It isn’t uncommon for people to consume sugar through foods like coffee, cookies, and other products. Furthermore, the ingredient could also serve as an energy boost whenever needed. However, sugar is one of the most unhealthy ingredients for the body, especially for individuals who are at risk of diabetes. Poor gastrointestinal health is one of the main complications triggered by high sugar intake. Some early warning signs associated with excessive sugar consumption are listed below.

Eating more frequently
Many individuals might eat more frequently once in a while, and this is okay. However, if an individual has the urge to overeat more regularly, it is advised to consult an expert. This warning sign is associated with high sugar intake. Excessive sugar consumption could prevent the stimulation of insulin, which could increase the production of ghrelin, a hunger hormone. As a result, one may be affected by lower stimulation of leptin – a satiety hormone – in the body. Low leptin levels could make one feel hungrier than usual and drive them to eat more frequently. Therefore, individuals experiencing unusual eating habits must consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause.

Bloating
Bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract gets filled with air. It could occur due to multiple factors. For example, an individual may swallow air when they chew on foods like gum or when they overeat. Women may also experience bloating during menstruation. However, high sugar consumption could also lead to this symptom. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water. However, if the individual consumes too much of the sweet ingredient, it could draw water from the intestine or prevent absorption. As a result, they may experience a bloating sensation.

Liver damage
One may often develop complications with their liver if they consume too much sugar. The organ is responsible for digesting food and getting rid of toxic substances from the body. Fructose can only be metabolized by the liver. However, the excessive consumption of the ingredient may result in overloading the liver and potentially damaging it. The phenomenon could affect one’s normal digestive process. Furthermore, the affected organ could even fail, leading to life-threatening complications. 

Constipation
The intake of food high in sugar may also lead to constipation. Sugar-rich products are usually low in fluid content, which is necessary for fibers to work better. A deficiency of fluids could prevent the addition of bulk to stools and make it difficult to pass them. So if one develops symptoms like constipation, they might be eating too much sugar and should speak to a healthcare professional or nutritional expert about ways to manage or reduce the intake.

Gas
Eating too many foods rich in sugar may hamper the digestive system’s ability to break down the ingredients quickly. The phenomenon could result in food lying around the large intestine for longer and fermenting. The ingredient may also pass through the large intestine at a slower rate and feed unhealthy bacteria and yeast in the process. It may trigger a buildup of gas in the digestive tract. People with these symptoms may also notice other complications like pain, cramping, and spasms in the region around their stomach.

Acid reflux
Acid reflux is a common warning sign that stems from problems with digestive health. When an individual consumes too much sugar, it could affect their pancreatic function. The poor condition of the pancreas could reduce its ability to produce enzymes responsible for the digestion of fructose. Furthermore, problems with the organ could trigger an increase in bacterial growth followed by intestinal imbalances. One may consequently suffer from poor nutrient absorption and increased acidity in the digestive tract. The excessive amount of acid may flow back into the esophagus – a phenomenon known as acid reflux. Therefore, someone who experiences this symptom should check with an expert if it is triggered by their sugar intake.

Diarrhea
Another sign of poor gastrointestinal health due to too much sugar intake is diarrhea. When an individual consumes excess amounts of sugar, it may stimulate the gut to release electrolytes and water. The phenomenon may loosen bowel movements and result in diarrhea. Diarrhea could also result from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. To avoid misinterpreting the underlying cause behind the symptom, one should consult a health expert for an accurate diagnosis.