How Excess Sugar Consumption Affects Your Body

Dr. Chimezie C. Amanambu, M.D • February 22, 2023

Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Agave Nectar, Powdered Sugar, Cane Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses…it's all sugar. Disguised by different names, these sweet ingredients are to be used in moderation. Let’s explore how too much of this sweetness can have negative effects on your body. 

WEIGHT

It is no secret that when you consume excess sugar, you are going to have excess weight. Being overweight contributes to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.

 

HEART

Excess sugar is also hard on your heart. It can cause hardening of the arteries which leads to your heart working overtime to pump blood through your body. Overworking your heart can lead to increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure. 

 

BRAIN

As you eat sugar, dopamine is produced in the brain. This chemical makes you feel good. Over time as you consume more sugar, the excess dopamine produced causes you to crave more and more sugar to simulate that good feeling. It is not a healthy cycle.

 

MOOD

While sugar may make you feel good temporarily, your body will experience a slump after eating it as your cells absorb the sugar. This slump leads to feelings of anxiety, jitters, and some studies suggest that excess sugar can even lead to depression in some people. 

 

TEETH

Sugar that remains in your mouth causes bacteria to multiply. As the bacteria multiplies, it begins to eat away at your teeth leading to cavities. 

 

JOINTS

Excessive sugar can aggravate the inflammation in your joints which leads to increased joint pain. It also increases your risk for rheumatoid arthritis. 

 

PANCREAS

This vital organ produces insulin as you eat. Insulin is produced in high levels if your body is not responding to insulin at healthy levels. This extra insulin overworks your pancreas, causing damage, and raising your blood sugar levels. 

 

KIDNEYS

These organs are responsible for filtering blood. When your blood sugar level is high, it releases extra sugar. If not treated properly, this extra sugar can lead to kidney damage. 

 

LIVER

When the liver has to produce large amounts of fructose (high fructose corn syrup), damage can occur. Fructose is broken down into fat.  This can lead to serious health concerns such as Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

 

SKIN

Excess sugar can cause your skin to age prematurely. The extra sugar in your body attaches to proteins in our blood which attack the collagen and elastin needed for healthy skin. 

 

Dr. Amanambu and the staff at Pax Internal Medicine will provide expert care in weight management and dietary care. Dr. Amanambu can assess your weight, and make recommendations that are right for your specific medical need. Contact our office today to make an appointment and begin your journey to well being. 

May 23, 2025
Living with chronic joint pain, especially due to arthritis, significantly hinders your daily life. The persistent ache, stiffness, and inflammation make even simple tasks feel monumental. Fortunately, effective treatments for chronic joint pain and arthritis are available. Finding an experienced physician like Dr. Amanambu is the first crucial step towards managing your condition and improving your well-being.  Understanding Your Chronic Joint Pain Chronic joint pain manifests in various ways, often accompanied by inflammation, swelling, and reduced mobility. Whether it's osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another underlying condition, pinpointing the cause of your chronic joint pain is essential for developing the most appropriate arthritis treatment plan. Dr. Amanambu takes the time to evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a comprehensive examination to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Effective Treatments for Chronic Joint Pain and Arthritis Dr. Amanambu is highly experienced in providing a range of effective treatments for chronic joint pain and arthritis. His approach is tailored to each individual, considering the specific type of arthritis, the severity of the pain, and the patient's overall health and lifestyle. Potential treatment options include: Medication Management: Dr. Amanambu may prescribe or recommend various medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for specific types of arthritis. Joint Injections: Corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint provide significant, albeit temporary, relief from pain and inflammation. Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches help improve joint flexibility, strengthen surrounding muscles, and enhance overall function. Dr. Amanambu often collaborates with skilled physical therapists to optimize patient outcomes. Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance on weight management, exercise routines, and ergonomic adjustments play a crucial role in managing chronic joint pain and reducing stress on affected joints. Dr. Amanambu's Expertise in Arthritis Treatment and Chronic Joint Pain Dr. Amanambu’s extensive experience in internal medicine, coupled with his dedication to staying abreast of the latest advancements in arthritis treatment and chronic joint pain management, makes him a trusted resource for patients seeking relief. He understands the multifaceted nature of these conditions and is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. His goal is to not only alleviate your pain but also to help you maintain an active and fulfilling life. Don't let chronic joint pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards effective treatments for chronic joint pain and arthritis by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Amanambu. His expertise and patient-centered approach helps you find lasting relief and improve your overall quality of life.
May 16, 2025
Embarking on the journey towards permanent residency in the United States requires careful attention to detail. One crucial step is completing the immigration medical exam. For individuals residing in Akron, Ohio, finding a trusted and USCIS-authorized physician for these exams is a significant part of the process. Dr. Amanambu at Pax Internal Medicine Associates is an experienced and reputable provider of immigration medical exams, offering comprehensive and caring services to those navigating the path to US citizenship.  Understanding Your Immigration Medical Exams Requirements The immigration physical exam is a mandatory requirement for most Green Card applicants. This thorough health evaluation ensures that applicants meet the public health standards set by the U.S. government. It is essential to have this exam conducted by a designated civil surgeon, a physician specifically authorized by USCIS to perform these evaluations. Why Choose Dr. Amanambu for Your Immigration Medical Exam in Akron? As a qualified civil surgeon, Dr. Amanambu is authorized to perform USCIS-authorized immigration medical exams in Ohio, right here in Akron. His extensive experience as an internal medicine physician equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the medical requirements and guidelines set forth by USCIS. You can trust Dr. Amanambu to conduct your immigration physical exam with thoroughness and accuracy, ensuring all necessary aspects are covered. What to Expect During Your Immigration Physical Exam: During your immigration medical exam with Dr. Amanambu, you can anticipate a comprehensive evaluation that includes: Review of your medical history: Dr. Amanambu will discuss your past and present health conditions, medications, and any relevant medical records. Physical examination: A thorough physical assessment will be conducted to evaluate your overall health. Vaccination record review: Dr. Amanambu will review your immunization history and administer any required vaccinations according to USCIS guidelines. Testing for communicable diseases: As mandated by USCIS, you will undergo testing for diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis. Mental health evaluation: A general assessment of your mental health will also be part of the examination. Finding USCIS Civil Surgeon Locations in Akron, Ohio For those searching for "immigration doctor near me" or specific "USCIS civil surgeon locations in Akron, Ohio," Pax Internal Medicine Associates, under the care of Dr. Amanambu, provides a convenient and reliable option. Located directly in Akron, our office offers a welcoming and professional environment for your immigration medical exam. Completing your USCIS-authorized immigration medical exams in Ohio is a significant step in your journey towards permanent residency. Dr. Amanambu's expertise and dedication to providing thorough and compassionate care make Pax Internal Medicine Associates a premier choice for your immigration physical exam in Akron. Schedule your appointment today and take a confident step forward in your pursuit of US citizenship.