The holidays are here—a time to celebrate family, friends, and traditions!
For me, the memories of childhood holidays are filled with cousins running around outside or causing mischief in the basement when the weather kept us indoors. Football on TV, food on the table—what more could we ask for?
And of course, no holiday dinner is complete without dessert! Cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats bring joy to the table and make everyone smile. At least, they do—until the sugar high wears off.
That’s when we hit the infamous “sugar crash.” You know the one—where we find ourselves in a zombie-like daze, struggling to remember even the simplest thing, like how to answer a question we just heard our name attached to. So, what actually happens when we eat sugar? Let’s take a quick trip down the sugar road…
The Sugar Journey: What Happens in Our Bodies?
When sugar enters our bloodstream, our blood sugar (glucose) levels rise. This triggers the release of insulin, which helps move glucose into our cells for immediate energy or stores it as glycogen in muscle cells for later use. If there’s excess, it gets stored as fat. (Hello, weight gain!)
But it’s not just the physical effects that we feel. Sugar also triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure. It’s the same chemical released in the brain during rewarding activities—which is why sugar can be addictive.
The Sugar High & Crash
That initial burst of energy from sugar is real, but it’s short-lived. As insulin works to lower blood sugar levels, we experience the dreaded “sugar crash,” leaving us tired, irritable, and in need of another sugar hit.
The Long-Term Effects of Sugar
Consuming too much sugar over time can have serious consequences for your health. These include:
Weight Gain: Excess sugar is stored as fat.
Heart Disease: High sugar intake is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular issues.
Diabetes: Regularly high blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Tooth Decay: Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to cavities.
Gut Imbalance: Too much sugar can contribute to digestive problems, including issues like candida and dysbiosis.
Sugar Addiction vs. Drug Addiction
Did you know that sugar is four times more addictive than cocaine? Research has shown that sugar can hijack the brain’s reward system in much the same way that drugs do.
Over time, this can lead to compulsive, addictive behaviors. You can read more about this research here: Sugar and Addiction.
The American Medical Association (AMA) suggests no more than 100 calories (about 25 grams) of added sugar per day for women, and 150 calories (about 36 grams) for men.
Yet, the average American consumes over 100 pounds of sugar a year!
For more information on sugar consumption in the U.S., check out this article from the USDA: Sugar Consumption Facts.
A New Tradition?
As we head into the holiday season, I encourage you to think about the impact of all those sugary treats.
Maybe it’s time to rethink some of those dessert traditions and find healthier alternatives that are just as festive and fun.
Food is meant to nourish our bodies and provide energy, not contribute to addiction or disease.
Let’s focus on real, whole foods rather than “non-food” sugars, so we can kick the sugar habit and prioritize our health.
Take Control of Your Health
If you’re ready to take control of your health and make lasting changes this holiday season, I’d love to help!
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discuss your health struggles and goals, and let’s map out a plan for a healthier future together.
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