Sugar Crash: How Sugar Causes Aches & Pains

The average American consumes way more sugar than our bodies were designed to. Plus, a lot of the time, we eat unnatural, processed sugars. The majority of Americans will additionally experience skeletomuscular pain at some point in life. Is this just a coincidence? Or is there possibly a link? 

While many different circumstances can lead to back pain, a deceptively simple aspect of our lifestyles may be causing us more pain than we realize – our diets. In this article, our Muscle Activation Technique (or M.A.T.) specialist shares how sugar may be the culprit behind your aches and pains. 

Sugar is Everywhere You Look 

If you’ve ever tried to cut sugar out of your diet and find yourself getting frustrated that nearly everything in a box seems to have sugar, you’re not alone. Sugar is the main ingredient in obvious treats such as ice cream, cake, cookies, and candy, but it’s also hidden in the majority of processed foods, even if it’s not plainly stated on the label.  

Many seemingly “healthy foods,” such as whole grain breakfast cereals, granola bars, pasta sauce, yogurt, sports drinks, and white bread may have added sugar. In other cases, they are simply high on the glycemic index scale, meaning they rapidly spike your blood sugar. 

It’s estimated that the average American consumes at least 47 pounds of cane sugar and 35 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup each year. In the 1800s, the average person only consumed about 18 pounds yearly. Plus, in the 1800s, people were more likely to consume natural sugars whereas now, everything is processed and deprived of any nutritional value.  

Inflammation is Far from Sweet  

More and more research is revealing just how bad consuming foods high and sugar is for the body and its various systems. Research has shown with a C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test that sugar does indeed cause inflammation since C-reactive proteins increase in the blood when inflammation is present.  

This happens due to an insulin spike, which causes a biochemical reaction leading to inflammation. Insulin removes sugar from the blood and stores it in your cells. Visceral fat secrets inflammatory proteins and hormones that create chronic inflammation. When there is inflammation in the body, it can put pressure on your joints and other systems. 

Even if your joint pain is the result of injury, your symptoms can be prolonged or made worse with a sugar-filled diet.  

Sugar Makes Its Way to Harm the Joints 

An additional process called glycation negatively affects the joints with stiffness and aches. In the glycation process, sugar bonds with proteins to create advanced glycation end products, also known as AGEs. These compounds cause oxidative stress and alter normal cell behavior, a major factor in fast aging as well as chronic disease.  

AGEs can accumulate in the joint tissue, increasing the risk of damage to the cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis. 

If you are experiencing chronic aches and pains, one of the best things you can do for yourself is eliminate or reduce your sugar intake. 

Sugar Isn’t Always ‘Everything Nice’ 

Sugar also depletes necessary minerals for effective muscle contraction and relaxation. You may experience a dip in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are excreted through the urine. These minerals are vital for the functioning of every cell and their communication, and they additionally play a crucial role in musculoskeletal function.  

A deficiency or imbalance of these minerals can cause nerve and muscle tension and cramps. The body requires over twenty-eight magnesium molecules to metabolize just one molecule of sugar!  

Your body will quickly fall out of balance if you consume too much sugar, especially if you aren’t also getting plenty of vegetables and protein.  

Learn More > How What You Eat Can Impact Your Body  

You Aren’t Always What You Eat 

Too much sugar can cause a variety of health issues from Type 2 Diabetes and cancer to muscle pain and irritability. Chances are, if you're eating a lot of sweets, you aren’t going to act any sweeter.  

If you suffer from joint and muscle pain, remove as much sugar from your lifestyle as possible while placing more emphasis on real, whole foods from nature. You will feel better, have more energy, and support your bodily systems the way they were meant to function! 

Keep in mind, that there are other potential causes of your body pain. You deserve to feel safe, strong, and healthy in your body, so reach out to Maurice Harden at Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation for an evaluation today!