Who doesn’t love the occasional cake, ice cream or other sweet treat? Did you know, however that you could be addicted to sugar? Research has shown that sugar actually stimulates the same pleasure centers of the brain as cocaine and heroin, and just like those drugs, sugar requires a detox process to wean you from it.
We all know about the negative effects of sugar on our bodies such as weight gain, increased blood pressure, and an increased risk for diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, but don’t forget that sugar is also the number enemy to your teeth. Besides promoting tooth decay and cavities, sugar also contributes to fueling the bacteria that causes gum disease in Merrimack. Your dentist 03054 discusses how you can effectively break your addiction to sugar.
Learn Where Sugar is Hiding
Did you know that sugar is in almost all of our processed foods? It may be hidden in the ingredient list as dextrose or corn syrup, but it’s definitely there. Learn to read labels and identify sugar in all its hidden forms so you can eliminate hidden sugars in your pantry. You might be surprised to learn all the places that sugar hides.
Substitute Whole Fruits for Sugary Snacks
Eating natural sugars is much healthier for you than processed sugars. Fruits offer a natural sweet alternative that may be able to satisfy your sweet tooth’s cravings. Be careful to also intake your fruit in moderation, as it can also contribute to belly fat and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
Don’t Use Artificial Sweeteners
It may seem like a good idea to use artificial sweeteners to satisfy your sugar cravings, however sweeteners such as sucralose, saccharine, and aspartame actually change your palate, causing you to want more sweetness to feel satisfied. This is why artificial sweeteners and weight gain seem to go hand in hand.
When your sugar craving strikes, try your best to avoid it with a good distraction. Going for a walk, reading a book, or eating some fruit are all great ways to distract yourself. Planning an effective distraction ahead of time will prepare you for when the craving strikes so you’re more apt to stay away from eating a sweet treat.
At Dental Designs of New England, Dr. Shetty and her team are prepared to help you maintain optimum oral health. Welcoming patients of all ages to the practice, Dr. Shetty provides high quality dentistry and full range of services. Whether you need a professional cleaning or you’d like to change the appearance of your smile we can accommodate you. Dr. Shetty believes that improving smiles improves lives and we can’t wait to help you improve your oral health. Contact our office today to learn more about us.