However, not all sugar sources affect your body in the same way.
Too much cortisol can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.
This cycle of energy highs and lows can leave you feeling drained during the day and restless at night.
Carol Yepes / Getty Images
Cavities
Added sugar can feed harmful bacteria that live in your mouth.
When your body isn’t responding appropriately to insulin production, it makes more insulin.
Over time, this can worsen (leading to a condition called insulin resistance) and promote inflammation.
However, they typically aren’t great sources of filling nutrients like protein and fiber.
This can also lower levels of heart-protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Over time, this can increase the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.
If unaddressed, NAFLD can progress to inflammation and liver damage over time.
Cancer
Cancer is a complex disease that doesn’t have a singular cause.
However, your diet and lifestyle are important factors in how well your body can protect itself against cancer.
Studies have identified links between sugar-sweetened beverages and a higher risk of depression.
Lacking these essential nutrients can negatively affect brain function and mood regulation.
High sugar intake also promotes inflammation, which may be associated with mood disorder development.
Also, high-sugar diets may lead to increased blood pressure and inflammation, which further stress kidney function.
Eating a lot of added sugar can increase uric acid levels in the blood.
Elevated uric acid levels can create crystals in the joints, triggering painful gout attacks.
This excess weight can further promote uric acid production and decrease removal from your body.
Cognitive Decline
Excessive added sugar intake promotes inflammation, insulin resistance, and stress in the body.
How Much Sugar Is Too Much?
Natural vs. Small changes can make significant differences.
Identify areas where you could replace high-sugar items with minimally processed, nutrient-dense alternatives.
And if you need help, consult a dietitian for personalized support.
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