Sugar can age you!

The effects, and consequences of a high sugar and high refined carbohydrate diet, as many of us are well aware, is a condition known as insulin resistance, as well as it’s linking to other modern-day lifestyle disease states such as metabolic syndrome and of course full-blown diabetes. However, there are few people who understand that too much sugar in the diet can also lead to faster aging!  High glucose and high insulin levels lead to an acidic state in the body, and greater oxidative stress – or damage to the cells and cell structures of the body. High levels of circulating glucose also leads to “crystallization” of the cells, as sugar is attached to protein structures and becomes embedded into the cell linings. This crystallization (known in the medical world as glycation) causes the cells to become rigid, leading to abnormal or diminished cell respiration – i.e. reducing the cell’s ability to allow oxygen and nutrients into the cell, and CO2 and waste from leaving the cells. To make matters worse, cells and joints age faster and we see that as wrinkles, loose or tired looking skin, as well as pain and stiffness. Think of a crystallized white sugar lump. In a sense, a person continuously eating too much sugar, or refined carbohydrates is literally turning into a big sugar lump!

About Lucy-Ann

Lucy-Ann Prideaux MSc BSc RNutr is a registered Nutritionist. She gained an MSc degree in Human Nutrition, from Aberdeen University in 1997, following a first class honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science. As a past competitive runner and triathlete and through her early years as a full-time personal trainer, she has vast experience and knowledge of performance nutrition at elite and recreational level, as well as in-depth knowledge of general health nutrition.

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