Sweets are always labelled as "unhealthy", but is it really good to quit completely? Recently, an interesting phenomenon was discovered: several elderly people in the community who adhered to the "zero-sugar diet" had various uncomfortable symptoms. This makes people wonder, what will happen to the body of the elderly if they completely refuse sweets?

1. The energy supply of the brain is insufficient, and the memory is significantly reduced

Glucose is the brain's primary source of energy. Older people may have low blood sugar levels for a long time after they don't eat sweets at all. When the brain lacks an adequate energy supply, cognitive function is the first to suffer. Many elderly people report that after quitting sugar, they often have slow thinking and can't remember things.

2. Mood swings are exacerbated and the risk of depression increases

Sweets stimulate the brain to secrete serotonin, a substance that makes people feel good. Elderly people who have not eaten sweets at all for a long time may have low serotonin levels in their bodies. It has been clinically observed that the elderly who control sugar too strictly are more likely to have depressed mood, irritability, and even increase the risk of depression.

3. Weakened digestive function and aggravated constipation

Moderate sugar content can promote the reproduction of beneficial intestinal flora. Elderly people who do not eat sweets at all may have a disrupted balance of intestinal flora. Many elderly people who adhere to a sugar-free diet report that abdominal distension and constipation have worsened after quitting sugar. This is because the gut lacks certain sugars as "food" for probiotics.

4. Increased risk of sudden hypoglycemia, especially in diabetic patients

Some elderly people mistakenly believe that diabetes requires a complete abstinence from sugar. In fact, people with diabetes also need to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Older people who don't eat sweets at all are more likely to have sudden hypoglycemia when they take improper medication or exercise excessively, which can be more dangerous than hyperglycemia.

Advice on sweet options for the elderly

(1) Give preference to naturally sweet foods, such as fruits, red dates, etc

(2) Control refined sugar intake, but don't have to quit completely

(3) Diabetic patients should control sugar reasonably under the guidance of doctors

(4) Sweets are best eaten with protein or dietary fiber

(5) Pay attention to the body's reaction and adjust the diet in time

Sweets are not a flood beast, the key lies in the word "moderation". Instead of going to the extreme of quitting sugar altogether, learn to choose and mix wisely. Remember, any diet should be based on physical comfort, and over-limiting can lead to unexpected problems.

Tips: The medical science knowledge in the content is for reference only, does not constitute a medication guideline, does not serve as a basis for diagnosis, do not do it yourself without medical qualifications, if you feel unwell, please go to the hospital in time.