In his book, “Salt, Sugar, and Fat”, Michael Moss makes a compelling argument that the overly processed nature of the food that we eat from major corporations in the form of junk food and other such products is one of the main reasons behind the obesity epidemic within America today. Moor states “The blood gets especially besieged when processed food is ingested, flooding the system with its heavy loads of salt, sugar, and fat”, this he explains results in greater levels of fat product which creates the problem of obesity (Salt Sugar Fat: How The Food Giants Hooked Us, 52).
He points to data showcasing the high caloric values found in such foods which enable a person to consume more calories than they otherwise would have been able to. This he argues leads to caloric excess within the body leading towards increased storage of fat. Not only that, but Moss also delves into the excessive use of salt, sugar, and fat within such foods which he says further worsens the caloric excess. He explains that not all calories are created equally with some types of calories actually promoting the creation of fat. Salt for instance, in the form of sodium in most junk food packaging, actively contributes towards increased rates of high blood pressure; however, it is used prolifically by companies in order to mask unappealing flavors and to act as a natural preservative.
In the case of sugar, the endorphins released upon its consumption can actually be considered addictive and results in the desire to consume more of it despite the fact that excessive consumption results in greater levels of fat creation. Lastly, the sheer amount of fat in modern-day junk foods suppresses the feeling that a person is full and actually induces active cravings which makes them eat more despite already have eaten sufficiently to meet their daily calorie needs.
When taking all these factors into consideration, a connection can be made wherein Moss implies that the start of America’s obesity problem began when overly processed items from corporations started making it onto the store shelves of local grocery stores.
The Age of the Junk Food Culture
Junk food in the form of chips, dips, burgers, fries, sodas, candies and ice cream have become such a part of America’s culture that the most prevalent cultural distinction for American today is that of the “Junk Food” culture. In nearly every town, city and state groceries, shopping malls and fast food restaurants carry some form of junk food that is rapidly consumed by a voracious public that enjoys the taste and convenience of such products. Unfortunately, this cultural distinction is actually slowly killing the American population due to resulting effects such food types have one the body. The recommended daily allowance of nutritional calories that a body should have in a single day as recommended by the American Medical Association is roughly 2,500 to 3,000 calories a day (Brown, 10).
The problem with junk food is that due to their convenience and serving size most people aren’t away that on average they consume more than 3,000 calories a day from the various forms of junk food they eat. An average adult male in the U.S. should consume only 65 grams of fat and 2,500 calories in a single day yet a burger and fries combo meal with a large coke available at the local McDonald’s is equivalent to more than 50 grams of fat and 1500 calories within a single sitting (Datar & Nicosia, 312-337). This would not be a problem should that be the only large meal they eat throughout the day however this meal is supplemented by various chips, sodas and various other unhealthy options throughout the day which brings the total calorie count to 4,000 calories or more.
Works Cited
Brown, Julia. “Americans Give In To Junkfood, Plans Aim To Find Out Why.” Managed Healthcare Executive 22.6 (2012): 10. Web.
Datar, Ashlesha, and Nancy Nicosia. “Junk Food In Schools And Childhood Obesity.” Journal Of Policy Analysis & Management 31.2 (2012): 312-337. Web.
“Salt Sugar Fat: How The Food Giants Hooked Us.” Publishers Weekly 260.1 (2013): 52. Web.
The effects of sugar-containing beverages (SCB) on a child’s health status have been debated for quite a long, yet the consensus is still to be reached. However, even the existing studies indicate that changes have to be made in the dieting choices made by parents or legal guardians for children, as well as the nutrition options provided at schools and kindergartens (Berentzen et al., 2015). Studies show that SCB has a detrimental effect on the functioning of several critical organs, thus disrupting the performance of children’s digestive system, in general, and leading to the development of serious health complications (Schwimmer et al., 2019). Thus, the current perception of nutrition for children has to be revisited.
The reason for the research to be done is the rapid decline in health rates among children of school age. The current trends in health levels among the identified demographic point to the necessity to research the problem and prove that there is a link between the recent rise in health concerns in children and the changes in their diet that involve an increase in the amount of SCB. Thus, the goal of the study is to explore the connection between the identified variables and determine the strategies that can potentially influence the current situation positively.
Research Summary
The paper by Berentzen et al. (2015) focuses on the analysis of the effects that SCB has on the development of asthma in children. The total number of children involved in research was 2406. The study represented a statistical analysis and was based on the assessment of the distribution of beverage consumption, with different types of drinks having been included in the research. According to the results of the analysis, there are strong associations between the propensity among children toward asthma and the consumption of SCB.
Another study that addresses health concerns in children drinking SCB was performed by Leermakers et al. (2015). The participants of the study were represented by children of school age, with the research question addressing the connection between the intake of SCB and the body index of a child. The research was represented by a population-based prospective cohort study during which 2371 Dutch children were studied. According to the outcomes of the analysis, SCB consumption may affect the body mass index, yet further studies are required to confirm this assumption.
