Written by: Claudia Haller NBC-HWC Sugar is that sneaky ingredient we love to hate. It sweetens our treats and beverages, and the more of it we consume, the more we crave. It seems to be hidden everywhere, intensifying the taste of nearly everything we reach for on the supermarket shelves. I think we can all agree that decreasing our sugar intake is a positive thing. It is widely known that overconsumption of sugar negatively affects our health. This includes impacts on obesity, dental health, and even brain health! So why do we continue to load sugar into our bodies, knowing the harm it can do? Well, we all know that it’s tasty and addicting, but more than that, it’s difficult to avoid when food and beverage manufacturers seem to add sugar to everything they produce (Read more about that HERE)! So, what can be done about it? I was reading the newspaper one day and came across an article that sparked my attention. England (along with some other countries) had decided to employ something called a “sugar tax.” What is a sugar tax? I wondered. As I read on, I learned that it’s a government effort to limit sugar intake, by targeting one of the biggest culprits in added sugar: soft drinks. Since I already knew that sugar is linked to various health risks, including cognitive decline (yikes!), this seemed like a no-brainer to me. I had to wonder, Why is this even a debate? As it turns out, these sugar taxes around the world stirred up a lot of political turmoil in my country of Switzerland, so I was eager to learn more. Over 50 countries have taken steps to reduce the availability of sugar on the market by implementing Sugar Sweetened Beverage (SSB) taxes. The idea is that producers will reformulate their products with less sugar in order to avoid or lessen the tax. Data from various countries (including the United Kingdom, Mexico, and South Africa, to name a few) indicates that SSB taxes are, in fact, successful in reducing sugar consumption. One such tax, the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL), was introduced in the United Kingdom in April of 2018. The SDIL is a two-tiered levy, requiring companies to pay a tax if added sugar exceeds 5 grams of sugar per 100 mL and an even higher tax if sugar concentration is over 8 grams per 100 mL. The levy to any drink that: · Has had sugar added during production, or anything that contains sugar, like honey (with the exceptions of fruit juice, vegetable juice, and milk), · Contains at least 5 grams of sugar for every 100 milliliters, · Is bottled, canned, or otherwise packaged so it’s ready to drink or to be diluted, · Is ready to drink or must be diluted with water, crushed ice, and/or carbon dioxide, · Has an alcohol by volume (ABV) content of 1.2% or less. It also applies to flavor concentrates. Manufacturers responded to the UK tax exactly as intended, with a widespread reformulation of their products to reduce the amount of sugar used. The resulting reduction of sugar was the equivalent of removing 45 million kg of sugar from soft drinks each year! Despite this incredible outcome, it is too early to make any definitive conclusions on long-term health effects. That being said, consuming less sugar certainly can’t hurt. Here is what current evidence suggests: Key Studies and Reports 1. Public Health England (PHE) Reports: These reports provide early assessments of the levy’s impact on sugar consumption. A 2020 report indicated that there was a 28.8% reduction in the total sugar content of soft drinks subject to the levy. 2. British Medical Journal (BMJ): Studies published in the BMJ have shown reductions in sugar content and highlighted potential health benefits, although they call for more time to assess long-term impacts on obesity and dental health. Areas for Further Research 1. Longitudinal Studies: Ongoing and future longitudinal studies will provide more concrete data on the direct impact of the SDIL on childhood obesity and dental issues. It is simply too new to have the long-term data yet. 2. Broader Dietary Impacts: Research is also needed to understand whether reductions in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption are leading to healthier overall dietary patterns among children. Impact on Obesity Since implementation of the levy, there has been a significant reduction in the sugar content of soft drinks available in the market. Reduced sugar in beverages can lead to lower overall caloric intake, which is a positive step towards combating obesity. In fact, the SDIL was initially introduced as an anti-obesity policy, central to the UK’s efforts against childhood obesity. While direct correlations between the levy and obesity rates in children are still being studied, this is certainly very promising. Impact on Dental Health Reducing sugar intake from soft drinks is likely to have a positive impact on dental health, as sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. Dental caries (tooth decay and cavities) is the most common disease both around the globe and among US children. Research has found excess sugar, particularly in the form of sweetened beverages, to be a major cause. Some early studies and reports on the SDIL suggest improvements in dental health metrics among children, but comprehensive long-term data is still being gathered. Impact on Brain Health The relationship between sugar consumption and brain health in both children and adults is a significant area of research. Reducing sugar intake through measures like the SDIL can have various implications for brain health. Here’s how it might relate: Brain Health in Children 1. Cognitive Development: High sugar consumption has been linked to impaired cognitive development in children. Excessive sugar can negatively affect learning, memory, and academic performance. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with lower cognitive test scores in children. 2. Behavioral Issues: High sugar intake can lead to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, inattention, and even mood disorders. Research indicates that reducing sugar consumption can help improve attention spans and reduce hyperactivity in children. 3. