8 Hidden Signs You’re Eating Way Too Much Sugar (Without Even Realizing It)

6. Decreased Brain Function

A study published in the journal Neuroscience found that mice fed a diet “similar in composition to the typical diet of most industrialized Western societies, rich in saturated fats and refined sugar,” suffered a reduction in brain function in just 2 months. This is because large amounts of sugar affect proteins and neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for learning and memory. In short: sugar makes you less sharp.

7. Skin Problems

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is responsible for skin elasticity. By nature, sugar molecules bind to collagen and help collagen cells move. Too much sugar in the body makes collagen cells less mobile, causing tissue stiffness, including the skin. The loss of skin elasticity becomes apparent with the appearance of wrinkles, among other things.

Additionally, sugar causes cellular inflammation. As you probably know, whenever there is chronic inflammation, problems follow. High sugar levels also cause acne and dermatitis. Carbohydrates like bread, cereals, rice, and pasta cause an increase in insulin and androgen (a male sex hormone) production. Androgens prompt skin glands to produce excess sebum, clogging pores and leading to breakouts.

Moreover, Candida is a yeast that lives in the digestive tract and on the skin. As a yeast, it thrives on sugar. Eating too much sugar causes the yeast to overgrow, leading to nail infections, vaginal infections, athlete’s foot, and oral thrush.

Over time, high blood sugar can also lead to diabetic neuropathy, causing tingling and pain in the feet. Furthermore, internal inflammation and increased insulin production can cause cells to reproduce abnormally and rapidly. Cancer cells feed on sugar, giving you yet another reason to kick the habit.

What Too Much Sugar Does to Your Body