Finally, the paper by Schwimmer et al. (2019) indicates that an in-depth analysis of the connection between SCB and children’s health is required. According to the outcomes of a randomized clinical trial involving 40 10-16-year-old boys, the threat of hepatic steatosis and the associated health complications is very high in children drinking SCB. Consequently, it is essential to introduce a healthier dieting strategy and raise awareness among children, parents, and institutions such as schools and kindergartens.
Conclusion
The recent studies clearly point to the possible link between the increase in SCB consumption among children and the rise in the development of health concerns and complications. Among the ones that can be deemed as the greatest threat, one should mention the propensity among children that drink SCB to develop fatty liver disease, hypertension, and even the probability of asthma (Schwimmer et al., 2019).
Therefore, an in-depth analysis of the exact effects that SCB have on children of different age, as well as the extent of the threat to which they are exposed, is required. Thus, additional analysis of the subject matter and the following design of a health management program are needed. The problem of awareness among the target demographic and their family members also seem to be a significant impediment on the way to creating a more healthy environment for children. In addition, the existing nutrition policies for providing children with food in school and kindergarten cafeterias have to be reviewed. Thus, vulnerable groups will be provided with an opportunity to lead a more healthy life.
References
Berentzen, N. E., Van Stokkom, V. L., Gehring, U., Koppelman, G. H., Schaap, L. A., Smit, H. A., & Wijga, A. H. (2015). Associations of sugar-containing beverages with asthma prevalence in 11-year-old children: The PIAMA birth cohort. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(3), 303-308. Web.
Leermakers, E. T. M., Felix, J. F., Erler, N. S., Ćerimagić, A., Wijtzes, A. I., Hofman, A.,… Franco, O. H. (2015). Sugar-containing beverage intake in toddlers and body composition up to age 6 years: The Generation R study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(3), 314-321. Web.
Schwimmer, J. B., Ugalde-Nicalo, P., Welsh, J. A., Angeles, J. E., Cordero, M., Harlow, K. E.,… Cleeton, R. (2019). Effect of a low free sugar diet vs usual diet on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescent boys: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 321(3), 256-265. Web.
Out of the presented information, the negative impact of sugar on health and aging appears to be the most alarming. Obesity continues to be one of the most significant health concerns in the U.S. Equating calories into calories out has been a popular weight-loss trend; however, many overweight individuals report low effectiveness (Lunau). The answer to this dilemma might lie in the type of calories that we consume, especially the amount of sugar. Statistics show that an average male teen would consume 138lb of sugar per year (Lunau). High sugar levels cause cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance, leading to Type 2 diabetes (Lunau). Additionally, sugar hinders normal cell function, causing a decline in energy, muscle aches, and early cognitive decline (Tweed). In other words, sugar directly triggers premature aging and will likely cause life-long health issues if consumed in excess.
However, limiting sugar intake is more challenging than might initially appear, and simply refusing chocolate will not do the trick. Sugar is present in 6,000,000 food products sold in the U.S., often finding its way into items such as ketchup, salad dressings, and pasta sauces (Lunau). Sugar is another reason why “low-fat” products are unlikely to help with weight loss. Low-fat products often contain a high quantity of sugar additives to improve the taste (Lunau). Additionally, many favorite children’s snacks and even baby formulas contain sugar, conditioning the population to crave sugar from early childhood (Lunau). As a result, reducing sugar consumption will involve completely restructuring their diets for many Americans.
The link between added food hormones and cancer poses another health concern, but their effect appears less detrimental. The presence of added hormones in beef and dairy products is often minimal compared to the levels already present in the body (Storrs). Some argue that injecting estrogen into cows might cause early puberty. However, other factors, such as excessive protein and sugar in the American diet, are more likely to trigger early puberty, as fat promotes estrogen production (Storrs). According to physicians, limiting red meat intake is necessary to reduce the risk of cancers, regardless of the presence of added hormones (Storrs). Since most people find eating less red meat easier than less sugar, excessive sugar consumption poses a significantly more severe health risk to American society.
There is an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders around the world and especially in developing and transition economies. The increased prevalence and incidence of such disorders is caused by high- risk lifestyles among other factors (Sharathkumar et al., 2011). Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) point out that Coronary Artery Disease (also referred to as CAD) accounts for about 50 percent of the deaths linked to cardiovascular disorders in the country each year. According to Aghasadeghi et al. (2011), several risk factors are associated with the severity and prevalence of CAD in the society. Some of these factors include dyslipidaemia, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus among others (Khan & Shah, 2012). In order to determine the relationship between these risk factors, Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) endeavoured to establish the correlation between fasting blood sugar and resting blood pressure among teachers living in Shiraz.
