The immune system is a complex system that helps keep the body safe from foreign viruses and bacteria. Once an immune system has defeated any foreign microbe, it takes note of it and always treats it as an enemy. Sugar is one of the foods that can compromise the immune system if consumed excessively. So one must always be sure of one’s meal choices. Here are 4 signs of a poor immune system due to excess sugar. Frequent illnesses One of the easy indicators of a weakened immune system is the frequency of illness and susceptibility to infections. This can be caused by excess sugar intake, which leads to chronic inflammation. Studies suggest that a spike in sugar levels suppresses the immune system and that healthy cells are damaged more with high sugar. When there are few healthy cells in the body, it is easy for bacteria and viruses to attack the immune system and are not easily warded off, resulting in frequent illnesses. Chronic fatigue As per studies, being frequently exhausted is a sign of a compromised immune system. Research suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome is often referred to as immune dysfunction syndrome. Excessive sugar consumption may also contribute to chronic fatigue by causing a rapid rise and subsequent crash in glucose levels.

Sugar has been associated with issues affecting different parts of the body, like the teeth, eyes, and skin. Further, it can age the skin prematurely, and one may be able to observe changes in skin tone, texture, and glow. However, recognizing the signs of skin aging that have been linked to high sugar intake can make one reconsider lifestyle choices and food habits. Here are a few signs one may notice: Wrinkles When one indulges in sugary foods regularly, it can cause collagen damage. Collagen is a skin protein that helps maintain firm, elastic, and smooth skin. So, when the glucose levels in the body begin to increase, they can break down collagen and affect its production. This increases the risk of wrinkles and fine lines, which are some of the most common signs of aging. Acne Excessive intake of sugar can lead to a spike in the blood sugar levels in the body, leading to inflammation. Further, the spike can stimulate excess production of sebum—a natural oily substance that helps keep the skin hydrated. With excessive sebum on the skin, one is more prone to breakouts on the skin. Additionally, if one regularly chooses processed, junk, and dairy products, they could experience hormonal imbalances, which can trigger the onset of hormonal acne.

Joint pain affects millions of people worldwide. While excessive sugar intake is associated with diabetes and dental problems, its impact on joint health is often overlooked. Understanding the relationship between sugar and joint pain is crucial for maintaining optimal joint health. Further, diabetes can increase the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis, which cause stiffness and pain in the joints. So, here are some signs of joint problems one should recognize: Inflammation Elevated blood glucose can cause swelling and increase the production of cytokines, which are chemicals that can cause inflammation and stiffness when available excessively. If joints become swollen and tender, it may be a sign of high sugar intake. Stiff joints One may lose flexibility and extent of mobility as a result of persistently high blood glucose. Sugar triggers a process in the body called glycation, through which sugar molecules attach to proteins in the body and produce harmful compounds. These end products can damage the cells, speed up aging, reduce flexibility, and increase joint stiffness. So, when dealing with high blood sugar, one is more likely to experience issues or pain while moving, bending, or stretching. Fat deposits and joint pain The body converts food into glucose and stores it as energy for future use.

The ears help detect, analyze, and balance sound. However, the organ is susceptible to a range of conditions, including infections. Hearing loss is also a common symptom as a person ages. However, if one develops this complication without underlying factors, it might indicate the onset of diabetes. The condition that is triggered by excessive sugar intake may lead to nerve damage in the ears. Here are six signs of hearing problems that might be caused by diabetes. Difficulty following conversations There are multiple reasons one might have difficulty following a conversation with more than one person. The sign could occur when they are in a group or even when there is background noise present. Sometimes people might be distracted too easily. However, it could indicate the onset of nerve damage in the ears caused by excessive sugar intake. So one must consult with an expert to diagnose the source of the problem. Trouble following telephonic conversations One of the most visible signs of hearing loss is difficulty understanding telephonic conversations. Phone calls come with certain disturbances that make it difficult to understand the person on the other line. However, if one finds it difficult to follow phone conversations all the time, one might need to consult with an expert.

