Our taste buds may love sugar, but our brains know that it can negatively affect our bodies in many ways. This doesn’t mean we should never eat sweets. However, it is useful to know how to balance our sugar intake and our health.
There is no other nutrient that people have such a contradictory relationship with as sugar. On the one hand, it is important for our body’s functioning, plus it is delicious and pampering. On the other hand, however, we know that the type of sugar matters and it can be dangerous to our health if we eat too much of it, and our body signals this with specific symptoms.
That’s why it’s important to find a balance between sugar consumption and our health, without having to give up sweet pleasures. How can we counteract the effects of sugar in our body?
Why is too much sugar dangerous?
The biggest problem with sugar is that we generally eat much more of it than our body needs. This excess then causes numerous problems in our body:
Our energy levels suddenly plummet
We feel an irresistible urge to snack
It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Fortunately, there are some simple methods we can use in our daily lives to help our body get rid of excess sugar as efficiently as possible.
How to rid our body of excess sugar?
Simple and effective: drink plenty of water
Sufficient water consumption is the basis of a healthy body. It is essential for the functioning of the liver and kidneys, if only because these organs rid us of toxins and unnecessary waste products, such as sugar. Proper hydration is also necessary for good blood circulation.
How to use this method:
Start the day with a glass of water in the morning, and drink a large glass before every meal.
This simple trick can also help prevent hunger pangs.
Eat foods rich in fiber
Broccoli is one of the best foods if we want to remove excess sugar from our body.
Fiber is the most important nutrient for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. It slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, so we can avoid sudden blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes. We may find that post-meal fatigue disappears and we don’t crave sweets and snacks as much.
How to use this method:
It is worth eating green vegetables – such as broccoli or green beans – as often as possible.
Low-sugar fruits – blueberries or raspberries – are also useful and are excellent sources of fiber.
Among cereals, quinoa or oats help regulate blood sugar levels and are rich in nutrients and fiber.
Movement: even a little counts
Physical activity is a great tool for getting rid of excess sugar. This burns the sugar in the blood, thus reducing the amount that our cells would not be able to use, and our blood sugar level will be lower.
How to use this method:
We don’t have to be elite athletes; a 20-30 minute walk after lunch is already quite effective in burning excess sugar.
Exercise not only helps regulate blood sugar levels, but it also makes us more energetic and improves our overall well-being.
Reduce sugar step by step
If we are determined to do so, it is worth reducing the amount of refined sugar in our diet as well. It is not advisable to cut it out immediately; it is better and more useful to strive for gradualness.
How to use this method:
First, for example, leave out the sugar from our coffee; instead, add spices such as cinnamon. This is particularly beneficial for our blood sugar levels.
Naturally sweet fruits – pears, apples, peaches – can also help satisfy our sweet cravings.
This article was originally published by Zsófia Lampert on the Marie Claire Hungary website.
