5 Tips for Cutting Back on Sugar | Prescott, AZ

cutting back on sugar - sugar on a table

5 Tips for Cutting Back on Sugar | Prescott, AZ

Sugar is one of the worst foods we can eat. It isn’t just bad for our teeth, it’s bad for our bodies too. Sugar can cause cavities, inflammation, weight gain, acne, and it can increase your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and depression. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the average American consumes at least 150 pounds of sugar in one year. This is a staggering 3 pounds (or 6 cups) of sugar per week. Studies show that sugar is just as addictive as alcohol and nicotine. As the leading holistic dentist in Prescott, we are passionate about your dental health and your overall health.

Here are some tips from our staff at Prescott Dentistry for cutting back on sugar:

1. Replace Sugary Drinks

Soda, fruit juices and other flavored drinks often contain a lot of added sugars. As liquids, they can wash sugar all over and between your teeth, providing lots of food for bacteria. Consider switching sugary drinks in your diet for healthier alternatives, such as water. Sparkling water is a good alternative and won’t harm your enamel, according to the American Dental Association.

2. Skip the Added Sugar

Another way to lower your sugar intake is to reduce the amount of sugar you add to your food. When you’re cooking or baking, use a natural substitute or halve the amount of sugar you normally add. As another easy way to limit the amount of sugar you consume, avoid sprinkling sugar on your cereal and in your coffee or tea.

3. Reach for a Different Dessert

Desserts are a large part of many peoples’ sugar intake. Eat sweets in moderation, and replace traditional desserts with lower-sugar options like fruit, yogurt, or dark chocolate.

4. Read Food Labels

You might be surprised to learn how much sugar many processed foods contain. When you’re shopping, read nutritional labels and choose options with the lowest sugar content. And remember that sugar can also be called dextrose, maltose, and fructose.

Also, beware of sugary foods masquerading as “health foods.” For example, energy bars, smoothies, and yogurt are often thought to be healthy options. That may not be true. Take a careful look at the nutritional facts and sugar content on these types of items before you make them a regular part of your diet.

5. Catch up on Your ZZZZs

It’s important to add that getting enough sleep is an essential part of living a healthy, balanced life. Studies show that people who average five hours of sleep or less each night are 21% more likely to feel the need to reach for sugary drinks in order to help keep them going for the rest of the day.

Remember that by cutting back on sugar, you can stave off obesity, diabetes, and of course, cavities! At Prescott Dentistry, we believe what’s good for your body is also good for your teeth. If you are looking for a holistic dentist in Prescott, give us a call today. We are passionate about helping you keep your mouth and your body looking and feeling great!

 

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay(6/2/2019)