Data Source and Collection
The process of collecting, compiling, and interpreting data was carried out between February 2009 and December 2009. According to Aghasadeghi et al. (2011), data was collected from 2848 teachers aged between 21 and 80 years. At the time of data collection, all informants were working in various education institutions in Shiraz, Iran. It is noted that 59.1% of the informants were female while 40.9% were male.
Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The nursing staff interviewed the participants to obtain the information required. The data collected contained demographic information such as the gender, age, hypertension and diabetes mellitus history, and the current usage of prescribed medication among the participants (Aghasadeghi et al., 2011). The researchers also collected anthropometric data. This included height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of the participants. The trained nursing staff obtained the blood pressure of the patients and collected blood sample for FBS analysis (Aghasadeghi et al., 2011).
Independent and Dependent Variables
There were three independent variables in the study. These were BMI, age, and sex. The dependent variables that were measured against the three independent variables were blood pressure and fasting blood sugar. Informants with a hypertension reading of ≤90mmHg were regarded as ‘hypertensive’. On the other hand, those whose blood pressure readings ranged between 80 and 89mmHg were regarded as ‘pre-hypertensive’ (Aghasadeghi et al., 2011). Those participants whose blood pressure was lower than 80mmHg were regarded as normal. Participants with FBS of more than 126mg/dl were considered to have diabetes mellitus. Those participants with FBS readings ranging between 100 and 125mg/dl were considered to be ‘pre-diabetic’. Finally, those with FBS lower than 100mg/dl were regarded to be ‘normal’ (Aghasadeghi et al, 2011).
Sample Size Estimation
As mentioned earlier in this paper, the sample size for this research was 2848 teachers. In most cases, researchers find it unnecessary to assess the entire population. This is because of obvious impediments such as time, cost, and unwillingness of potential participants to be included in study (Motl, McAuley & Suh, 2010). As a result of this, researchers settle for a sample that is representative of the whole population. The researchers will then compute a hypothesis that can be tested statistically and which will help them gauge the characteristics of the population they are interested in. Studies are associated with several errors whose margins can be significantly reduced if the sample size is large enough. Consequently, a larger sample size translates into increased accuracy in the findings of the study (Khan & Shah, 2012). In this study, the sample size that the researchers settled for was large enough to provide correlational information using the chi-square test.
‘Statistical power’ depends largely on the statistical method used by the researchers, the size of the sample (Motl et al., 2010), size of experimental effects, and error margins (Khan & Shah 2012). In this study, the null hypothesis read:
“There is no significant correlation between fasting blood sugar and resting blood pressure in teachers residing in Shiraz,” (Aghasadeghi et al., 2011: p. 23).
It is noted that this hypothesis was proved wrong. This implies that Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) conducted a power analysis and the sample size was right for the statistical method used.
Statistics Used
As already mentioned in this paper, Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) used the chi-square test to analyse data. The chi-square is preferred over other statistical methods given that it is easier to compute. This statistical test is also preferred over others because the data is measured using a categorical or nominal scale. Additionally, the method is used to determine the differences among participants in a study. Lastly, the method, unlike others, makes no assumptions on population distribution (Khan & Shah 2012).
Assumptions
There are two main assumptions made in Chi-square test. The two have to be met by the data to be analysed. The first is that the sample is supposed to have being selected randomly from the study population. The second is that the sample size should be large enough such that the expected ‘count per cell’ is at least 5 (Khan & Shah, 2012). In the process of collecting data, both assumptions have to be met if the researcher is to use the Chi-square test for analysis.
The fact that data was collected from teachers working in different education institutions implies that Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) randomly selected their sample. However, they do not state this categorically in the article. The second assumption was met because the lowest value in the data collected was 8.
Level of Measurement
Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) used an interval level of measurement where the patients were classified as normal, pre-diabetic/pre-hypertensive, or diabetic/hypertensive. The interval level of measurement was appropriate for this study. This is given that it allowed the researchers to determine both the correlation and the number of patients who should undergo treatment or those who should change their lifestyle.
Data Displays
The results of data analysis were presented in one table. The table contained the estimated prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus on the basis of BMI, age, and sex. The table also contained Chi-square p-values used to determine statistical significance. Additionally, it contained data on the correlation between blood pressure and FBS. This form of presentation was appropriate for the study because interval data is best presented in tables. However, Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) could have improved their presentation if they had divided the table into two. One section should have presented the prevalence data and the other correlation data.
What the Data Analysis Showed
The study found that the prevalence of hypertension among men was significantly higher than that of women. It also found that resting blood pressure rate was higher among persons of more than 40 years in comparison to their younger counterparts. It was also found that there was a correlation between FBS and blood pressure on the one hand and BMI on the other (Aghasadeghi et al., 2011).
