When you munch on that sugary snack, you probably don’t think about the effects it can have on every single separate body part.
But as soon as sugar passes your lips, it starts getting up to no good in your bod.
We checked in with our experts to see just how sugar affects us – all the way from your teeth to your toes…
First up… your pearly whites!
Dentist, Dr Steven Lin, says that sugar is one of the primary drivers of harmful bacteria in the mouth. “The problem is that if we keep feeding that harmful bacteria, they outgrow the microbes that are actually helpful for maintaining our teeth and gums. Long-term, that equals dental diseases that can mean irreparable damage. Ultimately, sugar sends your harmful bacteria into overdrive!”
And, your glowing skin.
Nutritionist, Raj Barker, has chatted to us about sugar and acne before because a huge part of maintaining healthy skin is balancing your blood sugar levels. “Eating processed sugar sends your blood sugar levels spiralling and directly impacts the body’s hormones. Maintain equilibrium across these channels by consuming food in its most natural form and steering clear of processed foods, especially sugars, is a simple way to achieve healthy skin and promote radiant health from the inside out!”
You might not realise, but your hormones are affected too!
A diet high in sugar puts a lot of stress on our hormonal system says holistic dietitian and nutritionist, Natalie Bourke. “For example, consuming sugar makes regulating your appetite very difficult and often creates energy dips throughout the day. This can lead to things like cravings, overeating, difficulty regulating energy levels, sleep disturbances and anxiety.”
Your gut bacteria can also be thrown out of whack.
Our IQS resident nutritionist Olivia says it’s no secret that your gut bacteria has a huge impact on overall health. “Your microbiome (AKA all the little bacteria that live in your intestinal tract) can affect food cravings, mood, weight, memory, immune system and mental health. Not only does excess sugar feed the bad bacteria in your gut, causing bacterial imbalances, but this also makes you crave even more sugar! Additionally, this affects your ability to absorb nutrients and produce important hormones such as serotonin, the “happy” hormone. Instead, reach for fibre-rich prebiotic foods to feed the good bacteria in your gut!”
Eating too much sugar can put stress on your bones and muscles says physiotherapist Caitlin Dunsford.
“When we consume refined sugar, it’s dumped into our bloodstream and the pH level of our blood changes, making it more acidic. This increased acidity is damaging to the body because it has to work harder to neutralise it. During this process, calcium is drawn out of our bones and magnesium from both our bones and muscles. As these are essential nutrients required for your body to function at its best, this can cause long-term damage and lead to reduced bone density, muscle cramps and muscle weakness. By cutting sugar from your diet, your body better equipped to utilise calcium and magnesium to maintain strong bones and healthy muscles.”
Personal trainer Diana Tencic, says that sugar can affect your ability to train as well!
The production of energy (or ATP) is needed for all cell function and muscle contraction in your body. But, ATP cannot be made by your cells from scratch, so we need food to assist in this process.
“The body only needs a small amount of sugar to maintain activity – too much sugar causes insulin to be released which stimulates blood cells to convert sugar to energy, and too much sugar can lead the body to be resistant to insulin, leading to weight gain which can hold you back when you are training.”
Give sugar the flick and stay healthy from tooth to toe!
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