Contrary to popular belief, every dentist on the face of the earth has not declared sugar public enemy number one. The problem being that given the way in which too much sugar can be a bad thing, the public in general has been to a large extent persuaded that sugar in all forms is something of a scourge to mankind.
It isn’t!
In fact, we need a certain amount of sugar in our daily diets to stay alive. The problem being that most people tend to have problems when it comes to drawing the line between healthy and unhealthy sugar consumption. While some throw caution to the wind and don’t even think about how much sugar they are consuming, others (unrealistically) try to exclude sugar from their diet altogether.
Which in both instances really doesn’t represent a viable or advisable course of action. Instead, it’s simply a case of learning how and when to draw the line when it comes to how much sugar you consume on a daily basis. Armed with a dentist recommended electric toothbrush and all the other paraphernalia it takes to keep your teeth clean, sugar doesn’t have to be your enemy.
That is, just as long as you know exactly how much of it you are putting into your mouth and your body in the first place!
What’s the Big Deal with Sugar?
As already mentioned, sugar is a vital component for fuelling pretty much every essential process within the human body. Unfortunately, take things too far and you may find yourself in a position where you are more likely to face the consequences. Examples of which include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and of course – any number of oral health and hygiene issues. The simple fact of the matter being that there is a direct correlation between excessive sugar consumption and a wide variety of unpleasant and in some cases chronic conditions. You need sugar in your body, but too much sugar has the potential to do irreparable damage.
Which is precisely why health groups are continually reminding the public to be extremely careful when it comes to sugar consumption. Specifics vary from one organisation to the next, but it is typically recommended that adult women should consume no more than 25g of sugar per day, while adult men should consume no more than around 37g. Something which can be difficult to achieve, given the way in which a single bar of chocolate or a can of fizzy drink contain way more than this on its own. In fact, there are some experts who genuinely believe that meeting these recommendations represents an outright impossibility by today’s standards, therefore calling for greater preventative measures against health problems.
Once again, reaching for your trusted electric toothbrush and water-flosser after consuming anything sugary being an advisable course of action!
What Are the Best Ways to Limit Sugar in Your Diet?
Still, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people could benefit from taking at least some kind of affirmative action, when it comes to the sugar they consume. The single worst thing anyone can do is throw caution to the wind and pretend that excessive sugar consumption isn’t dangerous. The reason being that even a moderate reduction in sugar consumption has the potential to be far more beneficial than no reduction at all.
But as far as dentists and health experts in general are concerned, what are the best and most accessible ways to go about proactive limitation of sugar in your daily diet?
- Enjoy sweets in moderation. Well, first of all it is typically uncommon for experts to recommend excluding sweets and treats from your diet entirely. In fact, viewing sugary sweets and treat in a negative sense in general really isn’t the way to go. Instead, it’s all about accepting the fact that they can be enjoyed in moderation – just as long as you don’t go overboard. Trying to eliminate sweets entirely often representing an exercise in futility.
- Always read the label. It isn’t always obvious as to exactly how much sugar may be in the sweets, treats and general foods/drinks you consume on a daily basis. Research suggests that more people than ever before are actively checking the labels on the products they buy, in order to see exactly what has gone into them. Nevertheless, research would also suggest that the vast majority of people still continue to buy food and drink items without checking what it is they are putting into their bodies.
- Home cooked meals. Of course, the very best way of ensuring you know exactly what goes into your body at all times is to favour home cooked meals made with fresh and natural ingredients. Which can not only have a beneficial impact on your own sugar consumption levels, but also contribute to healthier eating in general.
- Go sugar-free. Last but not least, pretty much every sweet and treat available these days (soft drinks included) is available in some kind of sugar-free or low-sugar variant. Which in most instances are every bit as enjoyable as their sugary counterparts. It’s still important to check exactly what nutritional value the item in question offers, but going sugar-free can be a good course of action where possible.
As is the case with most things, the simple answer to controlling and limiting the amount of sugar that makes it into your daily diet lies in proactivity and forethought. Rather than simply eating and drinking whatever you come across without so much as a second thought, it’s worth thinking more carefully about what exactly you’re putting in your mouth and your body.
The unfortunate truth being that these days, sugar in potentially dangerous quantities is absolutely everywhere. Nevertheless, it is entirely within your power to ensure that you do not put so much of it into your body as to increase your likelihood of experiencing sugar-related health problems.
