Some people think it’s only important for people with diabetes to monitor their sugar intake. In reality, everyone should be careful just how much sugar they’re consuming.
Many foods have hidden sugar, pushing us far over the daily recommended intake without us realizing it. Fortunately, your body will give you some warning signs that you’re eating too much sugar. Here are a few of those signs.
1. Frequent Urination
If you have to take constant bathroom breaks, that may be a sign that you are eating too much sugar. That’s because of the impact sugar can have on your kidneys and their ability to process fluids.
When blood sugar is too high, the kidneys can’t absorb fluid, so they push the excess out via urination. Keep an eye on this, especially if you’re waking up during the night to use the bathroom.
2. Constant Sugar Cravings
Many of us have a sweet tooth that compels us to eat something sugary. While that’s fine once in a while, it’s a problem if it’s become a routine. Constant cravings are a sign that you are eating too much sugar.
The more sugar you eat, the more you’ll want it. This is because sugar works in your body similar to a drug. It provides an energy burst, then a crash, then a craving to get that feeling again.
3. Weight Gain
Sugar is packed with calories, and because it has no fiber or protein, it doesn’t make you feel full. That’s why it’s so easy to binge on candy and other sugary snacks.
The body tries to convert that sugar to energy for the organs, but it can only burn so much. The rest is stored as fat to be burned later. If you notice you are gaining weight, it may be related to the amount of sugar you’re eating.
4. Acne
Acne happens to many people during their teenage years because our hormones are going through many changes. When we eat sugar, our body goes through similar hormonal changes that can result in acne.
That’s because of the insulin our body produces when we eat sugar. That causes a cascade effect with our hormones that can ultimately lead to acne. For those especially sensitive to these changes, eating sugar is a sure-fire way to get zits.
5. Mood Swings
When someone is coming down from a sugar high, they may be a bit short with people. That’s because this crash makes us feel tired and sluggish—and more prone to snap at minor annoyances.
If you find yourself losing your temper with friends or family for no reason, it may be time to cut back on the sugar.
6. Cavities
Our saliva does a pretty good job of keeping bacteria off of our teeth. When we eat sugar, we throw off the pH balance of our saliva and it doesn’t do its job as well.
This pH imbalance means that bacteria grows and thrives, which can ultimately lead to cavities. If you have tooth pain or issues with your gums, it may be related to the amount of sugar you’re eating.