3 Simple Ways To Decrease Your Sugar Intake
By: Dr. Amy See
It’s probably no surprise that at my dental office, we are not big fans of sugar. Too much of the sweet stuff can seriously compromise your oral health, and we’d much rather see your pearly whites happy and healthy. That’s one reason why we encourage all of our patients to reduce the amount of sugar in their diets. But that’s not the only reason we’re supplying tips on how to consume less of it.
Sugar Can Be A Whole-Body Problem
Everyone knows that sugar is bad for your teeth because it increases your risk of tooth decay and cavities. But did you know that too much sugar can cause serious problems in the rest of your body too? Eating too much processed sugar is one of the worst things you can do to your body because it can have many negative effects on your health.
Now eating sugar that is naturally found in foods like fruits and vegetables is considered healthy for you. That’s because this type of natural sugars has little effect on your blood sugar levels, and moreover, fruits and vegetables also contain a lot of healthy vitamins and minerals your body needs.
The danger to your health comes from eating added sugars found in most processed foods. Studies have found that the average American consumes an unhealthy excessive amount of sugar of about 17 teaspoons (68 grams) of added sugar per day.
Over-consumption of sugar can cause some of these negative health problems:
Contribute to severe headaches
Lead to overeating, weight gain, and obesity
Can create increased spikes in your blood sugar levels and cause Type 2 diabetes
Be a factor in developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and even cancer
Should You Eliminate Sugar Altogether?
Having a certain amount of sugar in your diet is necessary for proper body function. But how much is too much? The recommended amount of sugar someone should have on a daily basis depends on age and gender. The American Heart Association suggests a maximum daily sugar intake of 37 grams (9 teaspoons) for men and 25 grams (6 teaspoons) for women.
3 Simple Ways To Reduce Sugar:
Cut back on the sweets. Cookies, candy, and soda are some of the biggest, most obvious sugar-packed culprits. Choose water and naturally sweet foods like fruit instead.
Read nutrition facts. Sometimes sugar can hide in some surprising foods like bread, condiments, and even sauces. If you don’t read the label, you may be unaware of just how much sugar you’re eating.
Brush up on your chef skills. Making your own meals at home allows you to control what ingredients you use and in what quantity. Home-cooked meals can help your family eat healthier overall.
Following these tips can really help limit the amount of sugar you consume and do wonders to keep your smile, and your body healthy. Remember, it’s still crucial to brush your teeth 2Xs every day, floss once a day, and maintain regular visits with your dentist.
If you do notice any signs of potential tooth decay, or if it’s time for your dental cleaning, give our Rolesville dental office a call to schedule an appointment. We’re always happy to see new smiling faces!