Bittersweet Effects of Sugar

Bittersweet Effects of Sugar

By Michelle McCaslin APRN, NP-C

The mention of sugar elicits thoughts of delectable treats.  This initiates a pleasurable response within the brain. We are all wired towards foods that are sweet. This is a primal instinct that has helped us evolve to where we are now. Sweet foods give us a quick boost of energy that supplies the brain with bursts of glucose.  If we needed to run for our life, our muscles would be fueled with the energy needed.  If we are starving, the body will store sugars as fat for future use.

However....

The times we live in now are nowhere near what our ancestors lived in.   The abundance of sugars in our foods has led our bodies to store it as fat. The rising numbers of obesity in the US is evidence of this phenomenon. Obesity is an epidemic that is affecting many adults and our children. Obesity and diabetes go hand in hand. Type II Diabetes, formerly known as a disease of the elderly, is now affecting the younger population due to diet choices.

Processed sugars are found in many boxed foods and are hidden obscurely in salad dressings, fast food, marinades, soups and sauces.  Don't forget about the drinks like soda, fruit drinks and sweetened teas. The over saturation of sugars in just about everything we eat has led to a slew of diseases. High amounts of sugars without the need causes the body to store the excess as fat which is a source of inflammation.  High amounts of sugars in the bloodstream causes inflammation in the blood vessels and is known to suppress the immune system.

Inflammation is the state of which the body's immune system is in overdrive. The immune system's job is to kill off bacteria/viruses and even cancer cells. The immune system response should be quick and rid the body of the foreign invader.  When the immune system is in a constant state of working and over working the body becomes inflamed. The symptoms of constant or "chronic" inflammation can range from arthritis, headaches, high blood pressure, stomach issues, rashes, pain and many more. Inflammation is the basis for many diseases. Constant intake of sugars on a daily basis stems the chronic process of inflammation in the body.

Elimination of sugars is an overall way of cutting down inflammation in the body, decreasing fat accumulation, normalizing of insulin and blood sugars and supporting the immune system. Decreasing sugars in the diet means eliminating foods obvious made of processed sugars like cookies, cakes, donuts, candy and soda but also looking at labels and even paying attention of foods in restaurants that are notorious for hidden sugars like spaghetti sauces, salad dressing, sauces in Japanese foods and Chinese foods.

The statistics show that this generation of children will be the first to have a lower life expectancy than their parents.  Becoming aware of how sugars affect the body and how many sources we as Americans consume sugars will help prevent diseases and help our children. 

-Michelle McCaslin, APRN

elp our children.