A person’s immune system is critical for their survival. People tend to have longer and healthier lives when their immunity is consistently strong. Good, nutritious food is important in maintaining one’s immune system’s strength. On the other hand, certain foods can have a detrimental effect on one’s immunity. Sugar is one such food element that weakens the immune system. Here are some signs of a poor immune system due to excessive sugar intake: High-stress levels Stress has always been associated with weakened immunity in people. That is why, after a particularly stressful day at work, people are more likely than not to call in sick the following morning. Stress results from weakened immune responses caused due to illness or other bodily conditions. Stress tends to decrease the count of the body’s lymphocytes, the white blood cells responsible for battling infection. Sugar consumption causes a stress response in one’s body. Anxiety and stress are closely linked with a person’s blood sugar rising or falling. Blood sugar triggers various mental health issues, such as depression, insomnia, a lack of focus, memory issues, a constant feeling of being overwhelmed, inflammation, and other issues. A reason for these problems is that sugar suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a person’s brain.

In a world where sugar-laden treats and beverages are readily available, the impact of excessive sugar consumption on our health cannot be ignored. Studies show that consuming too much sugar can lead to more than tooth decay, it can also increase the risk of heart disease. If left unattended, it may cause cardiovascular health complications. So identifying the early signs is important as it enables individuals to proactively address their eating habits and protect their hearts. What is the link between high sugar intake and cardiovascular health? Excessive sugar consumption can raise one’s blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. It also triggers the liver to release harmful fats into the bloodstream and can contribute to chronic inflammation linked to heart attacks and strokes. The slow digestion of sugary foods provides a steady energy supply to cells, further exacerbating these effects. On the other hand, consuming foods that are high in nutrients and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, has proven to be effective in lowering the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Besides this, excessive sugar intake can cause unhealthy fat accumulation in the abdomen, resulting in inflammation, insulin resistance, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

There are many reasons why sugar is considered a culprit, and one of them is its negative effect on our skin. When we consume excess sugar, our body experiences an imbalance in glucose levels, leading to various skin complications. To ensure healthy skin, it’s essential to be aware of sugar’s impact on our body and find ways to improve our bodily function without relying on it. Here are some signs of excess sugar. Increased acne When you eat food that is high in sugar, it causes a spike in the blood sugar levels in the body. This spike can have severe side effects, the major one being inflammation that can be difficult to manage. The blood sugar spikes also make excess sebum, the skin’s oily substance. Though this natural oil keeps the skin well hydrated and is necessary, excess sebum can cause issues like acne. The sebum blocks or clogs the pores on the skin, making it difficult to breathe and cleanse. The dirt can collect when this happens, leading to infections and acne problems. The blood sugar spike is not just due to sweets but also junk and processed foods, including dairy products. These foods can cause a hormonal imbalance and lead to hormonal acne.

Most people love eating sugary foods or beverages, but it often comes at a cost. Excessive intake of sugar-rich foods is known to cause various health concerns affecting the eyes, kidneys, liver, skin, and even the ears. It happens due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels in one’s body, paving the way for chronic conditions like diabetes. Keep reading to learn more about the various hearing issues caused by excessive sugar intake and their warning signs. Hearing problems and other ear issues caused by excessive sugar intake Decreased hearing Hearing loss is extremely common among older adults as it happens with age. However, other factors can play a pivotal role in developing this condition, including diabetes, prolonged exposure to loud noises, and excess ear wax. Usually, when it comes to diabetes, one of the main reasons patients can develop hearing loss or decreased hearing is the damage caused to the blood vessels in the inner ear. But diabetes can also cause other complications, including auditory nerve damage, where one may experience problems like sounds fading in and out. Loss of balance As mentioned previously, uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the ear.

Cognitive disorders develop gradually and do not necessarily exhibit symptoms that are easily noticed. Several known discomforts overlap with other conditions making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. However, one of the primary concerns associated with common conditions is changes in daily nutrition. Sugar intake is a specific risk factor that greatly determines the progression of these disorders. Here is how sugar can affect the overall outlook of living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia Dementia is not a disease but a general group of disorders that even covers Alzheimer’s, mainly exhibiting the following symptoms: Problems with memory Difficulty in problem-solving due to reduced analytical skills Difficulty getting tasks done Confusion and poor judgment Keeping track of activities Changes in mood triggered by emotional responses These are just the most common and noticeable signs of developing Alzheimer’s. There are many factors ranging from changes in daily nutrition to poor lifestyle choices, that impact the progression of these conditions. However, high blood sugar is a primary risk factor associated with a significant number of known symptoms. It’s one of the reasons people who develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing dementia over those who do not have diabetes.

Joint pain can be a natural consequence of aging, or it could be a symptom of conditions like arthritis and gout. While these diseases usually affect older adults, research suggests a link between excessive sugar intake and the risk of developing joint pain. Further, sugar may worsen symptoms of joint problems. Further, one may be likely to experience pain and stiffness in the joints when dealing with diabetes or high blood sugar. Arthritis and sugar intake According to two long-term studies, female participants who were given more than one sugar-sweetened soda every day had a 63% higher risk of developing deep positive rheumatoid arthritis. However, the conclusions were not solely based on sugar intake, but also determined by other factors like eating a lot of processed food. People with arthritis may experience an increase in joint pain when choosing potentially triggering foods like processed and sugary items.  Signs of joint problems Anecdotal evidence suggests that those dealing with joint pain experience episodes of pain after having sugary foods and beverages. So, high sugar may worsen symptoms of existing joint problems. Here are a few signs one may observe: Pain and mobility issues Over time, unhealthy food choices can lead to multiple health issues, including joint pain.