Effects of Sugar on the Brain

Introduction:

Sugar (glucose) is the primary energy source for the body to maintain overall physical health and perform various body functions. Every cell in the body uses sugar as fuel to serve its day-to-day activities. The brain is an organ that consists of numerous nerve cells that keeps the body functioning even when a person is asleep. The brain plays a major role in controlling many body functions like movement of arms and legs, ability to think, speech, emotions, breathing, heart rate, sleep, and regulation of multi-organ functions. Hence, the brain demands a huge amount of energy to perform all its functions. This huge energy requirement is obtained from the sugar that is present in the blood. The functioning of the brain is sensitive to the quantity of sugar received. Both high and low sugar levels can affect the functioning of the brain.

What Is the Connection Between Sugar and the Brain?

The nerve cells present in the brain show high energy demand, which necessitates the uninterrupted delivery of sugar (glucose) from the blood. Metabolism (the process that transforms food into energy) of glucose supplies fuel for the physiological functions of the brain through the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and neurotransmitters. Adenosine triphosphate acts as the energy-storing unit of the cell and supplies the energy needed to perform various functions. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry messages from one cell to another, which are required to carry out the body functions. Hence, proper glucose metabolism is essential for maintaining brain functions. Any disturbances in the delivery and metabolism of glucose can lead to serious complications affecting brain function.

What Are the Causes of High Blood Sugar Levels?

High blood sugar levels can be caused due to various reasons. Some of the common factors contributing to the high sugar levels in the blood are as follows:

• Intake of food that is high in carbohydrates.

• Dehydration.

• Lack of physical activity.

• Stress may lead to the production of certain hormones which in turn may increase blood sugar levels.

• Side effects of certain medications (antipsychotic medicines or steroids).

What Are the Causes of Low Blood Sugar Levels?

The common causes of low blood sugar levels are as follows:

• Insufficient intake of food or consuming food that is low in carbohydrate level.

• Over usage of insulin injections or diabetes medicines.

• Overexercising.

• Increased alcohol consumption.

How Does Increased Sugar Level Affect the Brain?

Increased sugar levels in the blood are known as hyperglycemia. Blood glucose level higher than 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) while fasting (not having food for at least eight hours) is considered to be hyperglycemia. Frequent instances of high sugar levels can create stress in the brain. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can destroy the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood in the brain. The destruction of blood vessels leads to a deficient supply of blood to the brain, which in turn results in the death of brain cells. This condition is called brain atrophy and can cause problems related to memory and thinking that eventually leads to vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is a condition characterized by problems related to memory, judgment, planning, reasoning, and other thought processes caused by brain damage due to the deficient blood supply to the brain.

How Does Decreased Sugar Level Affect the Brain?

Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels. A fasting blood sugar level of 70 milligrams per deciliter or below is considered hypoglycemia. Prolonged low blood sugar levels can cause serious complications. When the brain does not get enough glucose, the oxygen supply to the brain is stopped. Low levels of sugar may lead to complications like the feeling of dizziness, irritability, and trouble in basic activities like walking or talking. Severe conditions of low blood sugar may lead to severe complications like seizures (sudden and uncontrolled disturbance in the brain) and coma. Some researchers believe that very low levels of blood sugar may cause brain-related complications like depression, loss of attention, and poor memory.

How Can Sugar Level Intake Be Maintained in Moderation?

Intake of the right amounts of sugar through a balanced diet is very important to maintain the proper functioning of the brain. The following are the measures that can be taken to maintain a proper blood sugar level. They are:

• Most beverages, like packaged juices, sodas, and aerated soft drinks, contain large amounts of sugar. Replacing these drinks with water and homemade fruit juices can reduce the consumption of excessive sugar.

• Replacing snacks like cookies and candies with healthy fruits and vegetables.

• The addition of artificial sweeteners to the food may alter the taste of the food, which in the long run may increase the brain’s desire to consume more calories. Hence, the usage of artificial sweeteners should be avoided.

• Manufacturers add more sugar than the required quantity in processed foods to enhance the taste. Hence, care should be taken to read the nutrition labels clearly to check all forms of commonly used sugar like fructose, corn syrup, lactose, and dextrose. Items like bread, dressings, and sauce contain high amounts of sugar.

• Exercising regularly can decrease the ill effects of an unhealthy diet. The increased amount of sugar may be burned out through the execution of a strict exercise plan.

• Consumption of alcohol in moderate amounts can lead to increased blood sugar levels, whereas excessive alcohol consumption may lead to a severe decrease in blood sugar levels. Hence, alcohol consumption should be avoided.

How to Prevent Brain Problems Due to Altered Sugar Levels?

The following steps can be used to prevent problems in the brain caused due to high or low blood sugar levels. They are:

• Maintaining a healthy and ideal body weight.

• Monitoring blood sugar levels at regular intervals.

• Maintaining blood sugar levels within the normal range.

• Getting rid of habits like alcohol consumption and smoking.

• Exercising regularly.

• Any prescribed medications to maintain normal blood sugar levels should be taken regularly.

• Following a healthy and balanced diet consisting of more amounts of home-cooked foods.

• Managing stress by doing yoga or engaging in some hobbies.

Conclusion:

Prolonged alterations in blood sugar levels may affect the normal functioning of the brain leading to many severe complications. Sometimes, damages caused due to unhealthy diet practices consisting of excessive sugar cannot be reversed. Hence, maintaining a proper diet accompanied by a healthy lifestyle is very important to maintain ideal blood sugar levels. If left untreated, altered blood sugar levels may cause serious health problems like seizures and coma that might require emergency medical treatment. Hence, care should be taken to consult a physician at regular intervals to monitor the blood sugar levels and to follow a treatment plan as advised by the doctor.