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5 signs of weakened immunity due to excess sugar consumption

Food is fuel for the body. What one eats and drinks throughout the day directly impacts their metabolism, digestion, and cognitive function. For example, excessive sugar intake can wreak havoc on your health. The body has to maintain a delicate balance of vitamins and minerals extracted from these foods to boost overall immunity. And evident physical and psychological signs indicate these requirements are not being met. Here are five signs of excess sugar intake that impact overall immunity:

Problems with appetite
Sugar is an empty calorie, meaning the body does not benefit from consuming refined sugars in any way. Instead, to compensate for the low-quality calories consumed, one must eat more to fill up and remain satiated for longer periods. An increase in daily food consumption without proper nutritional balance is a clear sign of excess sugar intake and poor immune function. Excess sugar dramatically impacts the body’s metabolic responses, boosting immunity as well. And the extra calories add to the body’s mass, further increasing the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure problems, and more.

Fatigue
One of the major signs of low immunity is fatigue. And the body cannot fight off common infections and diseases with a compromised immune system. Excess sugar intake is the major culprit behind fatigue developing out of the blue. Sugars are digested by the body quickly in comparison to other foods. So, the short burst of energy is not enough, leaving the body in a state of crash. Low energy also increases the craving for more sugary foods and beverages.

Changes in mood
Foods and beverages consumed have a deep impact on one’s psyche as well. This happens due to imbalances in hormones and chemical messengers in the brain. For example, sugar provides a short burst of energy, and the metabolism processes these sugars. But after this, you feel tired and more irritable, on edge, or stressed. The sudden crash in energy levels directly impacts blood glucose, which causes impairment in cognitive functions. Most people continue to consume sugar to improve their mood, but this only triggers serious hormonal imbalances.

Breakouts and skin problems
Blood glucose plays an important role in maintaining skin health. Sugar affects the functioning of two important compounds in the skin called collagen and elastin. These compounds, when combined, make the skin soft and smooth to the touch and help maintain a glowing texture. Sugar causes the collagen to break down, making the skin stiffer and losing elasticity. This will lead to premature aging in the form of signs like fine lines and wrinkles. Excess sugar also triggers a blood glucose imbalance and disrupts insulin resistance, triggering acne breakouts on the face or over the body. These are clear signs that excess sugar affects the body’s natural defense mechanism for maintaining health.

Constipation
Products high in refined sugars are also low in fibers that help with bowel movements. This can trigger chronic constipation, directly impacting a person’s overall immunity. Everything is linked to the imbalance in blood glucose levels triggered by excess sugar intake. Further, sugary foods don’t have good vitamins or minerals that the body needs to support essential functions like digestion. So nutritional deficiencies also trigger problems like constipation as the body’s digestive organs cannot support the breakdown of foods.

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 jointsâ 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 poppingÂ 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 oneâs 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.

Causes of cavities and how to prevent them

The mouth has different bacteria types, but most of these help in the digestion of food and maintaining overall health. Unfortunately, some of these bacteria are harmful. These are usually found in the plaque, which is a thin, sticky film that forms over the teeth. The bacteria releases acid whenever it interacts with sugar in food, and, in turn, the acid leads to cavity formation. To help prevent them, here's everything you need to know. What are cavities? One of the most common health problems globally, cavities are one of the first signs of dental problems due to excessive sugar. They're generally observed among young children, teens, and older adults. However, individuals can have cavities at any age. Cavities are permanently damaged parts on the surface of your teeth that slowly develop into small holes or openings. Although these small cavities may seem insignificant in the initial stages, they can cause severe infections, toothache, and even loss of teeth. Also referred to as caries or tooth decay, cavities occur due to a combination of several factors, including eating foods with excessive sugar, bacteria in the mouth, drinking sugary drinks, frequent snacking, and not maintaining proper dental hygiene. How do cavities form? The bacteria in the mouth is the root cause of the formation of cavities in the teeth. This bacteria releases an acid, which degrades the teeth' enamel when not managed. The enamel is the protective layer of the teeth. As the enamel wears away, the teeth become weaker, and over time, the weakened tooth's surface starts to break, leading to cavities. The bacteria enters these cavities and affects the inner layers of the teeth, causing tooth decay. Once the bacteria reach the dentin layer, you will experience the symptoms of cavities, such as severe pain and sensitivity. If left untreated for a long time, the bacteria get to the tooth pulp, which will require you to have a root canal treatment. In some cases, the decay can also occur in the jawbone. The consumption of sugar causes the decay by the bacteria. Even a little bit of sugar on the surface of the teeth can be a food source for the bacteria, quickening the decay process. Thus, cavities are rapidly formed due to excessive sugar in foods and beverages you may eat. Signs of dental problems due to excessive sugar The signs generally differ depending on the extent and location of the cavities. In the initial stages, there are no symptoms experienced. As the decay gets deeper and the cavity grows larger, there can be several symptoms, including the following: Sudden toothache that comes and goes with any definite causes. Intense sensitivity of teeth, especially while eating extremely cold or hot foods. Mild to intense pain when drinking or eating something that has sugar. Visible pits or holes in the affected tooth. Black or brown staining on the surface of the affected tooth. Mild to severe pain when biting down on food. How to protect teeth from cavities? You can take certain steps to avoid the formation of cavities due to excessive sugar. Here are a few tips for the same. Brush your teeth regularly. Lower the intake of sugary foods and beverages. Get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist on a regular basis. Undergo regular dental health checkups to monitor cavities. Get treated for cavities as soon as you start to experience any of the above symptoms. Avoid constant snacking and sipping. Eat foods that are healthy for your teeth, such as raw fruits and vegetables, unsweetened coffee, and plain yogurt.