Sugar Ain't Always Sweet

The average adult probably already knows that sugar intake does more harm than good. That information has been well dispersed among the general population for years. When blood sugar levels are elevated, a chain reaction of negative events are set off. Insulin, a natural hormone secreted by the pancreas normally comes to the rescue. When the pancreas does not function, it cannot regulate the blood sugar. The individual becomes diabetic and at risk for devastating complications, such as gangrene, slow healing or non-healing wounds, blindness, debilitating nerve disorders, and more! 

You do not have to suffer from diabetes to experience the repercussions of excessive sugar intake. It is very damaging to most every body organ including your skin. Once digested, sugar enters the bloodstream and binds with the lipids and proteins that support the skin causing glycation, as reported by the article "How Sugar Is Ruining Your Skin" at New Beauty The Beauty Authority website. The process of glycation generates free radicals that damage the skin's structural proteins collagen and elastin. Premature aging and tissue damage will result. If that is not bad enough, the process of glycation also generates the by-product hydrogen peroxide. It is highly irritating causing inflammation and damage, dermatologist Liliana Saap, MD explains to New Beauty. Wrinkling and sagging are the main signs of glycation. Increased outbreaks of acne and rosacea are also reported. Dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt, MD states, "It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years for the change in skin to be noticeable." There are a variety of skin care products you can try that are formulated to alleviate glycation and reverse the damage. They are discussed in the Winter/Spring 2015 edition of the New Beauty magazine.

Let it be noted that the body does need a certain amount of sugar to function properly. The sugars we consume are broken down into the carbohydrate glucose following digestion. Glucose is essential for energy production for the brain, muscles, and other organs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides the recommended daily allowance for carbohydrates that can serve as guide. 

The solution seems easy enough in simply eliminating sugar from the diet. The dilemma is that many of the foods we love and crave are sweet and sugary. Sweet things simply taste good. Imbalances in the digestive system due to the presence of unwanted organisms, such as parasites and fungi bring about cravings. In many cases, the prepared and packaged foods we purchase already contain sugar. It is imperative to read the ingredients and nutritional information on the packages. The best and most effective way of resolving sugar overload is to replace with sugar substitutes that can sweeten and enhance flavor. In many cases, the sugar won't even be missed. Honey, maple syrup, stevia, monk fruit, and xylitol are popular and widely used natural sweeteners.

Do you have diabetes? If so, what modifications have you made in your diet and overall lifestyle? What modifications have you made in your skin care routine and are they effective?