What's Sugar Got To Do With It?

As you're probably well aware, sugary foods are more likely to cause or speed up tooth decay than vegetables. If you can cut down on your sugar intake, you'll be doing yourself a favor - and not only in terms of dental health.

Unfortunately, eliminating processed sugar from your diet is easier said than done. Sugar consumption generally produces a sudden rush of energy and high spirits, a feeling often called "sugar high". The feeling is addictive, and consequently, many of us have intense sugar cravings at one time or other. Many people subconsciouly turn to sweets when they are feeling sad or unmotivated, knowing that after eating something sweet they'll feel better.

Now is a good time to evalute the role of excess sugar consumption in your life. If you're diabetic and already follow a sugar-free diet, you can skip this section. If not, you might want to consider adapting such a diet, even if you don't suffer from a medical condition. People who reduce their sugar intake report better overall mental and physical health.