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4 signs of heart problems triggered by excessive sugar intake

4 signs of heart problems triggered by excessive sugar intake

Cardiovascular diseases and high blood sugar are among the leading causes of problems for most adults. Everything from poor lifestyle choices to changes in daily nutrition can impact heart health. Older adults with underlying chronic health conditions must be more cautious while making such changes. One of the major contributing factors is excessive sugar intake. Keep reading to learn how exceeding the daily sugar limit recommended by experts can drastically impact one’s heart health.

Diabetes

Research by experts suggests that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing several cardiovascular problems than people without the condition. The risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, atherosclerosis, and arrhythmia, among other heart complications, is exponentially increased due to an imbalance in blood glucose levels in the body. The risk is higher for people with type 2 diabetes, most commonly diagnosed among adults in the country. Refined sugar is used in most processed foods and beverages that have become a must-have for most people who eat fast food regularly. Exceeding the daily recommended free sugar intake is considered risky for adults and seniors already suffering from underlying health conditions.

Unhealthy BMI

Sugar is empty calories. It is merely a condiment that is used to enhance the taste. Therefore, there is no benefit to adding sugar to one’s daily foods and beverages. However, most children and adults have become accustomed to adding sugar daily to their tea, coffee, baked goods, and confectionaries. Furthermore, sugar triggers hunger pangs that lead to excessive intake of unhealthy calories from processed foods. It further leads to an increased body mass index that puts pressure on the heart. Sugary foods contribute to prolonged high blood sugar, leptin resistance, and insulin resistance — all of which are associated with unhealthy body mass. Unhealthy BMI gain is another significant risk factor linked to cardiovascular diseases, as the organ is forced to pump more blood to manage the increased body mass.

High cholesterol

Sugar is a source of short-term energy for the body. So once this energy source is exhausted, the body rapidly turns to other sources of carbohydrates that can fulfill one’s cravings. These changes in energy levels have a harmful effect on cholesterol levels. Excessive sugar intake raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. These specific changes in cholesterol lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries that restricts circulation. Reduced circulation affects cardiovascular function as the heart pumps more blood inside narrowed artery walls. All these factors combined increase the risk of severe heart disease among older adults. Adding unwanted sugar triggers these reactions that are unhealthy for the body.

Constipation

Certain studies indicate that patients who develop constipation have higher chances of also suffering from cardiovascular problems. The risk is even higher for those who consume refined sugars in processed foods and sweet beverages that lack fiber. It is because the empty calories add no nutritional benefit to support vital organs and metabolic function. Mainly, the body requires more fiber to process bowel movements. With excessive sugar in the daily meal plan, these functions are deprived of essential fiber, leading to constipation. Postmenopausal women and older men are at more risk of coronary artery disease with underlying complications like constipation.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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7 signs of aging skin due to excessive sugar intake

The packaged juice you had for breakfast, the doughnut you had for snacks, or even the dessert you sneaked in after dinner may have satiated your sweet cravings. Unfortunately, these can be detrimental to your body inside and out in the long term if you eat too much of them regularly. One side effect of too much sugar is skin aging too quickly. Here are a few common signs of aging skin due to excessive sugar. Skin begins to sag The skin's natural plumpness and firmness are because of elastin and collagen. These get damaged due to excessive sugar. This happens because of a process known as glycation that causes the sugar molecules to react with the proteins in collagen and elastin. The glycated collagen accumulates in the tissues, causing the skin to lose its firmness and sag. Wrinkles and fine lines begin to appear Due to excessive sugar, the glycation process on collagen and elastin also causes them to become brittle and dry. As a result, they lose their natural strength and elasticity. They start to become stiff. So the skin loses its suppleness and smoothness. This is why fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent on the skin. Age spots begin to appear Another sign of aging skin due to excessive sugar is the appearance of age spots. Overeating sugary foods and drinking sweetened beverages can spike sugar levels in your blood. This can stimulate melanin production in your skin. Melanin is the substance that causes pigmentation in your skin. It is responsible for your skin color. If the melanin level is higher than what is natural for your skin tone, dark patches will appear on your skin; these are age spots that give the appearance of rapid aging. Complexion becomes dull When excessive sugar is present in regular meals and snacks, the body produces a high level of free fatty acids through the liver. When these free fatty acids go through digestion, compounds are produced that trigger inflammation. Over time, this leads to metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation. Although this inflammation is usually low-grade, it can affect your skin's complexion. Your skin may start to lose its natural radiance and glow and start to appear dull. Eyes appear puffy Refined sugar contained in all sweetened foods and beverages is made up of simple carbohydrates. Overeating sugar will increase the level of these carbohydrates in your body. As a result, insulin levels will also rise in your blood. This causes your kidneys to retain a high amount of sodium and water. The water retention causes the area around your eyes to swell up and appear puffy. Skin becomes prone to acne The high sugar intake increases insulin levels in your body. As insulin levels increase, the production of oils in your skin also increases. So the level of sebum in your skin also spikes up. This clogs the follicles and pores on your skin. Also, excess sugar increases inflammation in your body. The increased sebum and inflammation lead to frequent acne breakouts, making skin age quicker. Skin becomes vulnerable to sun damage Eating too much sugar breaks down your skin's natural protective barrier. If you don't apply sunscreen daily, your skin will become more susceptible to damage due to harmful UV rays. So you may suffer from frequent sunburns, with your skin showing signs of premature aging and hyperpigmentation.

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What you should know about depression

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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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