Why Do I Experience Nausea After Eating Sugar?

After consuming sugary foods or drinks, a person might feel nauseous due to a spike in blood glucose levels. High blood glucose is more technically referred to as hyperglycemia, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Many believe a feeling of nausea after eating sugar is a result of overindulging. However, there is a more detailed, biological explanation for the uneasiness that follows sugar consumption. Heavy sugar consumption can increase levels of toxic acids, such as ketones, throughout the body, notes Mayo Clinic. It is these acids that are the root cause of the nausea.

Sugary foods increase blood glucose levels in the body. As a response, the body attempts to restore these glucose levels to normal. Throughout this process, there are undesired symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue and headache, states Mayo Clinic. In some instances, the individual consuming the sugar may have an intolerance.

Ultimately, eating sugary foods causes the body’s blood glucose level to spike. This spike triggers a response that results in multiple undesired feelings. Toxic acids are also produced as blood sugar levels increase, and these acids are responsible for the feeling of uneasiness, explains Mayo Clinic. With blood glucose levels constantly fluctuating, it is important to understand the impact of sugar consumption.

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