Conclusions
Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) concluded that there was a correlation between resting blood pressure and FBS among pre-hypertensive and hypertensive teachers in Shiraz. However, there was no such correlation among teachers with normal blood pressure. They also made conclusions touching on the need for regular screening for diabetes mellitus. This is together with hypertension among individuals in the population. This is as a result of the undiagnosed cases. I agree with these conclusions because they were based on statistical analysis of data. The sample size was also significantly large.
Limitations
Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) point out that, although they were able to establish a correlation between resting blood pressure and FBS, the scope of their study did not permit for an investigation of the underlying mechanisms. Otherwise, the researchers did not discuss other study limitations.
Methods
Aghasadeghi et al. (2011) used a very effective method to collect data. The method made it possible to collect data from all the participants targeted for the study, with exception of 267 participants who had received treatment for either diabetes mellitus or hypertension. In general, the methods were excellent with the exception of using one table instead of two. This means that the findings made by the scholars can be trusted.
Understanding the Data
In the light of increasing prevalence of ailments associated with lifestyle, and especially CAD, the findings of this study are very useful in the nursing profession. They can be used to inform the formulation of policies with regard to the management of hypertension and diabetes. My nursing peers may raise concerns as to why the study failed to provide information on persons who have diabetes but who do not suffer from- or are not vulnerable to- hypertension. However, it should be noted that the recommendations made by Aghasadeghi et al. (2011)- that there should be regular screening because of neglected hypertension and diabetes mellitus cases- is important and can inform practice.
References
Aghasadeghi, K., et al. (2011). Correlation between fasting blood sugar and resting blood pressure in teachers residing in Shiraz, Iran 2009. Iran Cardiovasc Res J, 5(1), 14-18.
Khan, A., & Shah, I. A. (2012). Distributional properties of order statistics and record statistics. Pakistan Journal of Statistics & Operation Research, 8(3), 573-581.
McAuley, E., et al. (2005). Measuring disability and function in older women: Psychometric properties of the late-life function and disability instrument. Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences, 60A(7), 901-909.
Soda beverages are categorized as soft drinks. A soft drink has an insignificant amount of alcohol, contrasted to wines. Soda beverages are usually fizzy and often consumed whereas refrigerated and or at room warmth. This drink is acidic and may boast a pH value of 3.0 or lower. Tooth decay is also technically known as dental caries and is a leading health grievance around the globe. The frequency is however declining among communities whose water is fluorinated or where they use toothpaste that has fluoride (Macnair 1). This paper will seek to establish if soda beverages cause tooth decay, the age group it is popular in, how this happens and how to prevent it.
Tooth decay is predominantly widespread among children and adolescent adults, the prevalence has been stimulated by the rise of sugars in their diet and poor dental hygiene.
Children are frequently snacking and often pick soda beverages over healthy foods like fruits. Taking acidic beverages over a prolonged phase of time and the constant sipping can corrode the tooth enamel. Dentists recommend that people utilize straws to take soda beverages as this ensures the drink and the person’s teeth have minimum contact. One should not brush their teeth immediately after taking soft drinks as this can cause additional erosion of the teeth owing to the prevalence of acid.
Clammy deposits called plaques collect, in specific, around the gum row, the fillings and the ridged surfaces of the teeth are the cause of tooth decay. Plaque consists of sugar debris, saliva and microbes that are usually in the mouth, and change foodstuff into acids.
If one, does not brush and clean their teeth regularly and well, the plaque piles with time, resulting in tartar. The acids found in both the tartar and the plaque, corrode the protective, tough enamel that coats teeth. The result is often holes, which are referred to as cavities. These usually take a number of months or even sometimes years to develop (Macnair 1). Cavities tend to cause no discomfort or pain, but instead grow into very large sizes, and spoil the softer interior structures of the tooth.
Soda beverages are rich in sugar and starch hence raising the danger of tooth decay, and clammy foods can be a finicky predicament, as they will more likely stick on the plane of the teeth. In the lack of high-quality oral hygiene, it takes not very long for decay to start. The tooth’s enamel is often under assault from the acids created that are the results of food being broken down.
A person suffering from caries may be unaware of the infection (Cavities/tooth decay 2008). The first sign of a fresh carious abrasion is the appearance of a chalky ashen blemish on the tooth’s surface, showing a region of demineralization of the enamel. This is called incipient decay. The tooth’s blemish soon develops into a brown that grows into a full-blown cavity. Prior to the cavity formation, the process can be reversed, but after it forms, the affected tooth composition cannot be saved. The most probable symptom of an active cavity is the browning of a specific spot. Pain is often felt if the decay goes through the tooth’s tubule; through the nerves. Exposure to extreme temperatures of either hot or cold, or to sweetened foods and beverages, makes the pain worse. Fetid tastes and bad breath may be a result of these dental caries. In extremely developed cases, the infection spreads from the tooth to adjacent delicate tissues. Complications from caries can pose danger to an individual’s life.
