Sugar, the most commonly used sweetener in daily cooking, is refined artificially from sugar cane plants. It can also be found in the form of fructose in fruits. However, excess sugar intake has been cited as the root cause of several known health problems. Excess sugar spikes insulin levels due to the glucose released in the bloodstream. Here are eight noticeable signs of excess sugar intake that indicate developing problems in the body.

Excessive tiredness

Added sugar leads to an increase in insulin production to process the excess calories. These abnormal changes can lower energy levels during the day and trigger excessive fatigue. It is essential to understand the body can only process a finite amount of sugar with the insulin produced by the pancreas to break down all carbohydrates for energy.

Unexplained increase in appetite

Not feeling full enough or satiated throughout the day is a clear sign of excess sugar intake. The body absorbs proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients from daily foods to support all functions. Sugar only has empty calories and does not add any additional nutritional value. To supplement this energy requirement, people resort to compulsive snacking.

Skin problems like acne

Clinical studies reveal that blood glucose spikes trigger the body to produce more sebum, an oily substance found in the skin. Sebum is the main culprit behind acne and blisters. An imbalance in blood sugar levels also increases the risk of inflammation. A high inflammatory response combined with sebum worsens these breakouts and results in many associated skin problems.

Dental issues

Hard candies, sugary baked goods, confectioneries, and even flavored beverages leave behind sugar residue in the healthy molars. Millions of bacteria in the mouth feast upon sugar and create cavities. These cavities, if left unchecked, can lead to a number of dental problems.

Mood swings

Regular consumption of sugar can lead to mood swings that might even develop into known disorders, affecting men and women. Sugar adds no nutritional value and excess consumption only increases the risk of more unhealthy cravings. If these cravings are not satisfied, it could trigger irritability and depression.

Sleep problems

Added sugar mainly triggers an imbalance in glycemic levels. This can affect a person’s natural sleep cycle, and one may experience difficulty falling asleep or getting adequate rest at night. Many people have trouble dealing with erratic sleeping patterns. The body, in the meantime, continues to process the excess sugar left behind in the bloodstream.

Joint pain and discomfort

Inflammation is one of the primary markers of joint pain and discomforts linked to conditions like arthritis. Excess sugar in the bloodstream triggers more frequent inflammatory responses that worsen the pain over time. Those who already have diabetes should practice extra vigilance. Even the slightest spike in blood sugar levels can worsen symptoms linked to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Digestive disorders

Stomach pain and abdominal cramping are also among the few known signs of excess sugar intake. Refined sugars found in processed foods draw excess water into the large intestine and can result in bloating. Sugar is an active irritant, and daily unregulated consumption can worsen these digestive problems.

Note that these signs and symptoms should not be left unchecked. Also, simply eliminating sugar from daily foods without consulting a nutritionist is not advisable. Always check with the doctor to understand how much sugar is safe for the body before making drastic changes.