Sugar. Doesn’t the simple act of just reading the word put your saliva glands into overdrive and give you a pre-endorphin hit? It might seem like a simple question, but what do we really mean when we talk about sugar? And what really happens when you eat sugar?
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that is produced naturally in all plants, including fruits and vegetables. And sugar, combined with fat and protein, provide your brain, organs, and muscles with the macronutrients they need to do their important work. Sounds pretty good, right? But before you pull out the ice cream, we need to have a quick chat about the difference between natural versus refined sugars. Natural sugars are healthy and necessary while refined sugars have been linked to uncomfortable tummy symptoms uncomfortable tummy symptoms like bloating and gas.
What You Need To Know About Sugar
All complex carbohydrates break down into three simple sugars: glucose, fructose, and galactose. Basically, most everything you eat has sugar, whether it be fruits, bread, or dairy products. For example, the natural sugar found in fruit is fructose and the natural sugar found in milk and cheese is lactose. Because natural sugars are digested slower than refined sugars, one of the amazing benefits of eating natural sugars is that they can help you feel fuller longer, keeping your metabolism nice and stable.
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Refined sugars, on the other hand, come from either sugar cane or sugar beets. These plants use photosynthesis to transform the sun’s energy into sugars that can be extracted as a liquid or syrup and then crystallized to form what we commonly refer to as white sugar. Many refined sugars are added to foods in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. Unlike natural sugars, refined sugars are broken down rapidly within the body, wreaking havoc on your blood sugar levels. And because refined sugar is processed so rapidly, you don’t feel full after eating them, even if you eat large amounts. You don’t have to take our word for it–many studies show that lowering your refined sugar intake can improve your overall health.
7 Things That Happen When You Eat Sugar
We want you well informed when it comes to your overall health. The types of food you put in your body can have a huge impact on how your body functions and sugar is no exception.
You Crave MORE SUGAR
Ever wonder why a candy bar seems so much more appealing than an apple around 3:00 in the afternoon? Your body is no dummy; It needs energy, particularly during that mid-afternoon slump. But caving into the quick energy starts a cycle that can be pretty hard to break. Refined sugars give your brain a nice big shot of dopamine–that feel-good chemical that your brain craves. As natural sugars are processed slower, eating that apple won’t give you the big dopamine rush, and it might leave you wanting more if you’re used to the refined variety of sugar. The sugar rush is real and it’s basically insatiable, but the good news is you can break the cycle. You are less likely to crave sugar if you feel satiated and full. Make sure you are eating foods with some good sticking power (like fiber) at regular intervals, and you’ll be off to a good start.
Your Teeth Suffer
Eating sugar on a regular basis throughout the day can cause tooth decay. Bacteria is the likely culprit behind cavities because they feed on sugar in your mouth whenever you eat something sweet. If you just have to have a sweet snack, eat it all in one sitting and then rinse your mouth out with water to get rid of any lingering sugar. Good oral hygiene is about more than just brushing your teeth. Cut down on your sugar intake, and you’ve won half the battle.
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The Appearance of Your Skin Suffers
Ironically, harmful molecules called AGEs, are often created when excess sugar meets certain proteins in your bloodstream. These harmful molecules can damage collagen, leading to wrinkly and saggy skin. That might look extremely adorable on elephants, but in humans, we prefer firm and youthful-looking skin. Adding a good collagen supplement to your day can support overall skin health.
Your Vital Organs Have to Work Harder
Eating sugar causes undue stress on many of your organs, like your liver, pancreas, and kidneys. These organs are powerhouses when it comes to attacking toxins. For optimal health, you want these organs to perform in tip-top shape. Sugar is your enemy here. It’s like giving the winning dog a fatty sausage right before the race–it will torpedo you and slow you down every time.
Your Weight Can Increase
This one comes as no surprise. People who drink sugary drinks or indulge in high-sugar diets are at risk for weight gain. Excess amounts of sugar can inflame fat cells, causing them to release chemicals that increase weight.
You May Have Trouble Sleeping
Diets high in sugar have been linked to restlessness and disrupted sleep. Your body relies on good quality shut-eye every night to repair and rest the body.
You Put Your Brain at Risk
The Harvard Medical School recently published an article exploring the link between high levels of glucose and brain functioning. To make a long story short, excess sugar can cause the brain to atrophy or shrink. High levels of sugar have also been linked to a decrease in memory and cognitive functions. That’s a pretty high price to pay for that daily 32 ounce soda.
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A Balanced Life Is A Sweet Life
It’s clear from the above list that sugar can have a harmful effect on your body, from your brain right down to your joints. That’s just the gut-wrenching truth about sugar. We all want good health, and that comes from taking care of our bodies, inside and out. We also know that life is busy, and sometimes it’s challenging to eat like you know you should.
While sugar is the enemy, Xyngular is on your side in the fight for good health. That’s why we designed the Xyngular Digestion Duo. This powerhouse duo includes Complete Collagen to support skin and joint health while strengthening your gut and Complete Probiotic to balance weight, mood, and digestion. It’s a healthy balance that makes life sweet–without all the added sugar.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.