I started this post, Sugar Baby Blues, to encourage myself to eat less sugar and carbs. I would love to be as thin as I am in this picture above. Let me know if it helpful to you…I will do the same…sometime!
Do you have the sugar baby blues? Are you trying to solve your issues with sugar? This is called emotional eating. Or are you trying to increase your energy with sugar? And are you only feeling depressed? You definitely have the sugar blues.
I deserve a treat. I know I do….and I know if I eat more than one a day, I will not lose weight. So, I attempt to eat nourishing treats, not too high in sugar content. I go for protein snacks. But I have to say I am addicted to Montreal Bakery Bread. It’s so good. Sourdough bread seems to be the best one for one’s health. It is still a carb.
Ask Ai
I thought I would ask Google what sugar does to the body here’s what Mr. Ai said.
“Excess sugar intake has numerous damaging effects on the human body, impacting major organs, metabolic health, and overall well-being.
Key Damaging Effects
Heart and Blood Vessels
High sugar consumption raises blood pressure and increases triglycerides, promoting inflammation that leads to heart disease, heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Sugar increases the risk of atherosclerosis by causing fatty deposits in arteries.
Liver
Excess sugar is processed into fat in the liver, causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Advanced NAFLD can progress to scarring (cirrhosis) and liver failure.
Metabolic Health and Diabetes
Consuming too much sugar drives insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Persistent high blood sugar damages vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and increases diabetes risk.
Kidneys
Uncontrolled blood sugar from high sugar diets damages the kidneys, eventually causing kidney failure in diabetic patients.
Weight Gain and Obesity
Sugar-sweetened beverages and foods lead to weight gain and increased risk of obesity.
Sugar increases hunger and disrupts satiety-regulating hormones, making weight management harder.
Gut and Immune System
Excess sugar disrupts the gut microbiome, promoting harmful bacteria and inflammation.
High sugar intake suppresses white blood cell activity and weakens immunity.
Dental Health
High sugar diets feed oral bacteria, leading to acid production, tooth demineralization, and cavities.
Gout and Inflammation
Added sugars increase uric acid levels, raising the risk of gout attacks.
Brain and Mental Health
High sugar diets promote inflammation, cognitive decline, and are linked to increased risk of depression, dementia, and mood disorders.
Damaging Effects Summary Table
| System/Organ | Sugar’s Damaging Effect | Main Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Heart | ↑ BP, triglycerides, inflammation | Heart disease, stroke |
| Liver | Fat buildup, NAFLD | Cirrhosis, liver failure |
| Metabolism | Insulin resistance, ↑ blood sugar | Diabetes |
| Kidneys | Vessel damage, filtration loss | Kidney failure |
| Body Weight | Hunger ↑, leptin resistance | Obesity |
| Gut | Microbiome imbalance | Digestive issues |
| Immunity | ↓ white cell activity | Weakened defense |
| Teeth | Cavities, acid demineralization | Tooth decay |
| Joints | Uric acid ↑, gout | Pain, arthritis |
| Brain | Inflammation, decline | Depression, dementia |
Regularly consuming high amounts of sugar is strongly linked to chronic diseases, organ damage, obesity, poor brain health, and weakened immune function, making limiting sugar intake crucial for long-term health.”
How Much Is Too Much?
So now you know…but how much is too much? Here’s Ai again “
The recommended daily intake of sugar is to limit added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories for people aged 2 and older, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this equals about 12 teaspoons (48 grams) of added sugar per day. However, health organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) suggest even lower limits: men should have no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) and women no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of added sugar per day.
Good News!
Most experts emphasize the distinction between natural sugars (found in fruits and dairy) and added sugars (added during food preparation or processing).
Does That Help?
Does it help to know how bad sugar is for your health. Anyway, I hope it inspires me to continue to be vigilante, with an occasional spurge. My body tells me regularly…how I blew it with either too much bloating, or weight gain. These days it says even a glass of wine is too much….oi vey!
What I know
What I know is I am not on any medication and I am probably older than you. So, I must be doing something right. Right? And I want to keep it that way. My blood pressure is optimum, according to the pharmacy machine. Nonetheless, probably time to ease off carbs and sugar. I want to stay healthy, live long and prosper with infinite good looks. How about you?
And I don’t want those sugar baby blues. Sugar spikes lead to sugar downs. I know a container of Haagen-Dazs ice cream is not a cure for heartbreak, nor is smoking or drinking alcohol.
PerI am taking up being happy, slowing down and smiling more. I will let you know how it goes….on my journey to eternity! I do have a recipe for longevity….I will tell you later when you come for a Body Being & Heart session…or course.
Let go of those sugar baby blues and feel your gratitude for being your wonderful Self!
Relax and Heal with a Body Being & Heart Session….no dieting required.
Sending Love, Light & Sweetness without sugar coating…
Kyra Lober M.A., CST
Frequently Asked Questions
What does excess sugar do to your body?
Excess sugar intake has numerous damaging effects on the human body, impacting major organs, metabolic health, and overall well-being. Regularly consuming high amounts of sugar is strongly linked to chronic diseases, organ damage, obesity, poor brain health, and weakened immune function, making limiting sugar intake crucial for long-term health.
How much added sugar is too much per day?
The recommended daily intake of sugar is to limit added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories for people aged 2 and older. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this equals about 12 teaspoons (48 grams) of added sugar per day. However, the American Heart Association suggests even lower limits: men should have no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) and women no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) of added sugar per day.
Can sugar affect your mood and mental health?
High sugar diets promote inflammation, cognitive decline, and are linked to increased risk of depression, dementia, and mood disorders. Sugar spikes lead to sugar downs.