Preventive measures and modes of treatment
It is said that prevention is better than cure. Oral hygiene, like correct brushing of the teeth, gum and the mouth as a whole and daily flossing of teeth, is advised (Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums (Oral Hygiene) 2010). Oral hygiene minimizes any etiologic agents of decay in the mouth as they remove and prevent plaque formation on the teeth surfaces. If used correctly, dental floss gets rid of plaque from ridged areas that are easily attacked proximal caries if left dirty. Oral hygiene is best suited in gum disease prevention as opposed to tooth decay.
Dental examinations and complete mouth cleaning entail what one should go to a dentist for. Complete diet change is also a preventive measure that can help keep tooth decay at bay. Therefore, maintaining snacking at a minimum is highly recommended. Concerning children, dental associations and Paediatric Dentistry recommend limiting the frequency of consumption of drinks with sugar.
Children should be encouraged to take foods rich in calcium, such as milk as they are recommended in the prevention of dental caries. Fluoride, also found is present in the mentioned foods and helps avoid tooth decay by settling on the crystals in enamel. Destroyed tooth structure does not fully restore, although the re-mineralization of small carious abrasions can happen if dental hygiene is optimized (Tooth decay in Children 2009).
In general, timely treatment is definitely less painful and cheaper than treatment of widespread decay. This is a form of treatment for tooth decay.
The complete removal of the affected tooth also serves as the treatment for dental caries. This is done when the tooth is too damaged due to the decay process to successfully reinstate the tooth.
Conclusion
Teeth should be well taken care of, because they do not heal once they decay. They can only be removed and replaced with artificial teeth, which are not as good as natural ones. Proper dental hygiene and the consumption of nutritious foods should be encouraged among children.
Works cited
Cavities/tooth decay. 2008. Mayo Clinic.com. Web.
Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums (Oral Hygiene). 2010. American Dental Association. Web.
Macnair, Trisha. 2009. Tooth decay. Web.
Tooth decay in Children. 2009. ayushveda Health and lifestyle. Web.
A diet of a contemporary person should consist of fruit and vegetables; bread and other cereals and potatoes; meat and fish; milk and dairy foods; and food and drinks containing sugar and fat (FSA Nutrient and Food Based Guidelines for UK Institutions 1). The excess of salt and sugar in food leads to numerous diseases and specially to heart ones. The American Heart Association has created particular norms of these ingredients in human food. Being leveled by the recommended daily allowances, sugar and salt are proposed as the following intake norms. Sugar is allowed for males in the amount of 36 g and for females in the amount of 24 g. Sodium can be consumed by males of 2,300 mg and 1,500 mg for females.
I have monitored my daily intake of sugar and sodium. Using food labels and the Internet, I managed to gather the necessary information fast and without difficulties (Bianchini 62). At the end of a day I calculated your total sugar and sodium intake. Here are the numbers which I observed.
Product
Sugar, g
Sodium, g
2 sunny side eggs
0
0
bottle starbucks mocha (4 1/2 fl oz)
31g
95mg
1 cup of orange juice (minute maid not from concentrate)
22g
0
snack chobani strawberry (0% fat greek yogurt)
19g
8mg
Bun, 2 100% pure beef patties, lettuce, tomato, spread, 2 slices of American cheese, with onions
10g
1440mg
Fries
0
245mg
Coca-Cola Classic
54g
12mg
Chicken Makhani with white rice (Indian Dish)
14.2g
759mg
Total
150.2g
2559mg
Therefore, the amount of the consumed sugar and sodium exceeds the norms. The difficulties with health may appear, therefore, the balancing diet is recommended (Charcinski 110).
Works Cited
Bianchini, Terry. R U Listenin’?: Helping Defiant Men to Recognize their True Potential. New York: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008.
Charcinski, Alina. Mother and Baby Expert’s Non-Fussy Baby Feeding from Bump to Breast & Spoon. New York: Alina Charcinski, 2012. Print.
“FSA Nutrient and Food Based Guidelines for UK Institutions.” Food Standards Agency 2006. Web.
Sugar is bad for the human body when it results in diverse medical complications among consumers. This product is obtained from different food items, including energy snacks, processed drinks, and barley products (Meldrum et al. 835). People engaging in uncontrollable consumption may suffer severe medical consequences, which include chronic illnesses. It is vital to acknowledge that all individuals are unique in biological functionalities. There are people whose body processes ensure effectiveness in breaking down the sugar. The product is broken down into valuable nutrients, providing the cells are energized to conduct other functions. Other individuals suffer from both low and high consumption of sugar (Hardin et al. 291). Their bodies react negatively to both low and high levels of consumption, as noted by healthcare experts. Most importantly, sugar is bad for the human body since its negative consequences include long-term medical complications.
