Effects of Sugar - Uncovered

By Robert Kizer, MD May 31, 2018 Posted in: Nutrition, Wellness, Gastroenterology

Mmmmmm. You know what that is? Sugar! It tastes so sweet and it’s so good to eat! - But don’t take a bite out of that cookie just yet! CHI Health is here to tell you three things you should know - on Sugar: Uncovered.

Hi, I'm Dr. Bob Kizer, Gastroenterologist at CHI Health. Studies have shown that sugar is extremely addictive. That’s why it’s found in 80% of packaged foods in grocery stores - to get you to keep eating! Well, it must be working! One out of three American adults are obese. Yeah, not just overweight, but obese.

The Effects of Sugar on the Body

Sugar damages your body in many ways. Too much sugar can change the way your brain decides whether or not you’re hungry, thereby allowing you to eat more. Sugar also spikes your blood glucose levels quickly, and years of this can lead to insulin resistance.

In other words, years of consumption of sugary foods can result in: high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Sugar Intake Recommendations

Well, the daily recommended sugar intake according to the American Heart Association is 36 grams for men, 20 grams for women and 12 grams for children, but the average intake is 95 grams! WHOA! That’s 77 pounds of sugar a year! That’s a lot of extra miles on the bike to keep that weight off!

Avoid Sugar-Filled Drinks and Check Labels

One of the most common culprits that delivers a lot of sugar can be found in beverages. A single soda, juice, or sports drink can contain way more than your recommended daily intake. Your store bought latte and fitness thirst quencher have on average 35 grams of sugar each! Yikes! You just consumed your entire day’s worth of sugar without even eating! AND sugars delivered in liquid forms tend to spike your blood glucose quickly, which can cause problems with insulin levels, and your brain’s ability to regulate hunger.

So take a look at labels - in packaged foods and beverages. Awareness is the first step. Try to avoid liquid sugar, and be cautious with processed foods. Let’s reduce that 77 pounds of sugar a year, little by little!