The Health Risks of Sugar: Why Less Is Better for All

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/11/03 - Updated: 2025/04/08
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Nutrition and Healthy Food - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information outlines the serious health risks linked to excessive sugar consumption, including its role in obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dental decay. It highlights how added sugars, commonly found in processed foods and sugary drinks, can contribute to systemic inflammation and metabolic disorders, posing particular risks for vulnerable groups such as seniors and individuals with disabilities, who may already face compromised health or mobility challenges. The article is especially useful for caregivers, health professionals, and those managing chronic conditions, offering clear insights into why reducing sugar intake is critical for long-term health and quality of life - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

With the various forms of sugar available, such as table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, agave, and honey, understanding the differences between sugars and their effects on the body is not all sweet. Dr. Isaac Eliaz has some insightful news about these effects, providing those who already have diabetes, those at risk, and those who need to become better equipped with the tools to stay healthy this holiday season.

Focus

Any form of sugar in excess weakens the immune system, causes inflammation in the body, and increases the risk for serious health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

When American individuals consumed only 5 lbs. of sugar per year, before the 1900s, incidences of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease were rare. It is estimated that the average American consumes more than 135 lbs. of sugar annually! So what is the most healthful sweetener to use in moderation, and which should you avoid?

Natural Sugar

Forms of sugar that are not processed are better choices than highly processed and refined sugars for several reasons.

Highly refined sugars produce much higher blood glucose levels than unprocessed or unrefined sugars. They also lack trace nutrients that can still be found in unrefined, more natural sugars.

Highly refined sugars are complicated for the body to process and deplete your nutrient reserves as your body struggles to re-balance itself after ingesting these chemicals.

Raw, unprocessed honey contains various antioxidants, enzymes, and trace amounts of vitamins such as thiamine and niacin.

Studies have also shown it to have anti-tumor potential, and some research suggests that consuming local, raw honey before the spring can help blunt seasonal allergies. Raw honey contains an enzyme that makes it much easier to digest than regular sugar, lowering its effects on blood glucose levels.

Healthy Alternatives

The stevia plant is native to South America and is extremely sweet in comparison to table sugar. Stevioside and rebaudioside are the natural compounds in stevia that create a sweet taste but contain much fewer calories than sugar. It is important to buy the dried herb or ground green stevia, not the white stevia, as this is a tell-tale sign of bleaching and processing.

Artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, cyclamate, aspartame, and saccharin are highly controversial, and many, especially aspartame have been directly linked to neurological disorders and other serious problems. These chemicals can wreak serious havoc on the body and should be avoided completely.

Supplements

For those who are sensitive to certain types of sugars or sweeteners, have diabetes or metabolic syndrome, and need to maintain healthy insulin levels, Dr. Eliaz developed an integrative metabolic formula to support healthy blood sugar levels. Integrating the results of scientific research with the principles of Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, this supplement effectively supports a healthy metabolism and blood sugar response. It combines with a unique alginate complex that supports healthy sugar absorption, blood insulin levels, and cholesterol.

Related Information

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The pervasive presence of added sugars in modern diets poses a silent but significant threat to public health, especially among seniors and those with disabilities. While the allure of sweetness is undeniable, the long-term costs - ranging from cognitive impairments to chronic diseases - demand urgent attention. This article reminds us that small dietary changes can yield profound benefits, fostering healthier lives and mitigating preventable health risks - Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.