Specifically, sugar is bad for the human body as it can cause blood sugar, as evidenced in different medical contexts. For instance, obese persons suffer from the condition due to uncontrolled eating behaviors (Hardin et al. 293). Normal biological functioning of their bodies encounters significant challenges due to high blood pressure. In essence, excess sugar in the human body manifests itself along the blood vessels in the form of fat. Specifically, the arteries take oxygenated blood to vital organs such as kidneys, liver, and lungs. Individuals suffering from high sugar content are advised to engage in physical activities for healthy living. Physiological activities increase the conversion of stored fat into energy when the body exercises. However, continued consumption of sugar might result in extreme death cases (Meldrum et al. 836). Organ failure arises when vital body parts lack sufficient nutrients and energy to facilitate beneficial human actions.
Moreover, sugar is bad for one’s health as it enhances the chances of excessive body weight. This discussion previously noted that the primary form of sugar is broken down into glucose as its basic form in biological processes. Excess glucose is stored in the liver in glycogen form aided by insulin. Individuals face the threat of excess body weight when sugar consumption amount exceeds the conversion rate (Meldrum et al. 838). The weight increases to severe levels, which threaten mobility as patients find to move body parts from one point to another. Patients suffering from excess body fats from sugary products also endure related illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or organ failure. Specific actions can help avoid extreme conversion impacts of unrestrained weight increase (Hardin et al. 294). Health experts consider the consumption of indigenous food products and physical exercises to prevent weight increases.
In conclusion, it is fundamental to regulate the consumption of sugar as it harms the body. Severe consequences of the product can include death due to organ failure, as evidenced by among obese patients. Individuals need to take caution when purchasing fast food products that contain high sugar content. Healthcare experts acknowledge that eating disorders can result in chronic illnesses when diagnosed. The body requires a certain level of glucose which enables cells to perform biological functions efficiently. The excess sugar is stored in the form of fat, which is facilitated by the liver. As a result, individuals can suffer from fatty liver disease, which threatens high blood pressure. In essence, this is also to mention that alcohol can be dangerous to individuals due to high sugar content. Uncontrolled consumption of alcohol may also depict similar medical outcomes as obese patients.
Works Cited
Hardin, Jessica, et al. “Body Size, Body Norms and Some Unintended Consequences of Obesity Intervention in the Pacific Islands.” Annals of Human Biology, vol. 45, no. 3, 2018, pp. 285-294.
Meldrum, David R., et al. “Obesity Pandemic: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions—But Do we have the Will?” Fertility and Sterility, vol. 107, no. 4, 2017, pp. 833-839.
In the modern world, added sugar intake is associated with many health problems that individuals face. Although our body needs sugar to aid the functionality of some organs such as the brain, excessive consumption of sugars to certain levels indeed affects human organs and, as such, affects physical health. There is a controversy concerning whether naturally occurring sugars found in vegetables, fruits, or milk could cause human health problems. The truth is, these sugars come from natural sources and are considered beneficial to our diet. On the contrary, sugar and sugar syrups, commonly known as added sugars, have detrimental effects and are considered unhealthy for human consumption. This research paper sheds light on several impacts of sugar, including tooth decay, risk of type 2 diabetes, increased body weight, and how sugar affects major human organs.
The physical risk of consuming excess sugar is the high odds of tooth decay and increasing body weight. Unhealthy consumption of sugar has been directly linked to obesity both in children and overweight adults. Researches have found that consuming diets high in added sugar found in most manufactured and processed foods such as beverages, candies, cakes, and other foods contribute to weight gains. Weight gain both in children and adults strains the body organs such as the heart, which with time leads to the development of heart disease. Sugar intake is directly proportional to the deposition of body fats on body tissues and organs (Bruen et al. 50). Fat deposition on tissues leads to high blood pressure, thus weakening the ventricle of the heart.
Another physical effect of sugar is rotten teeth and teeth cavities. The condition is common among children who like taking sweets and biscuits which contain added sugars. “You probably rolled your eyes at age 12, but your mother was right; candy can rot your teeth. Bacteria that cause cavities love to eat sugar lingering in your mouth after you eat something sweet (Nazario).” The human mouth has several bacteria, of which some are beneficial while others feed on the sugar residue to produce acids that react with teeth enamel and, as such, lead to cavities and holes.
