Let’s face it, Americans consume too much sugar. Our deadly sugar addiction has reached epidemic levels. Many of us are eating the equivalent of several desserts per day without knowing it! Sugar consumption in the US has risen steeply and steadily over the past two centuries, and this has correlated with higher rates of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Sugar is undoubtedly making us sick, so let’s take a closer look at how and why.
How Does Sugar Damage Our Health?
Sugar creates free radicals and depletes antioxidants. It also causes the build-up of waste products, affecting glucose metabolism, called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). They accumulate in the skin, causing premature aging, and can damage the structural protein collagen in other parts of the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the gut. Circulating AGEs are correlated with increased C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.
Sugar consumption also contributes to nutrient depletions. High blood sugar and elevated insulin levels decrease magnesium absorption and increase excretion by the kidneys, and directly interferes with vitamin C absorption. A high intake of sugar, particularly fructose, can deplete vitamin D and lead to deficiency. A diet rich in refined sugars and starches also tends to rob the body of B vitamins, since these foods demand additional amounts of B vitamins to convert them into energy.
What are Short and Long-Term Effects on the Body?
Sugar consumption is commonly accompanied by a quick burst of energy, however, this is fleeting and often followed by a reactive dip or crash in energy a few hours later. In addition to energy fluctuations, sugar decreases immunity, usually for several hours. In particular, it impacts your white blood cells, such as neutrophils, that fight bacteria and infection, as they become less aggressive. So, if you consume sweets several times per day, your immune system may be perpetually operating at a distinct disadvantage. Plus, sugar disrupts gut flora, which can lead to a sub-optimal functioning immune system.
In the long term, immune disruption continues and chronic inflammation develops and persists. This increases the risk of numerous illnesses including type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, fatty liver (NAFLD), dementia, arthritis, autoimmune conditions, and cardiovascular disease. It also increases your risk of dying from heart disease.
How much sugar is okay?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. Currently, the typical American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugars per day, roughly 50% more than is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to these organizations, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for men is no more than 9 teaspoons, or 36 grams, of sugar per day. For women, a maximum daily intake of 6 teaspoons, or 25 grams, per day is recommended. Recommended allowances can still come with risks but ultimately, the less added sugar you eat, the healthier you will be.
Identifying sugar:
It’s estimated that every 3 out of 4 products on grocery shelves contain sugar. This list of sugar variations or substitutes can help you identify sources when reading nutrition labels.
- Dextrose
- Fructose
- Glucose
- Galactose
- Lactose
- Maltose
- Sucrose
- Evaporated cane juice
- Agave nectar
- Barley malt
- Cane juice crystals
- Florida crystals
- Date sugar
- Dextrin
- Nectars
- High fructose corn syrup
- Fruit juice
- Fruit juice concentrate
- Brown rice syrup
- Maple syrup
- Molasses
- Honey
Supplements:
Immune Support:
- Res-Q Cor-Immune Defense: This blend of two clinically-studied ingredients, combined with 7 key vitamins and minerals, naturally supports the body’s immune defenses being suppressed by sugar consumption.
- Res-Q ProBiotic: Sugar disrupts gut flora, creating imbalances that negatively impact immunity and increase inflammation. Res-Q ProBiotic provides beneficial flora to rebalance the gut’s microbiome and keep us healthy.
- Res-Q 1250+: Omega-3s and vitamin D are two ways to support a healthy immune system, and they are combined for convenience in Res-Q 1250+.
Nutrients:
- Res-Q Mg: Sugar impacts magnesium absorption and increases its excretion from the body, which can lead to a deficiency. Res-Q Mg Magnesium provides bio-available magnesium to help replenish this crucial mineral.
- Res-Q Ultimate B Complex: Sugar commonly robs our body of B vitamins. Ultimate B complex provides 8 essential B vitamins to help counteract the depletion that can result from consuming excess sugar.
- Res-Q Vital D3: Sugar consumption can deplete vitamin D, leading to deficiencies that can further exacerbate an already suppressed immune system. One capsule of Res-Q Vital D3 contains 5,000 IU of Vitamin D, which helps to correct this imbalance and support immunity.
Anti-inflammatory & Anti-aging:
Sugar increases inflammation and accelerates aging. Consider the following supplements to help protect against these effects:
- Res-Q RenewU: This powder drink mix helps combat the effects of aging by limiting free radical damage, supports healthy skin, preserves the mind, supports energy, and helps to replenish some of the vitamins and minerals depleted by a high-sugar diet.
- Res-Q Cell Power: This powerhouse of antioxidants helps to quench free radicals and minimize damage.
- Res-Q Omega-3s: Omega-3s help to lower inflammation caused by sugar consumption.
- Res-Q CurcuminULTRA: Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and is also a powerful antioxidant, making this an excellent choice for protecting against the harmful effects caused by sugar.
