Everyone has been there. After a bad breakup or even just a bad day at work, you go for the ice cream and the chocolate. But is this really a good idea?
Sugary treats like ice cream might make you feel a little better for a short time, but are they good for your emotional health long-term? Keep reading to learn all about sugar and mental health and why it might not be the best idea.
When most of us think of sugar, we think of sucrose. This is the white, grainy kind of sugar you’d find at the grocery store. But there are many types of sugars, and some are necessary for us to live.
Sucrose consists of two other simple sugars: glucose and fructose. You’ve probably heard of high-fructose corn syrup, but fructose is just the sugar we naturally find in fruits.
Glucose is the main source of energy for our bodies, so everyone needs some of it to survive. However, too much glucose can be a bad thing.
Too much glucose, especially all at once releases neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain. This is why eating sugar makes you feel good. Serotonin is responsible for well-being and happiness.
But too much serotonin can lead to problems. Over time, we start to develop a tolerance to serotonin. This means it takes more and more of it to get to the same level of happiness.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t have any sugar, but it’s important not to overdo it. And if you do eat a lot one night, it’s important to wait a while to let your body get rid of its tolerance.
One of the biggest negative effects of sugar is its effect on your mental health. Sugar’s mental health effects have been studied in detail for the last few decades.
So, is sugar bad for depression? Is sugar bad for anxiety? Recent studies show there may be a connection between eating lots of sugar and these issues.
The mechanism is clear. Just like with addiction, the body develops a tolerance to serotonin from eating too much sugar.
Then, when you do things that activate normal levels of serotonin, they no longer have as much of an effect. The result is that you become less happy over time.
In addition to sucrose, you also have to watch out for artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia knock-offs. If you’re interested in learning about why you should avoid these, you can learn more here.
Now that you know the effects of sugar on the brain, as well as the connection between sugar and mental health, feel free to decide for yourself how much you want to consume.
If you enjoyed this article, please leave a comment or check out some of our other great content, from tech and business to health and lifestyle.
Navigating the aftermath of a drunk driving charge can be an overwhelming and disorienting experience.… Read More
For trauma survivors, everyday life can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. Loud noises, crowded spaces, or… Read More
The traditional linear career path—find a job, stay there for decades, retire—is increasingly outdated. Today’s… Read More
Navigating the dissolution of a marriage is an emotionally challenging process, often compounded by significant… Read More
Picking entertainment for a big event is like trying to order pizza for a group… Read More
Most people assume great interior design comes from buying everything new, matching sets, and showroom-perfect… Read More