Consuming Excess Sugar

What is the harm in consuming excess sugar and refined carbohydrates?

Aging

Sugar accelerates the aging process. When glucose is ingested, it binds with collagen, and a process called glycosylation occurs, this process initiates cross linking of the body’s skin and tissues (via glucose and free radicals). The result may be thickened arteries, stiff joints, pain, feeble muscles, and failing organs. Glycosylation also accelerates the development of wrinkles.(Hyperhealth)

Cancer

Cancer can be a killer disease that is easily preventable through diet. One of the main fuels for cancer cells is sugar. The Nobel Laureate in medicine Otto Warburg in the 1930’s, found that cancer cells have a different metabolism to normal cells, and the production in cancer cells increases when sugar intake is high. It has since been confirmed in several studies that an increase in sugar intake equals an increase in cancer risk and production of cancer cells. Sugar also causes a build up of lactic acid and an environment with an acidic PH. In this environment cancer cells thrive.(Null, G, 2003)

Increasing sugar consumption by one teaspoon increases the risk of colon cancer by 40% and an increase of three teaspoons increases the risk by 100%. (Hyperhealth)

One can of soda contains 13 teaspoons of sugar

Cardiovascular disease

Excess sugar has been a known cause of obesity. It has been acknowledged by the American and the Australian Medical associations that obesity is a cause of cardiovascular disease and death.

One investigation linked a sugary drink, the equivalent of two cans of cola, to an increase in a part of an enzyme that promotes free radical generation and lowers levels of protective Vitamin E. Such an effect causes an accumulation of plaque that can harden the arteries and produce cardiovascular disease. (Null, G, 2003)

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the result of elevated blood sugar levels. A blood sugar level of over 125mg/dl diagnoses diabetes while a blood sugar level of Over 79mg/dl increases the risk of CVD by 300%. (Null, G, 2003).

The body converts excess sugar into triglycerides which increases the accumulation of visceral fat and atherosclerosis.
Sugar increases blood pressure and can contribute to hypertension. (Hyperhealth).

Digestive system

Excessive sugar intake irritates the stomach, increases the risk of gallstones and has been implicated as a cause of crohn’s disease. (hyperhealth).

Immune system

Excess sugar intake suppresses the immune system by reducing the body’s production of antibodies, interferes with the function of phagocytes and increases the risk of breast and colon cancer.

Sugar raises insulin levels, which inhibits the release of growth hormones, which, in turn, depresses the immune system. In one investigation, eating 100 grams (24 tsp) of carbohydrates from glucose, sucrose, honey, and orange juice paralysed neutrophils, rendering them incapable of engulfing bacteria, while starch from complex carbohydrates (found in such foods as potatoes and rice) had no such effect.(Null, G, 2003)

Sugar feeds Candida which can increase their numbers leading to an imbalance in the gut flora which may cause candidiasis and gram-negative bacteria that promote urinary tract infections. Avoiding sugar is an important part of the treatment of these conditions.

Effects on behaviour

Schoenthaler conducted several long-term, double-blind, well-controlled studies on excess sugar consumption and the serious consequences this has on society. One trial was conducted at the Los Angeles Probation Department’s Diet-Behavior Program, where Schoenthaler also worked, 1,382 incarcerated delinquents at three juvenile detention halls were observed. They showed a 44% drop in antisocial behavior on a low sucrose diet. The greatest reductions were seen in repeated offenders (86%), narcotics offenders (72%), rape offenders (62%), burglars (59%), murderers (47%) and assault offenders (43%). The second part of the study followed 289 juvenile delinquents at three juvenile rehabilitation camps. They exhibited a 54% reduction in antisocial behaviour after sugar consumption was reduced. (Null, G, 2003)

Research has consistently found a connection between excess sugar consumption and antisocial behaviour

Other effects

  • Sugar causes plaque which is part of the development of tooth decay.
  • Contribute to insulin resistance.
  • Generates the production of free radicals in the body.
  • Increases the excretion of calcium, the risk of kidney stones and depletes the body’s phosphorus.
  • Depletes the body’s supply of biotin, choline, vitamin B1, vitamin E and interferes with the transport of vitamin C throughout the body.
  • Sugar increases the production of endogenous cholesterol and cortisol (stress hormone). (Hyperhealth)

Most sugar addicts will vigorously deny their compulsion and the need to change. Says Phelps, “Only when you recognize the thoroughly unpleasant ways that sugar addiction can affect your life and health will you understand how real the addiction is and how important it may be to you to recover from it.(Null, G 2003).

References