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.

Too much sugar can negatively impact one’s digestive health, leading to various disorders requiring attention. By being aware of how sugar affects one’s digestive system, one can take preventive measures to protect gut health. Abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and acid reflux are all indicators of the harmful effects of sugar on one’s gastrointestinal well-being. It’s crucial to recognize the significant role sugar plays in shaping one’s digestive health and find ways to reduce its harmful effects. Abdominal discomfort and bloating Excessive sugar intake disrupts the gut’s bacterial balance, causing harmful bacteria to overpower the beneficial ones. This imbalance results in abdominal discomfort, bloating, and increased gas production. Individuals experience a sense of fullness, tightness in the abdomen, and visible distention. Identifying these symptoms helps unveil the impact of excessive sugar on the gastrointestinal system. Diarrhea and loose stools Eating excessive sugar leads to frequent bowel movements and loose stools. This effect is particularly evident in individuals with lactose intolerance or fructose malabsorption, as sugars in dairy products or fruits worsen the symptoms. Monitoring changes in bowel habits provides valuable insights into excessive sugar’s impact on one’s gastrointestinal health. Constipation Excessive sugar intake contributes to constipation. A meal plan high in sugar but low in fiber slows down bowel movements, making it difficult to pass stools.

Approximately 35 million people in the country suffer from diabetes, primarily type-2 diabetes. Excessive sugar intake, coupled with unhealthy lifestyle patterns, has culminated in the rise of this condition. Excessive consumption of sugary foods on a regular basis causes the accumulation of chemicals in the body, affecting the liver and other internal organs. The accumulation of fat in the liver is among the primary liver conditions associated with high levels of blood sugar. Signs of fat accumulation in the liver Severe fatigue Excessive fat accumulation in the liver can cause inflammation and trigger the release of cytokines. These cytokines typically contribute to a sense of fatigue and tiredness. Patients with diabetes may particularly experience fatigue in such cases, as they may suffer from hypoglycemia or fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Yellowing of the skin Yellowing of the skin occurs in the most advanced stages of fat accumulation in the liver. It is accompanied by symptoms like itchy skin and swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet. Chronically high blood sugar levels, when left uncontrolled, can contribute to such extreme liver conditions. Spider veins Spider veins are caused by the clotting of blood, which impacts blood pressure among people with excessive fat accumulation in the liver.

Alzheimer’s is a disorder in which a person’s ability to think, behave reasonably, and remember things gets compromised. It is categorized as a relatively rare type of dementia. Although Alzheimer’s is an age-driven condition, what people eat also influences their chances of developing it. Sugar-heavy meals eventually lead to hyperglycemia and can accelerate Alzheimer’s in individuals when they grow old. Here are some common links between Alzheimer’s and high blood sugar: Memory loss Alzheimer’s affects the brain’s information retention zones. Therefore, people with this disease find it challenging to recollect anything, even the incidents that happened a few days before. Poor memory is accompanied by poor judgment, meaning these individuals constantly make bad decisions that make life difficult for themselves and those close to them. For instance, it is not uncommon for someone with Alzheimer’s to falsely blame someone else for a theft or mistake they may have made. This is a point at which Alzheimer’s and high blood sugar intersect. Consuming too much sugar leads to cognitive decline. Besides, sugar kills brain cells, so having too much of it in one’s bloodstream causes memory and attention problems. In short, sugar consumption tends to worsen Alzheimer’s symptoms with time. Many symptoms of type 3 diabetes, such as memory loss, lack of initiative, and difficulty completing familiar tasks, are identical to those of Alzheimer’s.

Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to having a productive and stress-free routine. The mind and body require adequate rest to recoup and revive after a tiring day. But have you ever thought about understanding the various sleeping positions you adopt subconsciously? Every position has a unique advantage and disadvantage and greatly impacts your sleep quality. So here are the best sleeping positions to try out and find a suitable posture. Sleeping on the side Sleeping on one side has a number of health benefits. Doctors suggest sleeping on the left side to improve digestion, as the angle of the stomach makes food move along the digestive tract easily. This further lowers the incidence of heartburn as the stomach acids cannot be churned up the esophagus due to the tipping angle. Sleeping on the side also lowers the pressure put on the neck and esophagus, preventing obstruction of the airways. However, sleeping on the side may cause the shoulders and jaw areas to become stiff due to the body weight shifting on one side. It’s best to support the position with multiple pillows to avoid pain and discomfort. Sleeping on your back This is a common position that is restful and promotes a good night’s sleep.