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: There is growing evidence linking high sugar consumption to increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Brain Health in Adults 1. Cognitive Function: Excessive sugar intake has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia in adults. High sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Some researchers refer to Alzheimer's as “type 3 diabetes” due to the link between sugar and insulin resistance in the brain. 2. Mental Health: Diets high in sugar can contribute to the development of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Reducing sugar intake can help stabilize mood and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. 3. Brain Inflammation: High sugar diets can lead to inflammation, which negatively impacts brain health and is linked to various neurological disorders. Mechanisms of Impact 1. Insulin Resistance: Excessive sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, which affects the brain's ability to utilize glucose efficiently, impacting cognitive function. 2. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: High sugar consumption increases oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can damage brain cells and impair cognitive functions. 3. Gut-Brain Axis: High sugar intake can disrupt the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in brain health through the gut-brain axis. Potential Benefits of the SDIL on Brain Health · Reduced Sugar Consumption: By reducing the sugar content in soft drinks, the SDIL can lead to lower overall sugar consumption, benefiting brain health in both children and adults. · Improved Cognitive Outcomes: Lower sugar intake may enhance cognitive development and function, leading to better academic and work performance. · Better Mental Health: Reduced sugar consumption can contribute to improved mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression and anxiety. Reducing sugar intake through initiatives like the SDIL can have a positive impact on brain health for both children and adults, potentially improving cognitive function, mental health, and reducing the risk of neurological disorders. So, what about the United States? While long-term effects have yet to be studied, the early implications are distinctly positive. So, why hasn’t the United States implemented a similar tax? This is a tricky subject – though our health is obviously very important, any kind of regulation over products that we purchase and consume can be thought of as a threat to our freedom of choice, which is highly valued in US society. Much like in Switzerland, this has turned soft drink regulation in the US into an intense battle, with passionate arguments on both sides. Regardless of where you stand on this – whether you believe taxes like the SDIL are a violation of your freedom or a helpful way to stay healthy and keep the food companies in line, reducing your sugar intake is a worthwhile goal. Although there is currently no sugar tax in the US, we can look to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for guidance on recommended sugar limits. The FDA’s most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting calories from added sugar to less than 10% of total calories per day. It can benefit all of us immensely to learn how to read nutrition labels and to be vigilant about checking them. By making an effort to reduce sugar, we can take control of so many different facets of our health, including our bodies and our brains.
Claudia is an NBC-HWC Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, the owner of Vibrant Health by Claudia LLC and Virtual Health Coaches LLC. She studied Health and Wellness Coaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where she also completed courses in Gut Health, Hormone Health, and Advanced Coaching. She is a Havening TechniquesⓇ Certified Practitioner and certified 21-Day Sugar Detox Coach as well as a co-author of two Amazon Bestsellers “The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Soul Aligned Business”, “The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Soul Professional” and “The Ultimate Guide To Leaving Your Legacy.” To schedule a time for a free information call click here or join her Vibrant Health Power Community - a free Facebook Group - here. Resources: “American Journal of Preventive Medicine.” Homepage: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, www.ajpmonline.org. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024. “Check if Your Drink Is Liable for the Soft Drinks Industry Levy.” GOV.UK, 12 Apr. 2023, www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-your-drink-is-liable-for-the-soft-drinks-industry-levy. Chi, Donald L., and JoAnna M. Scott. “Added Sugar and Dental Caries in Children.” Dental Clinics of North America, vol. 63, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 17–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2018.08.003. “Countries That Have Implemented Taxes on Sugar-sweetened Beverages (SSBs) | Obesity Evidence Hub.” Obesity Evidence Hub, www.obesityevidencehub.org.au/collections/prevention/countries-that-have-implemented-taxes-on-sugar-sweetened-beverages-ssbs. Haller, Claudia. “Unveiling the Secrets of Hidden Sugars: A Guide to Reading Labels and Protecting Your Health — Vibrant Health by Claudia.” Vibrant Health by Claudia, 5 Mar. 2024, www.vibranthealthbyclaudia.com/blog/unveiling-the-secrets-of-hidden-sugars-a-guide-to-reading-labels-and-protecting-your-health. Kick Your Sugar Habit for Good | Amen Clinics | Amen Clinics Amen Clinics. www.amenclinics.com/blog/3-ways-to-kick-your-sugar-habit-for-good. Sasse, Tom, and Sophie Metcalfe. “Sugar Tax.” Institute for Government, 10 July 2024, www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/sugar-tax. Too Much Sugar Can Cause Memory Loss | Amen Clinics | Amen Clinics Amen Clinics. www.amenclinics.com/blog/can-sugar-effect-cognitive-ability. “US Food and Drug Administration: Added Sugars on the Nutrition Label.” FDA, 5 Mar. 2024, www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/added-sugars-nutrition-facts-label.
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