We all know that too much sugar is bad for you. However, it’s very much possible for you to be consuming copious amounts of it without your knowledge as sugar tends to lurk in so many of your favorite treats. So if you want to know whether or not excessive amounts of sugar are getting into your system, look for these warning signs:
Lack of Energy
It’s true that sugar can make you feel full of life, but only temporarily. As soon as the levels of sugar in your blood wane, your energy drops as well. If you are feeling lethargic and tired all the time, your sugary diet may be the culprit. But since there are many different health problems that can be associated with constant fatigue, see your doctor.
Depression
Your energy is not the only one that is zapped after your blood sugar levels fall, but also your mood. The so-called sugar crash is not only physical, but psychological as well, say the experts. So if you feel happy each time you are stuffing your face with sugary goods, you can be sure that it will soon be followed by depression in no time.
Brain Fog
Sugar crash can also wreak havoc on your cognitive functioning. Several minutes after getting that sugar rush, you will notice that your brain seems to just want to shut down. Doctors say that too much sugar not only impairs the functioning of your brain temporarily, but also slowly lays the foundations of cognitive impairment!
Nervousness
Just like caffeine, sugar can also cause side effects that can make you feel nervous. It’s for this reason why you should refrain from a diet that’s high in sugar if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks. Consider double checking your everyday diet if it seems like you are constantly worrying about nothing — it must be packing loads of sugar!
Dull Complexion
If it seems like your skin is looking lifeless, it may be because you are allowing your sweet tooth to win the war against sugar. Skin specialists say that the inflammatory properties of sugar can actually wreak havoc to your skin. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can also exacerbate various skin problems like oiliness, acne, eczema and rosacea.
Weight Gain
Definitely, you will eventually develop bulges in all the wrong places if you habitually consume sugary stuff. Loads of cupcakes, donuts, chocolate bars, energy drinks and sodas can certainly make you pack excess pounds. So if your jeans don’t seem to fit as of late, perhaps it’s your sugary diet that’s to blame!
Hypertension
You may actually end up with high blood pressure if you love eating sugar. Again, it has something to do with the ability of sugar to trigger inflammation, which can cause your blood pressure to soar. If you’re diagnosed with hypertension, don’t put the blame on salt right away — the culprit behind it may be that high-sugar diet of yours.
High Cholesterol
Numerous studies have shown that increased consumption of sugar can cause your bad cholesterol levels to rise. Doctors are not really sure as to why, but they suspect that high amounts of sugar can lower good cholesterol that keeps bad cholesterol in check. High cholesterol puts you at risk of heart disease, doctors say.
Constant Hunger
More often than not, foods that are packed with sugar do not contain fiber, protein and other nutrients that make you feel satiated. This is exactly the reason why it seems like you can never have enough of your favorite sugary treats. Since sugar dampens your ability to taste sweet, you wind up craving foods that are really loaded with sugar!