15 reasons to quit sugar before it’s too late

DDM News

Health professionals across the globe have renewed warnings about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that an increasing number of Nigerians are at risk due to high-sugar diets fueled by processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy snacking habits.

Experts stress that while sugar may taste pleasant, its long-term effects on the body can be devastating.

Here are 15 medically-backed reasons why individuals should reduce or eliminate sugar from their diets before it’s too late:

1. Sugar leads to weight gain. Foods and drinks high in sugar are calorie-dense but fail to make you feel full, encouraging overeating and fat accumulation.
2. It causes tooth decay. Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, creating acid that erodes enamel and leads to painful cavities.
3. It contributes to type 2 diabetes. Consistent sugar intake leads to insulin resistance, which interferes with your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
4. It harms heart health. Excess sugar raises triglyceride levels and bad cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
5. It speeds up skin aging. Sugar damages collagen and elastin, proteins that keep skin firm, resulting in premature wrinkles and sagging.
6. It causes fatty liver disease. Too much fructose overloads the liver, converting into fat and triggering non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
7. It increases stress and anxiety. After a quick high, sugar causes energy crashes that result in irritability, low moods, and anxiety.
8. It weakens the immune system. High sugar intake suppresses immune cell activity, leaving the body vulnerable to infections.
9. It causes digestive issues. Sugar promotes the growth of harmful gut bacteria, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
10. It can be addictive. Sugar stimulates dopamine production in the brain, making people crave it repeatedly like an addictive substance.
11. It may increase cancer risk. Research suggests that sugar can feed cancer cells and may raise the risk of cancers such as breast and colon cancer.
12. It makes you feel tired. While sugar provides a temporary boost, it is usually followed by a crash that leads to fatigue.
13. It causes joint pain. Sugar triggers inflammation in the body, worsening conditions like arthritis and causing discomfort.
14. It affects memory. High sugar intake can impair brain functions related to memory and learning, particularly in children.
15. It shortens lifespan. By increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, sugar contributes to premature death.

Health experts advise substituting sugary snacks with fruits and whole foods to improve overall well-being.

Reading food labels and avoiding hidden sugars in processed products is another step towards better health.

Nigerians are urged to take control of their diets now to prevent chronic illnesses in the future.

DDM continues to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of sugar and promotes healthy living through community education.

Reducing sugar is not just a diet choice, it is a life-saving decision.

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