The liver performs many vital functions in the human body. For instance, it promotes digestion by secreting bile, regulates chemical levels, and stores iron, copper, and fat-soluble vitamins. However, like any other organ, its working can get affected due to specific illnesses. One’s food habits could also affect the liver severely. Here are a few common signs of liver disease due to excessive sugar intake that should not be overlooked. Fatigue and low energy Tiredness or constant fatigue could be an early sign of liver disease brought on by excessive sugar consumption. People who enjoy too many sugary treats can develop insulin resistance. It is a condition where the body’s cells stop responding to insulin, the hormone that helps regulate blood glucose. As a result of insulin resistance, blood sugar levels rise constantly, affecting the liver and leading to chronic lethargy and exhaustion. Digestive issues The liver supports gastrointestinal function. So, when the organ is affected due to excessive sugar, it can trigger digestive problems like gas, bloating, and even indigestion. Since the organ can no longer break down food effectively, it can even lead to constipation and bowel complications. Moreover, bile secretion problems can worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of other health concerns.

Diabetes occurs when sugar accumulates in the bloodstream and doesn’t produce sufficient insulin. It affects around 30 million people in the country and can lead to short- and long-term complications. It’s important to learn how to manage diabetes to prevent nerve damage in various body parts, such as the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. This article will examine how high blood sugar levels can affect the ears and the signs of hearing loss resulting from it. Impact of high blood sugar levels on the ear Elevated blood sugar can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves that are responsible for hearing. This can reduce oxygen supply to the inner ear, ultimately leading to hearing loss. High blood glucose levels also impact the balance of potassium and sodium levels in the fluids in the inner ear, which can reduce cell functioning and cause tinnitus (ringing or buzzing noise in the ears that has no external source). When diabetes affects the vestibular system in the inner ear, it may also cause balance problems and increase the risk of dizziness or falls. Diabetes can also make the earwax less acidic, making one prone to more ear canal and outer ear infections.

Our food habits influence our overall health and well-being. While an excess of anything is harmful, sugar is among the worst ingredients to overeat. Consistently devouring sweets in large amounts can lead to high blood glucose, which can, in turn, lead to other health complications. For instance, it can affect the body’s cells and tissues, increasing the risk of cancer in vulnerable groups. Here are some early warning signs of cancer due to excessive sugar. Fatigue Cancer reduces the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body, causing anemia. Anemia is a condition in which vital organs like the brain and lungs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function efficiently. As the organs find it hard to work, patients experience perpetual fatigue. They feel tired even after doing basic tasks, such as walking a few steps or climbing a flight of stairs. When people enjoy too many sugary treats at once, their blood sugar spikes significantly. When that happens, they immediately experience a boost in energy levels and feel euphoric. However, this effect does not last long. As their blood glucose levels normalize, they feel tired and sleepy. This is how high blood sugar can worsen fatigue in people with cancer.

Regularly eating sugar-rich foods can cause many health complications, including joint and bone pain. This unhealthy effect of sugar occurs when you eat sugary foods, such as donuts, ice cream, and desserts, and due to the regular consumption of processed foods with hidden sugar. Joint pain typically occurs gradually and can progress if one continues to have sugar-rich foods. Thus, here are a few poor signs of joint pain due to excessive sugar. Excessive swelling When you eat a lot of sugary foods over a long period, your body’s metabolism is affected. The metabolic disorder increases the level of inflammatory mediators in your body and also increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the tissues. These cytokines are substances released by the immune system. The high level of inflammation due to these factors affects the joints, leading to swelling and pain. Stiffness of joints Since the high sugar intake causes inflammation in the body, the joints are also inflamed. As a result, the affected joints have reduced mobility. A lack of movement in these joints over time leads to stiffness, exacerbating joint pain. Reduced range of motion Another notable poor sign of joint pain due to excessive sugar is a reduced range of motion.

