Is Sugar Really that Bad for Me?

In today's health-conscious world, people often mention sugar when they talk about changing their diet or eating healthy healthy. However, this does make a lot of people wonder, "Is sugar really that bad for me?" Even though it looks pretty harmless, this sweetener that we consume almost every day –in various foods and snacks– can cause great harm to our health long term.

Cutting out artificial sugar from your diet can be a challenging task on it’s own, but this in-depth article is meant to serve as an overview and a guide to better learn about sugar, why sugar can be bad for your health as well as ways to reduce the amount of sugar that you consume on a daily basis. We will also explore sugar and the connection between certain medical conditions and the effects it can have on the body. All that being said, let’s start with the fundamentals…

The Fundamentals: What is Sugar?

Sugar is classified as a basic carbohydrate. It encompasses more than simply the white grains that you include in your coffee or scatter on your breakfast. Sugar, from a chemical perspective, encompasses a collection of compounds such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose. These molecules occur naturally in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, serving as a source of energy for the body.

Glucose, a fuel for our cells, is essential for biological functioning. Fructose, mostly present in fruits, is an alternative kind of sugar, whereas sucrose, widely recognized as table sugar, is a compound of glucose and fructose.

Unprocessed sugar is a common ingredient in most diets since it improves the flavor, consistency, and appearance of many different dishes. Nevertheless, it is the inclusion of additional sugars in processed meals that frequently becomes a matter of health concern, possibly resulting in problems such as increased body weight, diabetes, and other long-term ailments when consumed excessively. Let’s now take a deeper look at the reasons why sugar can be bad for you and your health.

Why is Sugar Bad for You?

The use of refined sugar, especially in excessive amounts, can have several detrimental impacts on your health. Some of the negative effects of sugar on your health are as follows:

• Heightens Obesity Risk: Sugar, being calorically dense, can substantially contribute to the accumulation of body weight. High consumption of sugar frequently results in elevated body fat levels, namely in the abdominal region, which poses a risk for obesity.
• Raises Blood Glucose Levels: Excessive consumption of sugar can lead to abrupt elevations in blood glucose levels. Over time, this can result in insulin resistance, a medical condition that can advance to type 2 diabetes.
• Exacerbates Cardiovascular Disease: Research has demonstrated that consuming a diet abundant in sugar heightens the susceptibility to heart disease. Consuming an excessive amount of sugar can result in elevated triglycerides, heightened LDL cholesterol, and raised blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
• Facilitates Dental Issues: Sugar is a primary catalyst for dental issues such as cavities and tooth decay. The oral bacteria metabolize sugar, generating acids that corrode dental enamel.
• Impacts Liver Function: High sugar consumption, particularly fructose, can result in the buildup of fat in the liver, leading to fatty liver. Over time, this can lead to the development of fatty liver disease.
• Impacts Mental Health: Certain studies indicate a correlation between excessive sugar intake and a heightened susceptibility to depression and anxiety. Sugar can induce inflammation, disrupt hormonal equilibrium, and provoke variations in blood sugar levels, thereby affecting mental well-being.
• Increase Body Inflammation: Excessive consumption of sugar can elicit inflammatory reactions inside the body, leading to inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to several health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.

Although sugars that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables are a beneficial component of a nutritious diet, it is the additional sugars in processed foods and beverages that provide potential health hazards. Regulating sugar consumption is essential for preserving general well-being and averting these possible detrimental consequences. That said, this is especially important for those who struggle with medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, CIRS and cancer.

Is Sugar Really That Bad for People with Autoimmune Diseases, CIRS, or Cancer?

The subject of sugar's impact on health is complex, especially when considering processed sugars and their relationship to autoimmune illnesses, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome also known as CIRS, and cancer.

