New Jersey Health Alert. Slash Sugar, and Boost Your Health. Doctor Explains

In this article, Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine, shares her expert insights of the findings and provides Mississippi residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.Why This Matters to YouNew research continues to show the adverse health impacts of excessive sugar consumption, particularly for those at risk of or suffering from metabolic disorders.What This Means for Your Health in Hinds County and beyond."...there is an urgent need for increasing awareness and action regarding sugar consumption!" Dr. Puja Uppal, Family MedicineDoctor's Expert Insights About The Impact Of Too Much Sugar On Your Health In MississippiKnow this: "Look, sugar, when eaten in its natural state in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy does not ruin our health. When we eat these natural sources, we're also consuming fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, when sugar is extracted and added to foods, this 'added sugar' can be harmful to our health--especially when consumed in excess.Added sugars are found in many processed foods and drinks. Consuming too much can lead to health issues like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.I know you've heard this before: Reducing sugar intake isn't about cutting out all the sweet things in your life. It's about finding a balance and being mindful of where your sugar is coming from! For example, instead of reaching for a soda or a candy bar--try opting for a piece of fruit that can satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing your body with essential nutrients.Actionable Steps: What You Can Do NextKnow your A1c blood levels.Swap the soda and pop for something else!Most insurances in Mississippi cover an annual blood test. Use this as an opportunity to know your total cholesterol levels, iron, and other vital metrics. Then begin the conversation about your total body health with your healthcare team." Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine. Health News Today: Sugar Danger--A Comprehensive Review of How Sugar Intake Impacts Your Health.The study "*Dietary sugar consumption and health: Umbrella Review" is a comprehensive analysis of existing research on the relationship between consuming sugar in our diets and various health outcomes. The researchers looked at a large number of studies and conducted systematic reviews and meta-analyses to determine the overall quality of evidence and potential biases in the available research currently.The Science Made Simple: Key Findings and What They Mean for Mississippi ResidentsSugar Consumption and Overall HealthEating too much sugar was found to be harmful to many aspects of our overall health. Too much sugar can impact the body's hormone system, heart, and blood vessels, increase the risk of certain cancers, and lower and alter mental health. Too much sugar also impacts your teeth, liver, bones, allergies, and more!Sugar Intake, Body Weight, and Unhealthy Fat BuildupStudies of moderate quality showed that people who consumed the most sugar, especially from sugary drinks and added sugars, had increased body weight and unhealthy fat buildup in their bodies--when compared to those who consumed the least amount of sugar.Sugary Drinks, Gout, Heart Disease, and MortalityStudies of lower quality suggested that drinking just one sugary drink per week was linked to a 4% higher risk of gout, and drinking about 1 cup (250 mL) of sugary drinks per day was linked to a 17% higher risk of heart disease and a 4% higher risk of dying from any cause.Fructose Consumption and Pancreatic Cancer RiskLower-quality studies also suggested that consuming an extra 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of fructose per day was linked to a 22% higher risk of pancreatic cancer.Recommendations for Reducing Sugar IntakeThe study advises people to limit their intake of free sugars or added sugars to less than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) per day and to drink less than one sugary beverage per week (about 1 cup or 200-355 mL) to reduce the negative effects of sugar on their health. (Study Editorial)Medical News Today: What This Means for Your Health in Hinds County, MississippiThe Bottom Line: The study's main finding is that eating too much sugar is more likely to harm our health than benefit it--especially when it comes to heart and metabolic diseases.The researchers recommend reducing the consumption of free sugars or added sugars to below 25 grams per day (approximately 6 teaspoons) and limiting the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to less than one serving per week (approximately 200-355 mL) to "reduce the adverse effects of sugars on health.""It's hard to avoid sugar when it's become a normal part of diets and when we celebrate special times with sweet treats. But being more aware of what sugar is and how it can affect our health is the first step..." Grace Marie Jones, DO, PhD.What They're Saying: "Significant harmful associations between dietary sugar consumption and 18 endocrine/metabolic outcomes, 10 cardiovascular outcomes, seven cancer outcomes, and 10 other outcomes (neuropsychiatric, dental, hepatic, osteal, and allergic) were detected." (Study Source)Read More of Our Heart Health Articles.Health Standard Newswire: The impact of excessive sugar consumption on our health is both surprising and concerning.Health Facts That Matter: Key Statistics for Hinds County, MississippiThe following health facts impact your physical health directly!Did you know there were 1485 deaths from diabetes in Mississippi in 2021?43.1% of you in Hinds County are obese.19.5% of you in Hinds County have depression.37.2% of you in Hinds County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night.All of these variables above play an important role in the outcomes of your overall health.The Health Standard Newswire.