It has been known for some time now that consuming excessive amounts of sugar can provide an individual with bursts of energy but this comes with a number of drawbacks and one of them is its impact on one’s brain and health. It is evident from the research that high sugar consumption leads to mood swings, anxiety and depression. In the long run, an increased intake of sugar may lead to degenerative brain disorders and anxiety disorders.
The Mental Health Link
Many know that an excessive consumption of sugar negatively affects the functions of the human brain, especially the emotional centres. One of the primary findings of the present report is that high glycemic foods have negative effects on dopamine. This can consequently develop a pattern where the drug leads to a deterioration of one’s well-being and mental condition.
In addition to this, high sugar intake leads to inflammation in the brain and depression, and anxiety are related conditions. Inflammation over a period of time affects the proper functioning of the brain when it comes to managing emotions hence mood disorders are likely to occur.
Cognitive Decline and Memory Loss
Pavlov’s research supports the opinion stating that increased consumption of sugar negatively affects cognitive abilities in the future. High sugar may lead to poor memory formation of the brain in addition to the overall poor function of the brain. This is quite worrisome given the fact that one will be at a higher risk of suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Impact on Stress and Anxiety
A new one piece of information that has been discovered is the relation between sugar and the body stress. Andrew’s high cortisol levels can result in nervousness and coateness, which determine his reaction to stress. This can explain why people develop feelings of restlessness and the jitters especially when they have taken products with a high sugar content.
Sugar and Your Mental Well-being: The Science Behind the Effects
Researchers have been looking for evidence as to how sugar affects the brain and how this influences or has long term effects on the mental health of an individual. Sugar has the ability to release certain chemicals in our body/brain that makes us derive certain amount of pleasure. However, similar to craving of other drugs, the body may develop an ever increasing dependency on sugar. Thus, this dependency affects its essential functions that, in turn, bring stress and irritability if it is not in its reach.
Taking Action: How to Reduce Sugar for Better Mental Health
Although it would not be easy to eliminate sugar from the diet completely, it is quite possible and even advantageous to one’s mental health. To begin with, adopt minor changes in the diet such changes as the elimination of sweetened products and markets. However, substitute them with such better foods as fruits, nuts, and whole foods grained products. Proper diet which includes enough lean proteins, fiber and good fats will also ensure that there are no swings in moods that result from high levels of glycemic index.
Taking this into consideration, it is evident that incorporating certain changes in diet may prove to be effective in the improvement of health. Cutting on the consumption of sugars is also beneficial in the nervous system, reduces stress and enhances the mood of individuals who consume foods with little sugars.
Conclusion
Probably the most alarming and least discussed impact of too much sugar is on the mental health of an individual. Interference of sugar to mood fluctuations, anxiety, and poses negative effects on cognitive abilities of the human brain. It is noteworthy that changing the diet and eliminating foods high in sugar content will contribute to increased cognitive performance as well as mood regulation.
Below are some of the ned advices on how you could try to change your diet to reduce the effects that sugar has on the brain, and feel the difference. It will be beneficial for your mind and your body alike. Click here for the source
