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How Excess Sugar Consumption Affects Your Body

Dr. Chimezie C. Amanambu, M.D • Feb 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. 

Ensuring Road Safety: Dr. Amanambu's DOT Examination Services in Akron

By Dedric Isaac • 01 May, 2024
In the bustling streets of Akron and in our surrounding region, commercial drivers play a crucial role in keeping our economy moving. However, the safety of these drivers and the public depends significantly on their physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Recognizing this, Dr. Chimezie Amanambu and Pax Medical Associates offer comprehensive Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examinations, adhering to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements to ensure that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are in peak condition to navigate the roads safely. Who Needs a DOT Physical? If you're behind the wheel of a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 people, are compensated to drive a vehicle carrying more than 8 passengers, transport hazardous materials requiring a placard, or operate a vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds on interstate highways, a DOT physical is mandatory for you. This examination is a prerequisite to obtaining your Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), a vital document that, along with your commercial driver’s license (CDL), legitimizes your status as a commercial driver for up to two years. The DOT Physical Process Dr. Amanambu's approach to the DOT physical is thorough and patient-centric, ensuring not just compliance with regulations but also prioritizing the driver's health and well-being. The examination encompasses a detailed review of the driver's medical history, including any surgeries, medications, and health conditions. A hands-on physical assessment follows, evaluating various health aspects from vision and hearing to cardiovascular health and neurological function. A urinalysis is also conducted to screen for underlying medical issues such as diabetes and kidney disease. Preparing for Your Examination To streamline your visit, Dr. Amanambu recommends coming prepared with a list of your medications, doctors' contact information, and any necessary corrective devices like glasses or hearing aids. For drivers managing conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea, bringing recent health records and treatment compliance reports can facilitate a smoother evaluation process. Navigating Health Conditions Certain health issues may necessitate more frequent examinations. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease might require annual reviews, while others, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, could lead to quarterly assessments. Dr. Amanambu's expertise ensures that drivers receive the guidance needed to manage their conditions effectively, aiming for optimal health and safety on the road. Dr. Amanambu and Pax Medical Associates stand at the forefront of ensuring the safety and health of Akron's commercial drivers through meticulous DOT physical examinations. Our commitment to thorough assessments and personalized care helps drivers meet regulatory requirements while fostering a safer driving environment for everyone. If you're a commercial driver, don't wait until the last minute to renew your certification. Book an appointment with Dr. Amanambu today and take the first step towards securing your health and livelihood on the road.

Knowing When to Consult Dr. Amanambu: The Right Time for Internal Medicine Care

26 Apr, 2024
In the journey towards maintaining optimal health, understanding the right time to seek medical attention is crucial. Dr. Chimezie Amanambu, our distinguished internal medicine doctor at Pax Internal Medicine Associates, emphasizes the importance of not delaying care for health concerns. Early intervention can be the key to preventing manageable conditions from becoming serious health issues. Recognizing the Signs Many people wonder when it's necessary to consult an internal medicine doctor. Symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, chronic pain, or fluctuations in blood pressure and blood sugar levels are clear indicators that it's time to see a specialist. Dr. Amanambu advises that listening to your body's signals is the first step towards taking control of your health. The Role of Preventive Care Preventive care is a cornerstone of internal medicine. Regular check-ups with Dr. Amanambu can identify risk factors and early signs of diseases before they develop into more significant problems. These visits are not just about screening for diseases; they're an opportunity to discuss lifestyle adjustments, nutrition, and exercise that can improve your overall well-being. Why Waiting Can Be Costly Delaying medical consultation can lead to conditions worsening or the emergence of complications, making treatment more difficult and recovery longer. Dr. Amanambu stresses that early diagnosis and treatment often result in better health outcomes and can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications. His approach combines cutting-edge medical knowledge with compassionate care, ensuring patients receive the most effective and timely interventions. Personalized Care at Pax Internal Medicine Associates At Pax Internal Medicine Associates, Dr. Amanambu tailors his approach to each patient's unique needs. Understanding that every individual's health journey is different, he provides personalized care plans designed to address specific health concerns and promote long-term health. His expertise in internal medicine allows him to manage a wide range of conditions, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care under one roof. Waiting to seek medical attention can be a gamble with your health—one that's not worth taking. If you're experiencing health issues or if it's simply time for your annual check-up, consulting with Dr. Amanambu is a step in the right direction. His expertise in internal medicine, combined with a proactive approach to healthcare, makes him an invaluable ally in your quest for a healthier life. Remember, in healthcare, timing is everything, and early intervention is often the key to a successful outcome. Take the time today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Amanambu.
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