Recognizing excessive sugar consumption can be challenging. Dr. Lela Ahlemann, a specialist in dermatology, phlebology, proctology, and nutritional medicine, sheds light on the warning signs.
Here are the Signs you are eating too much sugar:
1. Weight gain and constant hunger :
Consuming sugar leads to weight gain due to its high calorie content. Dr. Ahlemann notes, “If you eat too much sugar, you are constantly hungry.” This occurs because sugar increases blood glucose levels but lacks fiber, resulting in persistent hunger.
2 . Acne
Sugar consumption triggers acne. As Dr. Ahlemann explains, “When we eat sugar, not only does the insulin level rise, but also a hormone in the blood called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)… Together with insulin, this IGF-1 stimulates the sebaceous glands and excessive keratinization… leading to pimples and inflammation.”
3. Cravings and mood swings
Sugar intake causes cravings and mood swings. Dr. Ahlemann states, “The high increase in glucose levels in the blood leads to an insulin release. often so strong that the blood sugar is not lowered to the normal level, but below the ‘baseline’, so that you have a relative hypoglycemia, and this leads to cravings. In some people, it also leads to mood swings and crankiness.”
4. Inflammation and weak immune system
Excessive sugar consumption leads to inflammation and a weakened immune system. Dr. Ahlemann explains, “Normally, sugar is absorbed by the body via the small intestine.
However, if the amount of simple sugars exceeds the capacity of our small intestine, this simple sugar ends up in the large intestine.” This process feeds bacteria, producing endotoxins that cause silent inflammation.
5 . Accelerated aging
High sugar intake accelerates aging. Dr. Ahlemann notes, “It is scientifically proven that the high intake of sugars leads to the formation of so-called AGEs or Advanced Glycation End Products.” This process stiffens collagen, making it brittle and harder to repair, ultimately deteriorating its quality.
