Most people love eating sugary foods or beverages, but it often comes at a cost. Excessive intake of sugar-rich foods is known to cause various health concerns affecting the eyes, kidneys, liver, skin, and even the ears. It happens due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels in one’s body, paving the way for chronic conditions like diabetes. Keep reading to learn more about the various hearing issues caused by excessive sugar intake and their warning signs. Hearing problems and other ear issues caused by excessive sugar intake Decreased hearing Hearing loss is extremely common among older adults as it happens with age. However, other factors can play a pivotal role in developing this condition, including diabetes, prolonged exposure to loud noises, and excess ear wax. Usually, when it comes to diabetes, one of the main reasons patients can develop hearing loss or decreased hearing is the damage caused to the blood vessels in the inner ear. But diabetes can also cause other complications, including auditory nerve damage, where one may experience problems like sounds fading in and out. Loss of balance As mentioned previously, uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the ear.

Cognitive disorders develop gradually and do not necessarily exhibit symptoms that are easily noticed. Several known discomforts overlap with other conditions making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. However, one of the primary concerns associated with common conditions is changes in daily nutrition. Sugar intake is a specific risk factor that greatly determines the progression of these disorders. Here is how sugar can affect the overall outlook of living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia Dementia is not a disease but a general group of disorders that even covers Alzheimer’s, mainly exhibiting the following symptoms: Problems with memory Difficulty in problem-solving due to reduced analytical skills Difficulty getting tasks done Confusion and poor judgment Keeping track of activities Changes in mood triggered by emotional responses These are just the most common and noticeable signs of developing Alzheimer’s. There are many factors ranging from changes in daily nutrition to poor lifestyle choices, that impact the progression of these conditions. However, high blood sugar is a primary risk factor associated with a significant number of known symptoms. It’s one of the reasons people who develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing dementia over those who do not have diabetes.

Joint pain can be a natural consequence of aging, or it could be a symptom of conditions like arthritis and gout. While these diseases usually affect older adults, research suggests a link between excessive sugar intake and the risk of developing joint pain. Further, sugar may worsen symptoms of joint problems. Further, one may be likely to experience pain and stiffness in the joints when dealing with diabetes or high blood sugar. Arthritis and sugar intake According to two long-term studies, female participants who were given more than one sugar-sweetened soda every day had a 63% higher risk of developing deep positive rheumatoid arthritis. However, the conclusions were not solely based on sugar intake, but also determined by other factors like eating a lot of processed food. People with arthritis may experience an increase in joint pain when choosing potentially triggering foods like processed and sugary items. Signs of joint problems Anecdotal evidence suggests that those dealing with joint pain experience episodes of pain after having sugary foods and beverages. So, high sugar may worsen symptoms of existing joint problems. Here are a few signs one may observe: Pain and mobility issues Over time, unhealthy food choices can lead to multiple health issues, including joint pain.

The cells in our body need glucose from sugar to function at their best. We get this sugar from our food, which provides energy to all cells, including cancer cells. However, since these cells need almost twice as much energy, there could be a link between sugar and cancer. This could cause symptoms of cancer due to too much sugar intake. Therefore, here are some signs to look out for. Understanding the connection between sugar and cancer Excessive sugar consumption does not directly cause cancer, as sugar is not carcinogenic. However, consuming too much sugar in regular meals and snacks can negatively impact overall health. Processed beverages and foods containing added sugars can lead to health problems and increase the risk factor for cancer. Here are other ways sugar can increase cancer risk. By increasing Insulin resistance Consuming excessive sugar can lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance results from high levels of insulin, a hormone controlling blood sugar levels. When insulin levels have been high for decades, it can increase the risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. By causing inflammation Excessive intake of dietary sugars has been known to cause health disorders related to a person’s metabolism. This can induce high levels of inflammation in the tissues of the body.

The adverse effects of eating too much sugar are not limited to just diabetes and dental issues. The liver, responsible for detoxifying the body and regulating metabolic processes, can also fall victim to sugar overload. Individuals who relish sweets too often should learn to recognize the signs of liver disease due to excessive sugar intake. Besides listing the indicators of liver damage, this post discusses how to maintain liver health to prevent complications. Signs of liver disease due to excessive sugar intake While the symptoms listed below could result from several conditions, they are commonly linked to kidney disease, which may occur gradually due to high sugar intake: Fatigue and weakness Persistent fatigue and weakness are common signs of liver disease. When the liver is overwhelmed by excessive sugar intake, it becomes inflamed and suffers from cell damage. As a result, its ability to store and release glucose for energy production can get affected. When the body’s cells and tissues do not receive glucose, individuals experience unexplained fatigue and a general lack of energy. Abdominal discomfort Liver disease caused by excessive sugar intake can result in abdominal discomfort. Individuals may experience pain where the liver is located. This symptom can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by bloating or a sense of pressure.

Chronic kidney disease is a health condition in which the kidney’s functionality is severely compromised. In fact, the kidneys of people with this disorder get progressively worse in terms of health and functionality. Moreover, high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia has long been associated with kidney disease. Essentially, high blood sugar, if not controlled, may eventually cause kidney failure. Here are some signs of kidney disease caused due to excessive sugar in one’s blood. Increased urges to urinate One of the earliest indicators of kidney disease is urgency incontinence or an increased need to pee often during a given day. A frequent urge to urinate is seen in people who have stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is an advanced stage of the health condition, followed soon by kidney failure. A frequent urge to urinate is a symptom that is accompanied by back pain and swollen hands and feet in individuals with kidney disease. People with elevated blood glucose levels also experience this symptom. Individuals with diabetes may experience incontinence with regard to urination quite commonly in all stages of the disorder. As diabetes causes kidney issues, this is a sign that should prompt people experiencing it to visit a healthcare professional for a checkup to diagnose the condition.

Sugar is an incredibly common ingredient; people enjoy its use in cakes, sodas, and more. However, it isn’t uncommon for the ingredient to adversely affect our overall health, especially if one is at risk of diabetes. Consuming excess amounts of sugar may lead to a range of problems, including those with the digestive system. Thus, here are eight early warning signs that may indicate complications with gastrointestinal health due to too much sugar intake. Bloating People may experience bloating for various reasons, including swallowing air when they chew on foods like gum, overeating, and even menstruation. However, one may also experience this symptom if they consume too much sugar. While absorbing water is the primary job of the large intestine, too much sugar may draw water from the intestine or prevent its absorption. As a result, one may feel bloating or heaviness in the gut. This symptom should be checked by an expert, especially if it persists. Gas Another common symptom that most individuals may experience is gas. When an individual consumes too many sugar-rich foods, the body might not be able to break down the excessive amount of sugar. As a result, the food may lie around in the large intestine, where it ferments.