24 Harbour Road Portishead BS20 7AL
24 Harbour Road Portishead BS20 7AL
You may already know about the health benefits of reducing the amount of sugar you eat, and equally you may already know that sugar is a great source of food for the bacteria which can cause dental decay. If you can cut down the amount of sugar you eat then you greatly reduce your chances of dental decay, so here are 10 ways to kick your sugar habit.
Eat 3 balanced meals and 2 healthy snacks per day, this will help prevent your blood sugar levels dropping dramatically. The more hungry you feel the more you will stray toward sugary snacks and junk food.
Choose natural foods that haven’t been processed. Real food is fresh and can perish. Packaged, branded food is often processed and contains added and/or hidden sugars. Look out for hidden sugars such as sucrose, fruit juice, maltodextrin and honey. Food labels are listed by mass, some manufacturers can use many types of sugars in small amounts to fill out one product.
Breakfasts containing high starch and added sugar will only lead to cravings later in the day as your blood glucose spikes and dives. Eggs, fats and whole grains (whole oats, wheat, brown rice) can help you feel fuller for longer, with slow-release energy.
The fibre in whole fruit helps us to balance out its sugar content. Smoothies and juices shred or remove the fibre completely which expose us to high levels of fructose, which raises blood sugar. Stick to water if you’re thirsty.
Use spices and herbs to add a natural sweetness to foods. Add nutmeg, cinnamon or coriander to your food to kill off cravings.
Filling your day with distractions, even a simple stroll can help you ignore the nagging need for a sugar hit.
Exercise improves your insulin sensitivity which helps with blood sugar levels. By increasing muscle mass you increase your body’s ability to use energy from food and reduce fat.
Tiredness can tempt us to use sugar for extra energy. Aim to get adequate sleep. Look at the causes of stress or emotional issues that may be pushing you to find comfort in junk food.
Keep sugary snacks and junk food out of the kitchen and office. You then won’t have access to it when temptation hits. Try whole fruits and unsalted nuts and seeds when hunger strikes.
By keeping hydrated and drinking plenty of water you will reduce the likelihood of turning to sugar filled juices or fizzy drinks in order to quench your thirst.
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As you will know our dental practice in Portishead on the outskirts of Bristol is dedicated to helping you maintain your oral health with dental health care advice and treatment where necessary. If you find yourself in need of such advice on how to keep your teeth fresh and healthy for life please give us a call or request an appointment online.
*Images sourced from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
Content adapted from Babi Chana BSC Nut Med.
We are still open for business, please come to your appointments as planned but call us if you have any concerns.
In order to keep everyone safe, please can we remind you:
*Please do not attend your appointment if you have any symptoms of COVID, call us to let us know that you can’t make it.
*Please make sure that you have done your pre-attendance COVID screening, one of the team will call you the day before your appointment, we must speak to you.
*You will be asked to pay in advance for your appointment to minimise your time in the practice
*Please come alone to your appointment unless you are a parent or carer with the patient
*Please arrive at your appointment time, if you are early, we may have to ask you to wait outside
*Please wear a face mask in the practice, we can provide you with one if you don’t have one
*The door will be locked, please press the bell and someone will let you in
*Please use the hand sanitiser provided as soon as you enter
*Please do not bring extra bags or shopping
*Ideally, plan to avoid using our toilet facilities
*Please leave the practice as soon as you can after your appointment especially if your appointment has involved drilling or anything that creates spray
Please stay safe, if you have any concerns, please call us on 01274 842550