Experts suggest few simple tricks for getting your strength back from way too many treats.
Sugar hangovers happen to both grownups and kids alike who consume too much candy on a typical day - especially on Halloween. Time informed that Americans consume about four percent of their annual candy intake on October 31, which gauges to almost a pound per person.
American Heart Association shared that adult women should consume no more than six teaspoon of added sugar per day, that is about 24 grams; preschool and elementary school age kids, three to four teaspoons, which is 12-16 grams; and older kids five to eight teaspoons, which is about 20-32 grams.
To put this into context, Jessica Decostole, RD, LDN, a clinical dietitian at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimorem explained that would be no more than three fun size Snickers bars for women, for preschoolers no more than two, and teens and tweens no more than three to four.
"Willy Wonka could steer a boat between the recommended 3 fun size candy bars and the actuality of 1pound of the stuff," Real Simple informed. "The scary part is, processing all that extra sugar takes a toll on our bodies-kids and adults alike-and can make us crave even more."
"Research suggests that when we ingest sugar our dopamine levels surge-this is the same 'feel-good' hormone that's released when a person doses drugs," Jessica said. "Although sugar doesn't induce the same amount of dopamine as drugs, researchers are looking to uncover the addicting properties of sugar."
"When you eat an excessive amount of sugar, your pancreas goes into overdrive pumping out insulin to get all that glucose out of your bloodstream and into your muscle cells so it can be used for energy," she added.
The extra insulin can cause blood sugar to drop fast, this then can activate your body's stress response and results in the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
"As your body works to control that high glucose level, you feel tired, bloated, or even nauseaus," Susan Dopart, RD, CDE, author of A Recipe for Life by the Doctor's Dietician, said. These physical conditions can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on your insulin sensitivity.
To recover from the physical symptoms of candy hangover, you've got to lace up those sneakers and stabilize it with physical bustle. "If you've eaten a lot of sugar, counteract it with physical activity," Jessica said. "Going for a walk will help burn off some of that sugar right away."
"A sugar binge creates instability in the body because of fluctuating blood sugar," Susan added. "And that creates a nervousness that can set the stage for disrupted sleep."
You may also opt to start the day with plenty of water and a meal which is low in carbs high in protein and moderate in fat to combat that morning-after tired and sluggish feeling.
"The protein and fat will help keep you full," Jessica said. "And the relatively low carb intake will encourage your body to burn some of yesterday's stored sugar for energy." She even recommended a breakfast of a slice of toast with avocado slices and two boiled eggs, or a low-fat string cheese and a slice of toast with peanut butter.
