Refined sugar is a product of raw sugar cane, a plant that grows in subtropical climates, or sugar beets, which grow in temperate areas. Sugar is made by extracting sucrose from these plants and discarding the excess plant materials. Refined sugar is found in foods and beverages such as soft drinks, packaged fruit juices, candy, chocolate, doughnuts, pastries, cakes and pies. It may pose significant health dangers.
Obesity
Refined sugar may contribute to weight gain and obesity. It is made up of simple carbohydrates, which your body converts into glucose, a substance used for energy. However, glucose that is not burned as energy is stored as fat cells in your body. Combined with a sedentary lifestyle, high consumption of refined sugars can lead to rapid weight gain. This may place additional strain on your heart muscles, increasing your risk of heart disease.
Diabetes
Chronically high levels of glucose in your bloodstream may contribute to the onset of diabetes, a condition that occurs when your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to turn glucose into energy for daily tasks and rebuilding muscle, organ, bone and tissue cells. In some cases, your pancreas may produce sufficient insulin, but your body may not be able to utilize it. If you have diabetes, refined sugar may trigger symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, mental confusion and muscle weakness.
Tooth Decay
When you consume foods containing sugars, they feed bacteria that live in your mouth. Plaque bacteria use refined sugars to produce acids that can erode the enamel coating of your teeth. This may promote tooth decay and cavities. Sugary foods, which are typically devoid of vitamins and nutrients, may also contribute to gum disease, a common cause of tooth loss.
Candidiasis
The Candida albicans fungus naturally lives in your intestines, urinary tract, mouth and throat. Although this fungus normally lives in balance with other bacteria, a diet high in refined sugars may allow this fungus to multiply, causing candidiasis. This condition can weaken your immune system and cause symptoms such as headaches, depression, itching, constipation, fatigue and joint pain. It may also increase your risk of kidney and bladder infections.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- American Dental Association: Diet and Oral Health
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