Sleep and rest are vital to rejuvenate one’s body so it’s equipped to function optimally. Sleep influences everything from one’s mood and cognitive function to one’s physical health. However, certain lifestyle factors can disrupt the quality and patterns of one’s sleep, such as high sugar intake. Here is the lesser-known connection between sugar intake and sleep disturbances and some practical tips to manage one’s sugar intake to promote better sleep. Effects of sugar on sleep patterns Spikes and crashes Eating foods high in sugar, especially before bed, can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. These spikes trigger the release of insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. The subsequent insulin surge can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels, leading to hypoglycemia. These fluctuations can disrupt the sleep cycle, causing frequent awakenings during the night. Restlessness Sugar-rich foods and beverages can act as stimulants and raise blood sugar levels, leading to increased brain activity and arousal. As a result, falling asleep may become more challenging for individuals and lead to feelings of restlessness and tossing and turning throughout the night. Disrupted melatonin production In lay man’s terms, melatonin is considered the “sleep hormone”. This hormone helps the body to regulate one’s sleep-wake cycles.

Have you ever experienced a burning sensation in your chest after devouring a savory meal? This uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition is known as heartburn and affects millions around the globe. Although occasional heartburn is normal and poses no serious threat, persistent heartburn may indicate underlying problems and must not be overlooked. Surprisingly, many instances of heartburn can be linked to unconscious daily habits that we engage in. Let’s know some of them. Overeating It’s no secret that portion sizes have significantly increased, and many of us have fallen prey to overeating. Eating large quantities of food puts extra pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and leading to heartburn. Opting for smaller, more frequent meals and practicing portion control can help minimize the risk of overeating-related heartburn. Eating spicy and acidic foods Spices add flavor and excitement to our meals but can also trigger heartburn in some individuals. Spicy and acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes can irritate the esophagus and cause a familiar burning sensation. While it may be challenging to give up your favorite spicy dishes entirely, reducing the intake of these foods or finding milder alternatives can help manage heartburn symptoms.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential to prevent diseases and improve overall well-being. However, several factors can affect immunity, including genetics, environmental factors, eating habits, and infections. If such risks are left unaddressed, one could develop a weak immune system that is unable to keep infections at bay. So, one must recognize the common signs of a weak immune system and seek early treatment to protect themselves from diseases. Slow healing wounds When one gets a cut, scrape, or burn on their skin, the body sends nutrient-rich blood to the injury to assist in the regeneration of new skin. The healing process depends on healthy immune cells. So, if a wound does not heal quickly, it could indicate a complication in the immune system. High stress levels Long-term stress may weaken the immune response. Stress causes an excess release of cortisol in the bloodstream, which may lower the white blood cell (WBC) count. The lower WBC count may trigger a hormonal imbalance that negatively influences immunity. So, if one often experiences stress-induced sickness, it might be a sign of weak immunity. Fever When one has a slightly higher temperature than normal, it could be a sign that their immune system is starting to overwork.

The eyes act as our windows to the world around us, allowing us to actively interpret external stimuli. While prompt diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions are essential to eye care, it is also important to take preventive measures against vision-related issues. Traveling involves changing weather conditions and direct exposure to sunlight, which can affect the eyes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while caring for the eyes when traveling: Wear spectacles on long journeys Often, travelers choose to wear contact lenses over spectacles on long journeys, as it is more convenient. However, contact lenses worn over long periods can trigger several eye conditions, including hypoxia and corneal ulcers. Hence, it is advisable to ditch contact lenses for glasses on long-haul travels to avoid eye irritation and potential eye diseases. Carry sunglasses Exposure to UV rays over extended periods can cause blurry vision and increase one’s risk of developing cataracts. It can also trigger cancers such as basal cell carcinoma. An effective way to avoid such repercussions while traveling is to carry sunglasses that offer protection from UV rays. Sunglasses do more than act as style statements; superior-quality sunglasses block UVA and UVB rays, reducing one’s risk of diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.