Bear with us, this might be a tough pill to swallow. And this time, we don’t get a spoonful of anything to help this medicine go down. Are you seated? Okay. Sugar… contributes to rapid aging.
Sugar itself is not pure evil. Our body needs carbohydrates for energy— sugar, namely glucose, is our cells’ numero uno source of energy to fuel all of our vital functions. It’s added sugar that is the culprit. Especially those processed, high glycemic index foods with several sweeteners in the ingredients list (they have many different names and forms and are very sneaky that way) and a high, double-digit number in the nutrition facts under sugar, or added sugar.
Not only will a diet loaded with added sugar make us pack on poundage, especially visceral fat, as well as cause liver damage and threaten the health of all our vital organs, but it can make us barrel towards an aged body and mind at warp speed. Not to be dramatic. The process of this is called glycation.
We went straight to Dr. Nigma Talib, a naturopath we trust, for the details:
“Glycation is a process that occurs when excess sugar in the body binds to proteins or fats, forming harmful compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This process can negatively impact health and accelerate aging,” Dr. Nigma tells us.
We’re trying not to find it darkly hilarious that the harmful end products have such an apt acronym.
Here are the effects of glycation according to Dr. Nigma:
Skin Damage
“When you consume sugar, it attaches to proteins in the skin and disrupts collagen and elastin, which are essential for keeping skin firm and elastic. This leads to wrinkles and sagging, much like how rust weakens metal.”
Inflammation
“High sugar levels can trigger inflammation throughout the body, similar to an engine overheating. This inflammation contributes to oxidative stress, damaging cells and accelerating the aging process.”
Brain Health
“Excess sugar can create harmful deposits in the brain, akin to blockages in pipes. These deposits can impair memory and cognitive function over time.”
Since enjoying a little sugar here and there is a part of a life in moderation (or perhaps something you’ve indulged in heavily in the past) here’s what you can do now.
Of course, it starts with cutting out excess sugar now, as a smoker might quit, though they have done the damage of years prior. Our bodies’ priority is healing itself, after all. This is giving it a chance.
Another plan of attack is supplementing with NAD, Dr. Nigma explains.
“NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a vital coenzyme that supports many cellular functions, acting like a skilled mechanic that keeps your body operating smoothly.”
So, what can you do to help reduce sugar cravings?
1. Cut back (even temporarily helps)
A few days without sugar can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing the spikes that drive cravings. Bonus tip: Be sure to learn the sneaky names for sugar (it hides under 260+ names on labels) and read nutrition labels with the scrutiny usually reserved for texts from your crush.
2. Try to stick with natural sugars
Choose treats that are made with natural ingredients that have some nutritional value like honey, dark chocolate, or fruit. If that’s not cutting it and you need something decadent, choose a high quality option when possible.
3. Listen to what your cravings are trying to tell you.
This can help you explore some of your deeper connections to food, your environment, and emotions, which in turn can help you move through your cravings.
4. Set a timer for 10-20 minutes.
Cravings are like waves—they rise and fall. If you set a short timer, you’ll often find the urge naturally passes before it feels unbearable.
5. Support healthy blood sugar balance.
Many times, sugar cravings are influenced by unbalanced blood sugar. Here’s a quick formula for building a blood sugar-balancing meal (listed in order of importance):
- High fiber
- Moderate to high protein
- Beneficial fats
- Low-glycemic complex carbs
Of course, here at Poosh we believe in a balanced life. So before you fear all things sweet on the tongue, or forgo enjoyment entirely, make this a litmus test to your nutrition facts reading comprehension. Don’t forget to fuel your body, and live a little.
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