Live Longer Habits

A doctor has shared three simple questions to help you find out if you're eating too much sugar. Dr Megan Rossi, known as the Gut Health doctor, has a large following on Instagram and recently talked about the differences between added sugars and natural sugars.

 She explained that added sugars are often found in highly processed foods, hidden in items like pasta sauces and snacks that claim to be healthy—even those with sweeteners like coconut sugar. While it's okay to have some sugar, she believes we generally consume too much. 

On the other hand, natural sugars are found in whole fruits, vegetables, and items like fermented dairy. The NHS states that too much sugar can lead to consuming more calories than needed, which can cause weight gain. 

Being overweight increases the risk of health issues like heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Sugar can also lead to tooth decay. 

Dr Rossi noted that sugar often gets a bad name on social media, but it's more complicated than simply saying “sugar is bad.” In fact, cutting out all sugar can actually harm your gut and overall health. Going completely “sugar-free,” as many influencers suggest, could mean missing out on important nutrients and beneficial compounds found in whole fruits and vegetables. This may lead to various issues such as poor skin, mental health problems, and a slower metabolism. 

If you’re concerned about how much sugar you’re eating, ask yourself these three questions: 

1. Do you have strong sugar cravings that happen often? 

2. Have you noticed you crave more sugar than before, like adding more to your tea? 

3. Are sugary snacks taking the place of healthier meals? 

If you said yes to any of these, try switching to healthier sources of sugar rather than cutting it all out. The difference between added sugars and natural sugars has been well-studied. 

In a 2014 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that a high-sugar diet increased the risk of dying from heart disease. People who got 17-21% of their calories from added sugar were 38% more likely to die from heart problems compared to those who only got 8%. 

More recent research in 2023 revealed that eating too much sugar is linked to various health issues, including heart disease, some cancers, and other problems related to mental health, teeth, and the liver. It was suggested that drinks high in sugar can lead to weight gain and other health risks, including a higher chance of gout and coronary heart disease. 

In general, a high intake of sugar is not good for your health, especially in relation to heart and metabolic diseases. It is advised to limit added sugars to below 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) a day and to consume sugar-sweetened drinks less than once a week (under about 355 mL). 

Cutting down on these sugars can help protect your health.

Source: glouchestershirelive