The primary reason why processed sugars are hazardous is their capacity to induce inflammation in the body, which is a crucial contributing factor to autoimmune disorders and CIRS. These disorders are defined by the body's immune system erroneously targeting its own tissues, and the inflammatory reaction caused by processed carbohydrates might worsen these attacks. Moreover, in CIRS, the body's extended inflammatory reaction to biotoxins is exacerbated by excessive consumption of sugar, resulting in a series of health complications.

In the context of cancer, the relationship between sugar and the illness becomes noticeably clearer. Although the effects of processed sugars on cancer patients are generally the same, many people are curious about what occurs when cancer patients need to have PET scans, which require the use of a specific form of sugar.

To put it simply, radioactive glucose is used in PET scans—a vital tool for cancer diagnosis and surveillance—to highlight the metabolic activity of cancerous areas. Compared to normal cells, cancer cells consume sugar at a much higher rate and favor glucose metabolism. The effectiveness of PET scans is based on this specific characteristic of cancer cells, further highlighting the association between sugar and the growth of cancer. The radioactive sugar utilized in PET scans efficiently illuminates this phenomenon. Put simply, cancer cells have a highly active sugar metabolism, causing them to stand out in the scan and aiding medical professionals in conducting the examination. 

Although moderate consumption of carbohydrates is common in a healthy diet, processed sugars have harmful consequences, especially for those who are managing autoimmune illnesses, CIRS, and cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce the consumption of processed sugar to maintain optimal health and effectively manage these conditions.

How to Control Your Sugar Intake

Regulating your consumption of sugar is a crucial measure for improving overall well-being, especially for people with specific health conditions such as autoimmune illnesses, CIRS, or cancer. Below are some quick suggestions to assist you in regulating your sugar intake:

• Always Look at Labels: Enhance your shopping skills by carefully examining food labels. Beware of concealed sugars in processed foods, sometimes identified by terms such as corn syrup, fructose, or sucrose.
• Choose Whole Foods: Prioritize consuming entire, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. These foods contain essential nutrients and antioxidants.
• Minimize Sugary Drinks: Replace sodas, fruit juices, and other sweetened beverages with water, herbal teas, or unsweetened seltzer water.
• Choose Natural Sweeteners: When you want a sweet flavor, use natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia, but exercise restraint in their usage.
• Portion Properly: Be mindful of portion sizes while consuming sweets or meals containing added sugars to regulate your overall sugar consumption.
• Cook Your Own Meals: By preparing your own meals, you have complete control over the ingredients used, allowing you to regulate the sugar content to your liking.
• Ensure Dietary Equilibrium: To maintain stable blood sugar levels and decrease sugar cravings, it is important to include a combination of proteins, fats, and fiber in your meals.
• Get Informed: Gaining an understanding of the influence of sugar on your well-being might serve as a compelling incentive. Acquire materials or seek advice from healthcare specialists for help.

Keep in mind that decreasing sugar consumption is a gradual process. Start by implementing little alterations and progressively cultivate more wholesome routines. If you need more tailored guidance, it is advisable to contact a nutrition specialist or a healthcare professional such as Dr. Mel Schottenstein at Mitogenesis.

One of our services is personalized nutrition counseling as well as various therapies in which Dr. Schottenstein evaluates your eating patterns and offers recommendations based on your unique situation. Our main goals are to inform consumers about hidden sugars in food, propose healthier substitutes, and provide advice on how to plan and prepare meals. Under the knowledgeable direction of Dr. Schottenstein, Mitogenesis gives you the information and resources you need to lead a better lifestyle with a focus on balanced foods and less sugar intake.

Get Help Controlling Your Sugar Intake at Mitogenesis in Scottsdale, AZ

Worried about the amount of sugar you consume daily? Dr. Mel Schottenstein and our team at Mitogenesis are here to help. Our team of experts provides tailored nutritional guidance and effective techniques to minimize the use of refined sugar, enhancing your general well-being and effectively managing disorders such as autoimmune diseases, CIRS, and cancer. To get help controlling your sugar intake, simply give us a call or fill out a contact form with your information and we will reach out to you shortly to get started on your new dietary plan!