Dr.Alok Purohit,(PhD), Health Coach, Diabetes & Obesity educator

Glucose is the source of energy for human body and is necessary to keep us going. In fact, many of our organs run only on glucose. Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that is naturally present in most foods and drinks which is metabolized at the cellular level for energy and storage, commonly referred as ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) . However, when consumed in large concentrated quantities like high fructose corn syrup, added sugars in industrial foods, sugar can lead to negative effects on metabolic health. Here are some ways in which sugar can cause havoc on our metabolism:

Weight Gain: Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and high-sugar foods can contribute to weight gain and obesity. When we consume more calories than we burn, the excess calories are stored as fat, leading to weight gain.

Insulin Resistance: Consuming too much sugar can lead to insulin resistance, which is a condition in which the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin. Over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Increased Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood, and high levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Consuming a lot of sugar can raise triglyceride levels, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Liver Damage: The liver is responsible for processing and removing excess sugar from the bloodstream. Consuming too much sugar can overload the liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can cause liver damage.

Chronic Inflammation: Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to chronic inflammation, which is a contributing factor in many chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Oxidative stress: When glucose is metabolized, it produces energy through cellular respiration. However, during this process, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be produced, which can lead to oxidative stress. This is because cellular respiration is not 100% efficient, and some of the energy produced can be lost as heat or as ROS.

Oxidative stress can damage cells and contribute to various health problems, such as inflammation, aging, and certain diseases like cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. However, it’s important to note that not all forms of sugar are equally harmful. For example, added sugars in processed foods and drinks can have a more significant impact on oxidative stress than natural sugars in whole foods.

In conclusion, consuming too much sugar can cause havoc on our metabolic health and contribute to a number of serious health problems. To maintain good metabolic health, it’s important to limit your sugar intake and opt for healthier alternatives such as fruits and vegetables.

Visit https://www.alokpurohit.com/  and/or write to us on alokpurohit.com@gmail.com for once in a lifetime, personalized health and life coaching which can help you learn more about your lifestyle conditions, reduce stress and anxiety through non medicinal, preventive/corrective lifestyle interventions.

References:

• “Sugar and metabolic diseases: Facts and fiction” by Rebeca Ramírez-Franco, Luis Miguel García-Rios, and Rafael Simó-Polo (2017) – This review article provides an overview of the effects of sugar on metabolic health, including its impact on oxidative stress and inflammation.
• “The role of sugar (fructose) in the epidemic of hypertension, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome, and in chronic kidney disease” by Richard J. Johnson and James C. Johnson (2007) – This review article discusses the role of fructose, a type of sugar, in the development of various diseases, including its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation.
• “Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their impact on oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic diseases” by Martin J. Lajous, Enrique Rocchi, and María C. Castillo (2014) – This review article examines the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in chronic diseases and their impact on oxidative stress and inflammation.
• “The impact of sugar-sweetened beverages on inflammation and oxidative stress” by Janna L. Koehler and Lisa A. Te Morenga (2016) – This review article focuses on the effects of sugar-sweetened beverages on oxidative stress and inflammation and the potential implications for health.