Excess sugar intake also poses threats to major human organs that work cooperatively to enhance good health. The high sugar level in the blood affects the human brain, skin, liver, pancreas, heart, and to some extent, the human kidney (Dayoub et al. 232). “…Excess sugar attaches to proteins in your bloodstream and creates harmful molecules called “AGEs,” or advanced glycation end products… (Nazario).” Sugar also affects the skin structure by affecting collagen and elastin in the skin. Moreover, high consumption of added sugar introduces fructose into the bloodstream. The liver processes fructose and, in large quantities, causes non-alcoholic fatty acid and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which causes inflammation to liver tissues (Kahn 350). In addition, sugar also poses a significant effect on the heart, pancreas, and human kidney. Excess sugar in the bloodstream is converted to fats that are then deposited on the walls of blood veins leading to high blood pressure and, as a result, affecting the heart (Andres-Hernando et al. 118). Therefore, regulating sugar intake is a routine that improves the condition of the human body.
Another effect of sugar consumption is the risk of getting type 2 diabetes and uncertain sexual behavior. Sugar consumption is linked with conditions such as low erection among men. Sugar could indeed make men impotent (DeLauer). This is because sugar affects the blood circulation system, which is responsible for the flow of blood in penis tissues to initiate an erection. Type 2 diabetes is also a risk that develops as a result of taking excess added sugar. The condition occurs due to high blood sugar concentration. Sugar is capable of decentralizing the insulin hormone, responsible for converting sugar in the blood into starch. Since sugar also damages the pancreas, thus low insulin hormone secretion. As such, less conversion of excess sugar into starch and fats (CDC). Type 2 diabetes today has shot to higher numbers in the world, and adults are the majority in the statistics. The number could be linked to the excess usage of added sugar in our everyday lives.
Sugar is needed for practical body functionality, but excess sugar consumption is harmful to the human body and health. Excess sugar consumption is detrimental to human health and conditions. This paper has pointed out the several toxic effects of sugar in the human body. Among the effects of sugar include the risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes and teeth complications. Moreover, sugar intakes affect human organs such as the heart, skin, liver, and pancreas, affecting the standard functionality of the human body. Regulating sugar intake should be taken seriously by parents and individuals to avert the dangers that are caused by the consumption of excess added sugar in our diet.
Works Cited
Andres-Hernando, Ana, et al. “Deletion of Fructokinase in the Liver or in the Intestine Reveals Differential Effects on Sugar-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction.” Cell Metabolism, vol 32, no. 1, 2020, pp. 117-127.
Bruen, Danielle, et al. “Glucose sensing for diabetes monitoring: recent developments.” Sensors, vol 17, no. 8, 2017, pp.18-66.
Dayoub, Jose Carlos, et al. “The Effects of Donor Age on Organ Transplants: A Review and Implications for Aging Research.” Experimental gerontology, vol 110, 2018, pp. 230-240.
Evolutionarily, the sensation of sweetness is associated with safety, benefits, and security. After eating sweet foods, the same brain parts are activated as after consuming certain drugs or alcohol. Sugar affects the taste buds on the tongue responsible for the perception of sweet taste, which stimulates the brain to produce dopamine actively, often called the happiness hormone. The effect of joy lasts for a short time compared to the adverse effects sugar causes in the human body. There is an opinion that artificial sugar is less harmful to humans, and its consumption can even be beneficial. However, both regular and artificial sugar are harmful, and their consumption should be strictly limited.
Firstly, it is significant t discuss why sugar should be considered a toxic substance. The positive emotions received from sugar last for a short time, after which the brain requires stimulation again. Thus, the person becomes addicted and uncontrollably eats new portions of sweets to restore the usual level of dopamine, which carries a sense of peace and pleasure (Kubala). Weight gain is the first alarm signal that occurs with excessive sugar consumption. However, if weight gain does not occur, it can be even more dangerous as one may miss the seemingly invisible harm caused to the body.
While consuming sugar, a person can get all the necessary calories but lacks protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Essential amino acids are involved in numerous biochemical processes in the body. Their deficiency leads to a decrease in immunity, memory and performance (Kubala). A person may always feel tired and have difficulty concentrating, and the main reason for this is the replacement of valuable substances with sugar. When sugar is consumed it interacts with the bacteria within the plaque to produce acid, and it slowly dissolves the enamel creating holes or cavities in the teeth (Sugars and Tooth Decay). Moreover, when a person constantly overeats sweets, blood glucose levels rise, and the pancreas, which secretes insulin, works at full stretch.
Nevertheless, sugar is a carbohydrate that the body converts into glucose and uses for energy. At the same time, artificial sugar is a food additive that duplicates the effect on taste but usually contains less dietary energy. While much research considers some sugar substitutes harmful, others suggest they are suitable for human consumption if consumed within certain limits, defined per kilogram of body weight (Strawbridge). Thus, even those who monitor their consumption of simple sugars and replace them with artificial sweeteners are unaware that these sweet inventions can also negatively impact health. Nutritionists have reason to believe that giving up sugar and switching to low-calorie sweeteners is not a guarantee of losing 0.5 kilograms per week but only of gaining weight at a slower pace (Strawbridge). Artificial sweeteners are not just sugar substitutes but chemicals that affect the enteric brain axis.
