Today we're going to talk about why it's so important to cut down on sugar, especially when you're going through menopause.
Let's get straight to the point: sugar isn't your best buddy. Our bodies really don't need it at all, though it does give us that pleasure we enjoy on our taste buds and in our brains... there are plenty of other ways to get pleasure without falling into the sweet trap, and going overboard with sugar can have some pretty ugly effects on us.
Did you know that excess sugar can be even more troublesome when you're going through menopause?
If you're living in this world, you might not find it news that sugar is bad for you. But we still want to give you more reasons to see if we can get you more aware now that you're in menopause or are seeing its approach... Because cutting down on sugar after 40 is key to improving overall health and well-being.
- Weight control: As we age and go through menopause, our metabolism slows down, making it a real struggle to maintain our ideal weight. And here comes sugar, adding more problems to the mix. Added sugar in processed foods and sugary drinks can be the cause of those extra pounds and problems like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Heart health: During menopause, hormones change and the risk of cardiovascular problems increases. Excessive sugar consumption can exacerbate this situation, raising "bad" triglyceride levels and lowering "good" cholesterol. Cutting sugar can help keep your heart healthier and protected during this stage of life.
- Strong bones: During menopause, women have a higher risk of osteoporosis due to decreased estrogen levels. And here comes sugar again, interfering with calcium absorption, an essential mineral for keeping bones strong. So, it's important to limit sugar and make sure you get enough calcium in your diet to keep your bones in good shape.
- Healthy mind: Menopause can bring mood changes and increase the risk of depression and anxiety. And guess what can make all this worse: sugar! Cutting sugar from your diet can help keep your brain more balanced and your mood more stable during this stage of life.
- Impact on the skin: Excess sugar in the diet contributes to premature skin aging, causing damage through a process called glycation. If we already have problems with collagen decline throughout the body during menopause... We don't need sugar to send your skin into an endless spiral towards loss of elasticity, deeper wrinkles, and a duller skin appearance.
- Bright smile: During menopause, women may experience changes in their oral health, such as loss of bone density in the jaw and dry mouth. And sugar only makes things worse, increasing the risk of cavities and other dental problems. Cutting sugar will help protect your smile during menopause and beyond.
- Stable energy: During menopause, it's common to experience changes in energy levels and feel more fatigued. Sugar can worsen this, causing spikes and crashes in energy levels (due to sugar blood levels). By reducing sugar in your diet and opting for nutrient-rich foods, you'll keep your energy levels more stable and feel better overall.
- Oxidation in the body: During menopause, the body may experience an increase in oxidative stress, which can contribute to premature aging and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Excess sugar can worsen this process, increasing oxidation and cellular damage. Cutting sugar will help reduce oxidative stress and protect your health during menopause.
So, as you can see, you have plenty of reasons to cut back on sugar. You should know that limiting sugar intake is a great help during menopause to keep you healthy and feeling your best.
To cut back on sugar, we recommend reading food labels and avoiding processed products with added sugars. Opt for fresh and natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And, of course, watch out for sugary drinks and desserts as part of a balanced diet. Your body and your skin will thank you for it.
As for me, I'll start by cutting back on sugary drinks and snacks, opting for healthier alternatives like infused water and fresh fruits. Additionally, I'll pay more attention to food labels to avoid hidden sugars in processed foods. What about you? how are you going to reduce your sugar intake? Give us ideas, and we'll share them in upcoming posts.