritional meal with whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, you may feel a big difference in your energy level and overall well being. Sometimes we just don’t realize how much sugar we are consuming.
Our country is in a serious health crisis and it is important to that we take control of our own health and choose foods that will work to make us healthier and not sicker. Be good to yourself and take a few minutes today to examine what foods you are eating and figure out how you can cut back, just a little at a time, on the extra added sugar.
To see a Sugar Addiction Infographic starting from 1960 click here