Halloween tends to encourage sugar consumption. Experts warn about the risks of excessive consumption
The Halloween season has arrived, a period in which sugar consumption tends to increase, especially among children. However, you must pay attention to the quantities ingested and, furthermore, adopt an adequate oral hygiene routine.
According to the Embrapa Technological Information Agency, each Brazilian consumes on average 55 kg of sugar per year. This number is more than double the world average, which reaches 21 kg per capita.
Likewise, diabetes rates are high in the country. Brazil is the 5th country in the world for diabetes incidence, with 16.8 million adult patients (aged 20 to 79) suffering from the disease.
Excessive sugar consumption is associated with diabetes due to the overload caused by the pancreas, which is unable to produce enough insulin to reduce glucose levels, triggering type 2 diabetes. But this is just one of the damages caused by excessive intake of sugar.
Dangers of sugar
Obesity and diabetes are two of the metabolic problems that arise following a diet rich in sugars, especially sweets. Excess carbohydrates can also promote the appearance of Canceras well as glucose, since it nourishes tumor cells, which grow and spread throughout the body, as explained by nutritionist Dr. Marcella Garcez, director and professor of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN).
“In addition, excess sugar also leads to increased inflammation, resulting in a risk of diabetes, which is the main risk factor nephropathy news around the world. Insulin resistance causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of the vessels) and retention of sodium and water in the body, as well as hardening of the blood vessels, which can damage the kidneys,” he warns.
A diet high in sugar can also cause it circulatory problemsas it is a big bad for increasing cholesterol. Furthermore, an excess of glucose can cause, for example, the thickening and accumulation of fatty plaques within the walls of the arteries, resulting in blockage of these vessels.
“Depending on the affected artery, this condition can also lead to the incidence of heart attack, leakage and problems of lamenessthat is, when you go for a walk and have difficulty walking because there is no blood in your legs”, warns Dr. Aline Lamaita, vascular surgeon, member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery.
Oral health
In addition to being a risk factor for several diseases, excess nutrients can also damage oral health. “One of the main problems in this regard is the training of cavitywhich occurs when bacteria in the mouth metabolize the sugar we consume, making the pH of the mouth acidic and, consequently, causing demineralization of the tooth enamel,” explains Dr. Hugo Lewgoy, a dental surgeon and USP Doctor of Dentistry.
The expert says that this action begins a few hours after eating, which reinforces the importance of brushing your teeth immediately after meals. “In addition, sugar also promotes the accumulation of bacterial plaque which, if not removed properly, can also cause gingivitis AND bad breath“, adds the doctor.
For this reason, correct teeth cleaning is essential. Dr. Hugo highlights 7 tips for keeping your oral health up to date, even during Halloween:
- Brush properly, at least twice a day;
- Use slightly abrasive toothpastes;
- In addition to dental floss, use an interdental brush for more effective cleaning;
- Clean your tongue;
- Avoid stress;
- Have a balanced diet;
- See a dentist regularly.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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