What Happens When You Cut Out Added Sugar?

Cutting out added sugar can have a number of positive benefits for your health. Here are some of the things you can expect to happen:

* Reduced risk of obesity: Added sugar is a major source of empty calories, meaning it provides calories without any nutritional value. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to weight gain, obesity, and associated health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. By cutting out added sugar, you can reduce your calorie intake and promote weight loss or maintenance.

* Improved heart health: Added sugar can contribute to the development of heart disease by increasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as promoting inflammation and insulin resistance. Cutting out added sugar can help to improve these markers of heart disease risk and reduce your overall risk of heart problems.

* Lowered risk of type 2 diabetes: Added sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes. Cutting out added sugar can help to keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

* Improved dental health: Added sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids that attack the enamel on your teeth, leading to cavities. By cutting out added sugar, you can reduce your risk of cavities and improve your oral health.

* Increased energy levels: Added sugar can give you a short-term boost of energy, but it often leads to a crash later on. Cutting out added sugar can help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and provide you with sustained energy throughout the day.

* Improved mood: Added sugar can contribute to mood swings and irritability. Cutting out added sugar can help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

* Better sleep: Added sugar can disrupt sleep by causing spikes in blood sugar levels and interfering with melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep. Cutting out added sugar can help to improve the quality of your sleep and make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

If you're thinking about cutting out added sugar, it's important to do so gradually. Suddenly eliminating all added sugar from your diet can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and cravings. Start by cutting out sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, and sports drinks. Then, gradually reduce the amount of added sugar you put in your food. You may also want to consider replacing sugary snacks with healthier options, such as fruits, vegetables, or nuts.

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