Is Sugar All That Bad?

Is Sugar All That Bad? This is a common question I hear. And the answer isn’t exactly cut and dry. It depends on so many factors! Let’s break them down.

Is Sugar Necessary?

It is NOT an essential nutrient, meaning our bodies can make glucose (sugar) from other types of foods like fats and proteins. Our body does need glucose to survive. Our brains, muscles, and pretty much every cell needs it. However, you don’t need to eat it to get it into your cells.

What Can Too Much Sugar Do?

When the body has too much sugar and cannot use it all, it must store it. There are specific body processes made to store glucose to use for later when the blood levels dip too low. Keeping blood glucose balanced is a priority of the body. However, when those storage areas get too full, then the body has to store it as extra body fat.

High blood sugar can also cause the proteins in your body to become “sticky.” This hardens the surfaces of arteries, joints, and all cell membranes. The body then increase inflammation to try and heal these hardened cells. This is the root cause of most chronic diseases.

Imbalanced blood sugar can also worsen anxiety and depressive symptoms. These issues are also rooted in inflammation. Balancing blood sugar can have a great impact of improving brain based symptoms.

How to Stop Blood Sugar Swings?

Eating a balanced diet of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Fat is the great blood sugar stabilizer. Just eating some fruit with nuts or nut butter can slow the absorption of the sugar into the blood stream. Also, stopping all sugary drinks can lower blood sugar. These are often consumed on an empty stomach thus quickly increasing blood sugar. Lastly, by eliminating or drastically decreasing all “white” foods that are processed can help immensely. This includes all “white” bread, noodles, crackers and other processed foods.

My RESTART program is a great way to learn all about balanced eating. It is a live, in person class with tons of great support. Check my upcoming events for the next class!

Here are some great low sugar snacks to help you start your more balanced eating plan. Enjoy!