Daily nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining overall lung health. Foods and beverages should be consumed in such a manner that ensures the organ receives the necessary nutrients to perform at optimal capacity. However, many foods and beverages lead to the development of chronic discomforts ranging from shortness of breath to pain in the lungs. Here are five foods to avoid or consume in moderation for better lung health. Processed cuts of meat Deli meats are infused with additives and even artificial coloring or flavoring to enhance the taste. So, all cuts of processed meats like bacon, ham, sausage, hot dogs, and lunch meats are not recommended for regular consumption. Furthermore, if anyone is already experiencing respiratory disorders, it’s better to avoid processed cuts of meat. Many cuts contain carcinogens like sodium nitrate released upon cooking on a high flame. This increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), increasing lung discomfort and causing breathing difficulties. Sugary foods and beverages Sugar is empty calories meaning adding sugar to daily foods and beverages only enhances the flavor. There is no additional nutritional value gained from adding it. On the contrary, research suggests a link between regular sugar consumption and mucus production obstructing nasal passage.

Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing and socially uncomfortable condition. It is often caused by bacteria in the mouth breaking down food particles and producing foul-smelling gasses. While regular oral hygiene is crucial, certain foods can naturally aid combat bad breath by helping to neutralize odor-causing compounds and promote healthier oral hygiene. Here are the five foods that can fight bad breath naturally and should be added to one’s food regime. Apples An apple a day not keeps the doctor away but can also help keep bad breath at bay. Fiber-rich apples aid in saliva production. Saliva is the natural cleansing agent of the mouth. It helps rinse away odor-causing bacteria and food particles that may linger in the mouth after eating. Additionally, the natural sweetness of apples can temporarily mask any unpleasant odors. Yogurt Yogurt, particularly the plain and unsweetened variety, is packed with probiotics and beneficial bacteria. These probiotics help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which are often responsible for causing bad breath. Yogurt also contains lactoferrin, a protein that has antimicrobial properties, further contributing to a fresher breath. Parsley Parsley isn’t just a garnish; it can be a powerful weapon against bad breath.

Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and throat, is a common discomfort that many people experience due to acid reflux. While it is not a life-threatening condition, chronic heartburn can cause some serious health problems when left untreated. To prevent heartburn and its associated discomfort, it is essential to be mindful of certain triggers and make some healthy lifestyle changes. Here are some things to avoid for heartburn relief. Spicy foods Foods such as hot peppers and curry can trigger heartburn by irritating the esophagus. Avoiding these can help reduce the our risk of heartburn. Citrus fruits Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and their juices are acidic and can exacerbate heartburn symptoms. Opt for less acidic fruits like bananas or apples instead. Tomatoes and tomato-based products Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces are also acidic and can cause heartburn. Try using a low-acid tomato sauce or alternative sauces when cooking. Fatty foods High-fat foods like fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, and rich dairy products can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. So, opt for leaner options to reduce the risk of heartburn. Chocolate Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can relax the LES and lead to acid reflux.

In an era of rapidly evolving viruses, it’s essential to have a robust immune system capable of defending against emerging threats. Apart from vaccines like GSK Novavax, there are numerous lifestyle choices and practices that can bolster one’s immune system and enhance respiratory health against new-age viruses. The global COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, highlighted the vital role of respiratory health. The virus primarily targets the lungs, causing mild symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. The long-term effects of the virus have left many individuals grappling with persistent respiratory symptoms. The pandemic has also exposed vulnerabilities in individuals with pre-existing lung conditions, making it imperative to prioritize lung health. Ways to improve immunity against severe respiratory viruses Getting prompt treatments Treatment options for viruses like COVID-19 include vaccination, which plays a pivotal role in preventing severe respiratory issues. Vaccines, available in both mRNA and non-mRNA formats, stimulate the immune system to build defenses against the virus, reducing the likelihood of infection and the severity of respiratory symptoms. Protein-based vaccines like Novavax also offer an alternative approach to bolster immunity against respiratory viruses. These vaccines collectively provide valuable tools in the fight against new-age viruses targeting respiratory systems.