If you’re committed to having a balanced and healthy lifestyle, it’s important to understand the effects of diet on your body. One common area of concern is the link between sugar consumption and inflammation. Inflammation is something that happens in the body naturally – it’s part of its healing process. But consuming a high amount of certain foods may lead to chronic inflammation. This is harmful to your body and has been linked to an array of ailments, from allergies to cancer.
However, by switching up your brand of lattes, hot chocolate and even chocolate bars, you can enjoy a sweeter treat without the risk of harmful inflammation. Discover the benefits of CBD and mushrooms.
Several different factors contribute to chronic inflammation and a lesser-known one is sugar. Here are the six top causes of inflammation in the body:
As we grow older, it’s common to have elevated levels of inflammatory molecules in our bodies. This may arise from mitochondrial dysfunction, the accumulation of free radicals over time, and other age-related factors, such as increased visceral body fat.
Extensive research has revealed that fat tissue functions as an endocrine organ, actively secreting multiple substances known as adipokines, along with other inflammatory mediators. Studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between an individual's body mass index and the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted.
The harmful effects of cigarette smoking extend beyond its impact on lung health. Smoking has been linked to a decrease in the production of anti-inflammatory molecules and an increase in overall inflammation within the body.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that sex hormones, such as testosterone and oestrogen, possess the ability to suppress the production and secretion of several pro-inflammatory markers. Maintaining balanced sex hormone levels has been observed to reduce the risk of various inflammatory diseases.
Both physical and emotional stress can trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines in our bodies. Stress also often leads to sleep disorders. Research indicates that people with irregular sleep schedules are more prone to chronic inflammation compared to those with consistent sleep patterns. For this reason, sleep disorders are recognised as independent risk factors for chronic inflammation.
The food we consume plays a crucial role in the functioning of our bodies. A diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats can trigger an inflammatory response. The cause? A phenomenon called hyperglycaemia is a condition where there is an excessive amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Hyperglycemia and inflammation are related: the spike in blood sugar levels leads to inflammation, marking the first step towards various health disorders.
Chronic inflammation can often be subtle and persistent, making it challenging to identify. Common symptoms may include fatigue, fever, pain, mood disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and weight changes.
Does sugar cause inflammation in the body? It would appear so. Studies have indicated that consuming too much sugar can increase your risk of chronic inflammation. And, research has also suggested that cutting back on your sugar intake can decrease the inflammatory markers in your body.
Sugar causes inflammation via a complex process that includes factors such as insulin resistance, the production of free fatty acids in the liver, and an imbalance in gut bacteria. Sugar can react with proteins and fats in a process called glycation, forming harmful compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs can induce inflammation and oxidative stress in tissues. It's important to note that these mechanisms are interconnected, and the impact of sugar on inflammation can vary based on an individual's overall diet, lifestyle, and genetic factors.
However, it’s important to stress that natural sugars are not linked to inflammation.
Eating too much sugar can lead to a host of health problems beyond inflammation. It can lead to weight gain, which increases your risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer. A high sugar intake may also increase your risk of heart disease. A 2018 study found that those who consume 17-21% of calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
As consistent consumption of sugar can result in chronic inflammation, it may pave the way for long-term health problems like arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, and even depression. That is why it’s so important to actively monitor and assess your intake of sugar.
Beyond sugar, other foods can trigger inflammation. These include red meat, fried foods, carbonated drinks, refined carbohydrates, and possibly margarine, due to its high omega-6 content. On the flip side, consuming anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, fatty fish, and olive oil can help reduce inflammation. If you’re concerned about the inflammation in your body, it is always recommended to speak to your GP before making any drastic decisions.
Improving your lifestyle can be an effective way to combat inflammation. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and getting enough sleep are all crucial factors in reducing inflammation.
To reduce inflammation, opt for whole foods over processed ones and limit your intake of added sugars. But that doesn't mean you have to forgo your favourite treats. Cheerful Buddha Lattes, for example, are a fantastic choice; they get their subtle sweetness from natural ingredients and taste delicious without added sugar.
Our superfood mushroom lattes contain no added sugar and are milk-free, making them ideal for vegans and people who are lactose intolerant – although they can be made up with milk if you prefer. These delicious blends seem too luxurious to be a part of your inflammation-reducing diet but fear not.
Unlike other brands, we are proud to be different! None of our mushroom lattes contain any added sugar. Instead, each latte is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as functional mushrooms, turmeric and ashwagandha. Choose from Lion’s Mane Latte, Matcha Latte, Chaga Latte, and Cacao Bliss Superfood Hot Chocolate. Each drink is designed to help you take time out of your day to relax, restore and nourish yourself with a drink that’s both health-supporting and nutritious.
Take our Chaga Mushroom Latte, for example, whilst having no added sugar, the Chaga Mushrooms mean the blend is high in antioxidants. It is these antioxidants that can combat the production of harmful cytokines, helping to reduce the excessive production of harmful inflammation.
You can also choose from our mushroom coffees, which combine the anti-inflammatory benefits of Lion’s Mane, Chaga and Reishi mushrooms with ashwagandha, coconut oil and cacao.
Our CBD range can also support your fight against harmful inflammation. CBD is believed to fight inflammation, and our range offers three delicious ways to get your daily dose, including CBD chocolate, CBD coffee and flavoured CBD drops. Our CBD chocolate is free from artificial sweeteners and flavourings and contains no milk or palm oil. And, while it contains some unrefined sugars, this amount is significantly lower than more well-known brands. So, for a sweet treat that doesn’t negatively impact your fight against inflammation, we’ve got you covered.
For more information about the benefits of our products, explore our blog today.
Why does my body get inflamed after eating sugar?
When you consume sugar, your body undergoes a process known as hyperglycaemia. This excess glucose in the bloodstream can trigger inflammation as the body attempts to protect itself.
What does sugar inflammation feel like?
Sugar inflammation can manifest in several ways, including fatigue, abdominal pain, or depression. If you're frequently experiencing these symptoms, it could be a sign of chronic inflammation, but there are other possible causes too, so always see a doctor if you are concerned about your health.
How do you reduce inflammation after eating sugar?
Reducing sugar intake, eating anti-inflammatory foods, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and getting sufficient sleep can all help in managing inflammation.0 comments