Furthermore, the numerous colonies of gut bacteria are an essential part of the immune system, helping to maintain metabolism and human health, including functions similar to other endocrine organs. Therefore, those who consume sugar substitutes need to remember that these sweet substances negatively affect the composition and function of the gut microbiota, thereby changing the habitual metabolism for the worse (Strawbridge). Moreover, replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners adversely affects the brain’s cognitive functions and causes an unquenchable thirst.
Thus, artificial sweeteners should not be treated as healthy or safe food additives and even less as a means to lose weight. Both regular sugar and artificial sugar, in their way, cause adverse reactions in anyone’s body. It does not mean that it is necessary to abandon their use at one moment, but the intake rules should be clearly observed and regulated. It is necessary to approach the issue of sugar consumption rationally because it can affect not only the weight but, correspondingly, the functioning of all organs in the body.
Recent studies have shown that certain foods, such as caffeine and sugar, can cause a rapid increase in heart rate, while others, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can have a calming effect. This leads to the question: Can the food we eat affect our heart rate? This research explores the relationship between food and heart rate and its potential impact on our overall health. The idea that must be tested is if the food people eat can significantly impact heart rate and should be considered as a factor in maintaining a healthy heart. In the following annotated bibliography, two sources that address this topic will be examined and evaluated on their relevance, reliability, and timeliness. In addition, the gathered information will be assessed for how it will be used further in the study. The data presented in the analyzed articles allow researchers to trace a clear relationship of diet to the functioning of the human circulatory system.
Young, H. A., & Benton, D. (2018). Heart-rate variability: A biomarker to study the influence of nutrition on physiological and psychological health?. Behavioural Pharmacology, 29, 140-151. https://doi.org/10.1097/FBP.0000000000000383
The article “Heart-Rate Variability: A Biomarker to Study the Influence of Nutrition on Physiological and Psychological Health?” by Young and Benton provides valuable insights into the relationship between nutrition and heart rate. The authors use heart-rate variability (HRV) as a biomarker to study the effects of food on physical and mental health. The article was published by experienced researchers in a peer-reviewed journal, “Behavioural Pharmacology,” which means it has high credibility. The authors used a standardized, objective, and reliable method for measuring the impact of nutrition on heart rate (Young & Benton, 2018). The source was published in 2018, which reflects current knowledge and makes it timely and relevant.
The research “Heart-Rate Variability” will be used in the introduction to provide context for our argument and to establish the scientific basis for our research. The authors conclude that HRV can operate as an indicator of the effects of nutrition on the autonomic nervous system, which can be used as evidence to support the research argument (Young & Benton, 2018). The statistical indicators obtained by the authors of this work will serve as evidence of the significance of the HRV indicator in establishing the relationship between food intake and heart rate.
Chapman, C. L., Reed, E. L., Worley, M. L., Pietrafesa, L. D., Kueck, P. J., Bloomfield, A. C. & Johnson, B. D. (2021). Sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption acutely decreases spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 320(5), R641-R652. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00310.2020
The article “Sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption acutely decreases spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability” by Chapman et al. is dedicated to providing a link between high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) consumption and HRV. The study results show that consuming sugar-sweetened soft drinks decreases HRV, an essential indicator of heart health (Chapman et al., 2021). The article was published in 2021 in a peer-reviewed journal, “Americal Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative, and Comparative Physiology.” The authors conducted a controlled study that provides a standardized and objective measuring method. Therefore, the source has high levels of credibility, reliability, and timeliness.
The article by Chapman et al. will be included in the body of the paper and provide concrete evidence of sugar-sweetened soft drinks’ impact on heart rate. This study confirms the connection between certain product consumption (HFCS) and increased HRV. Thus, this source will be used to support the argument that consuming sugar-sweetened soft drinks can have a negative impact on heart rate. The findings of this study will be used to illustrate how specific types of food can affect heart rate, making it an important addition to the overall argument of the research paper.
Hayano, J., Kisohara, M., Ueda, N., & Yuda, E. (2020). Impact of Heart Rate Fragmentation on the Assessment of Heart Rate Variability. Applied Sciences, 10(9), 3314. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10093314
This study examines the relationship between the effect of food intake on heart rate based on HRV and through the lens of the nervous system. The author, in a paper published in 2022 in Applied Sciences, describes the mechanism of the effect of nutrients entering the bloodstream on the specificity of nerve impulse passage as part of heart function (Hayano et al., 2020). Along with the researchers of the previous two articles, the scientist relies on HRV as the most important biomarker of the circulatory system. The data studied in this paper will be included in a separate section of the theoretical part, looking at the hypothesis from the perspective of the nervous system. This will help to show how nutrition manifests itself at the smallest levels of blood cell function.