CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Here's How Eating Too Much Sugar Affects Your Mental Health

Westside Gazette - 3/31/2021

By BlackDoctor.org

It's not a new revelation that sugar is bad for our mental health.

High sugar intake leads to high BMI, obesity, a decline in oral hygiene, and diabetes. However, what's not often discussed is the significant impact of a high sugar diet on mental health.

There is conclusive research on the negative impact it can have on mood, comprehension, and the way people view life.

More importantly, research shows that a diet filled with too many sweet-based foods can have a negative impact on mental well-being.

Here's How Eating Too Much Sugar Affects Your Mental Health

1. Depression & Schizophrenia

The rapid fluctuation of blood sugar can exacerbate mood disorders.

Researchers have found that high sugar can lead to an increased susceptibility to depression and worsen outcomes in schizophrenia patients.

Interestingly, countries with high sugar intake correlate to high depression rates.

2. Anxiety

Although sugar does not directly cause anxiety, it can make already existing symptoms worse and weaken the body's ability to respond to stress.

By minimizing sugar intake, there is a chance of decreasing the risk of anxiety symptoms, improving mood, and improving the body's stress-coping capabilities.

3. Learning Comprehension

Sugar can affect how we learn, how much we learn, and how much we retain.

Our bodies and minds were not designed to take in such large amounts of sugar, which have become an integral part of American society.