People with diabetes may develop nerve damage due to high blood sugar. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. This condition can be classified into four types: peripheral, autonomic neuropathy, proximal neuropathy (diabetic polyradiculopathy), or mononeuropathy (focal neuropathy), depending on the nerves it affects. Although these conditions develop slowly, they may not be diagnosed or show symptoms until much later. Knowing their signs can help diagnose them and begin treatment earlier. Peripheral neuropathy: This is the most common form of neuropathy that affects the legs and feet first. Over time, the symptoms may spread to the arms. Some symptoms include numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes in the feet and toes, a tingling or burning sensation, a sharp pain that worsens at night, extreme sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness, loss of reflex response, foot problems such as ulcers, infections, and deformities, and bone and joint damage. Autonomic neuropathy: The autonomic nervous system controls several different bodily functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, sweat glands, eyes, bladder, digestive system, and sex organs. Diabetes and excessive blood sugar could lead to nerve damage in any of these systems, giving rise to symptoms such as hypoglycemia unawareness, urinary incontinence or urinary retention, constipation or uncontrolled diarrhea, slow stomach emptying or gastroparesis, which could lead to nausea, vomiting, sensation of fullness, and loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness in women, increased or decreased sweating, drops in blood pressure when rising from sitting or lying down (orthostatic hypotension), problems regulating body temperature, increased heart rate even when at rest, and changes in the way the eyes adjust from light to dark and distance to the nearness.

Excess sugar intake creates multiple health problems, including kidney issues. Kidneys are essential in helping the body eliminate waste from the system. It also helps return essential vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream, including amino acids, glucose, and hormones. However, if excess sugar is in the bloodstream, the kidneys cannot filter it, leading to several health issues and organ damage. Here are some signs and symptoms of kidney disease caused due to high sugar. Blood vessels in the kidneys The kidneys have a high density of blood vessels running through their filtering units, and these blood vessels must function properly. When the bloodstream continuously has high sugar, the vessels tend to become narrower and clogged over time. This limitation results in improper blood flow to the kidneys, leading to an inefficient filtering process. Another complication occurs when a protein called albumin passes through the filter and goes out through urine. But it is essential that albumin stays in the body as it prevents the blood from leaking into the tissues. Nerve damage Excess sugar consumption is also known to damage nerves in the body. These nerves are essential for bodily functions, including sending signals to the bladder from the brain.

Sugar does not directly cause cancer. However, it triggers other complications like diabetes, metabolic disorders, and unnatural immune responses that indirectly increase cancer risk. Although sugar is among the most used condiments in the kitchen, it does not add any nutritional value to foods and beverages. In fact, when eaten in large amounts, it leads to the following health problems that increase a person’s risk of developing cancer with time. Diabetes Diabetes is among the leading complications that increase the risk of cancer. Type 2 diabetes, one of its most rampant subtypes, affects a large portion of our country’s population, including children, young adults, and seniors. One of the condition’s primary triggers is the overconsumption of artificial and refined sugars. These kinds of sugar cause blood glucose imbalances, affect insulin sensitivity, lead to metabolic issues, and trigger and aggravate the unwanted progression of cancer cells. As a result, type 2 diabetes must be taken very seriously. Those with the ailment should monitor their blood glucose levels and reduce their sugar intake. Changes in BMI Food is fuel for the body. However, not all food ingredients are healthy. Certain carbohydrates and sugars cause hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders. These issues can, in turn, trigger a rapid increase in BMI.

Nerve damage due to high levels of blood sugar is a debilitating complication of diabetes. It is estimated that nearly 70 percent of those with diabetes are affected by nervous system issues due to excessive sugar levels in the blood. This usually occurs among those who find it difficult to monitor and control their sugar levels. Over time, this affects the blood vessels that sustain the nervous system. Hence, the following problems can occur. Decline in cognitive function Cognitive abilities are basic brain-related skills a person develops over their lifetime. These functions and abilities are required to carry out essential everyday tasks such as reading, remembering, learning, thinking, and so on. Cognitive decline occurs when the brain is affected due to damage to the central nervous system. This may happen when a person has high blood sugar for over several decades or years. Problems with vision The damage to the central nervous system due to excessive sugar can lead to focal nerve damage. This affects single nerves in the body. As a result, there can be problems with a person’s vision. They may experience double vision or have trouble focusing to be able to see clearly. Additionally, their vision may become distorted and blurry.