Osteoporosis Clinic Ireland explains
Sugar versus your Health
By Susan Boland Nutritional Therapist NT Dip IHS NTOI Strength & Conditioning Coach BWL
What will be your food choices this Christmas?
Are you ‘treating’ yourself?
Does it contain sugar?
What Sugar Does To Your Bones and Overall Health
There is no body system that remains unaffected by sugar.
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Immune
- Digestion
- Endocrine
- Cardiovascular
All these systems are all influenced by eating too much sugar. In addition to being acidifying (which is not good for your bones), sugar depletes your bones of minerals by increasing the loss of magnesium and calcium out of your body and prevents the absorption of bone-building copper.
Sugar also competes with Vitamin C for it’s absorption because when there is too much sugar in your system, sugar gets into your cells instead of the Vitamin C. This is one of the main ways that sugar attacks the immune system.
As we get closer to Christmas remember that “sugar” refers to sugary, processed foods such as sweets, chocolates, biscuits, cake and ice-cream.
Complex carbohydrates on the other hand found naturally in fresh fruits and vegetables are full of vital nutrients and fiber (great for your digestive system).
This is when the change in lifestyle needs to be addressed in regards to your food choices and the ingredients they contain to nurture your bones and overall health.
Sugar Cravings: There are many reasons and theories as to why we crave sugar. Here are a few reasons why your body perceives the need for a sugar fix:
Low energy can cause sugar cravings as your body seeks an energy boost. Complex carbohydrates are a healthy way to boost energy, but our brains often prompt us to seek the quickest, sweetest “solution.”
TIP: Bring some nuts and fruit with you when shopping this festive season
Hormonal fluctuations can trigger sugar cravings, because hormones help regulate blood sugar and affect how your body processes energy.
TIP: When out shopping, treat yourself to a good quality lunch that contains fresh vegetables/salad and fresh cuts of meat/poultry/ fish instead of grabbing a coffee and a cake!!
Sluggish adrenal glands (the cortisol producers) can prompt a desire for sugar. Interestingly, adrenal glands need lots of Vitamin C to function well, a vitamin that’s depleted in the presence of excessive sugar.
TIP: Get good quality sleep, drink at least a 1tr of water a day and learn to manage STRESS
Happy Christmas to you all
Have a great one and a healthy one of course
Do contact me if you would like to book a consultation or ask for advice
Kind regards
Susan Boland
