The negative effects of sugar have been engrained in us since we were children. Phrases like “Don’t let the kids have too much candy,” “Just one more bite of cake,” and “You’ll get a stomachache,” have fallen on our ears (and probably out of our mouth) more times than we can count.
As adults, it’s easy to think we’ve outgrown such sugar cravings, yet sugar can still sneak up in more unexpected places. Hidden sugars can often make it feel impossible to track total intake, and leave many of us mulling over ingredient lists and scratching our heads wondering…
Really, What’s the Big Deal About Sugar?
Most people understand that excess consumption of refined and processed sugar can lead to health concerns—especially over time.[1] However, to truly grasp why this happens, you must first understand how the body uses this molecule.
Natural sugar acts as the main energy source for the body and it’s obtained from nutrient-rich carbohydrates like beans, veggies, fruits and starches. The body naturally breaks down these carbs to produce a simple sugar, which we know by the name of glucose. Glucose is then used as fuel by the body.[2]
In contrast, processed and refined sugar (and in even cases, natural sugar), is known to have an opposite impact. Excessive sugar consumption is proven to create a repetitive cycle that causes your body to crave and then crash due to rises in blood sugar levels.[3] The glycemic index, which ranks foods from low to high, has long been depended on to determine how quickly different foods will cause this spike in blood sugar to happen after consumption. And while we have all likely experienced our own sugar crash a time or two, a diet that regularly includes processed/refined sugar has the potential to directly impact your long-term health.
Secret Ways Sugar Affects Health
One word: inflammation.[4] The science behind how excessive sugar consumption interferes with the body’s normal inflammatory response is complex, but the head-to-toe effects of high consumption can be easily seen through:
Joints | A high sugar diet depletes the body of key minerals that the muscles rely on for proper function. It can also contribute to joint discomfort and stiffness due to an inflammatory response that impacts connective tissue.[5]
Skin| Sagging skin, wrinkles, an uneven complexion—you name it. Excessive sugar has the ability to impact your skin in a number of ways. Excess sugar messes with the body’s glucose levels, which is a huge contributor to loss of elasticity and collagen in the skin. Inflammation can also cause the appearance of breakouts and accelerate the skin’s overall aging process.[6]
Energy | While complex carbohydrates help power the body, excess simple sugars can cause energy levels to plummet. Sure, you might feel “the high” right after eating a bag of your favorite sweets, but that dreaded sugar crash is just around the corner. This sudden decrease in energy is again due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.[7]
But What If I Don’t Have a Sweet Tooth?
When you hear the word “sugar”, oftentimes the first image to flash through your head is candy, cake, soda or ice cream. Yet the sneaky thing about manufactured sugar is that it pops up in the most surprising places. In fact, nut milks, dried fruit, trail mix, granola, energy bars and salad dressings are perfect examples of seemingly healthy foods that may hide heaps of added sugar.
But the real shocker? Workout supplements. Yes, those pre- and post-fitness supplements that help you power through a workout and build muscle have their own not-so-sweet secret. Many of these products include a high amount of processed and refined sugar. Even weight management products can be big culprits when it comes to this hidden ingredient.
Don’t Give Up on Your Fitness and Wellness Formulas Just Yet!
Whether you’re looking to support your joints, inhibit fat storage or blast through your latest workout, Modere has award-winning, fan-favorite product for you!* We kept our sugar-conscious friends in mind when developing these 7 clean label supplements:
Trim
With an innovative, first-in-the-world combination of two leading technologies—CLA and Collagen/HA Matrix® Technology—plus zero sugar, Trim helps improve muscle tone and promotes youthful-looking skin. Clinically shown to decrease body fat, plant-derived Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) works to support healthy fat metabolism while inhibiting fat storage to encourage a more toned, lean appearance. In addition, award-winning Collagen/HA Matrix Technology provides a highly absorbable dose of collagen and hyaluronic acid to restore a glowing, youthful complexion, plus support the health of joints, muscles and connective tissue.* Trim was even awarded the CPG 2018 Editor’s Choice for Best Weight Management Supplement!
Go
Add a dose of clean energy to 24 brain-boosting ingredients and you’ve got a supplement that will help you power through an afternoon slump—without the crash. Modere GO is an innovative energy supplement that takes a holistic, bio-hacking approach to brain health with natural caffeine derived from green tea. It’s also packed with a support blend of 11 vitamins, 5 minerals and 8 brain-boosting nootropics that work together to help optimize energy, heighten alertness, improve focus and support healthy cognitive function. Choose from 3 delicious flavors for a super-boost of clean energy without the crash.*
Rush
Looking for a pre-workout that doesn’t rely on synthetic caffeine and sugar to get you in the zone? Modere Rush is specially formulated with clean energy to help power you up for your next workout. Featuring a science-driven approach and cutting-edge ingredients—including calcium HMB, beet root juice, beta-alanine and creatine citrate—this pre-workout supplement helps optimize your mind and body for an invigorating, yet balanced, boost of energy. Hit the gym or start your run with Rush to blast through plateaus, enhance athletic performance, protect muscles from protein breakdown and get your head in the zone.*
Recover
Round out your exercise regimen with a post-workout supplement that helps maximize results, so you can stay active without feeling stiff and sore. Modere Recover contains a hydrating formula that is free of sugar to help support muscle gain and speed up workout recovery. Powered by a blend of minerals and phytonutrients, our post workout features coconut water and essential electrolytes to help replenish and fight muscle fatigue while sour cherry, Indian frankincense and astaxanthin help to ease muscle soreness. Bounce back quicker and take on the day with science-backed formula that comes in a convenient, single serving packet for on-the-go recovery.*
Liquid BioCell Pure
Want the benefits of award-winning, multi-patented Collagen/HA Matrix Technology without the sugar? Modere has you covered with Liquid BioCell® Pure. Made with zero sugar, zero carbs and zero calories, this new generation of collagen is clinically proven to improve joint mobility, reduce discomfort and promote healthy cartilage and connective tissue. Awarded Best Bone and Joint Health Ingredient and selected as Remedies Magazine Editor’s Pick, this innovative wellness formula helps replenish collagen and hyaluronic acid for unparalleled results that improve the look of skin, hair, nails and gums—from the inside out.*
Logiq Creamer
Specially formulated to help fuel the mind and increase focus, Logiq™ Creamer allows you to enjoy a morning cup of coffee without stressing over the hidden sugars or artificial flavors that come with traditional creamers. Powered by award-winning Collagen/HA Matrix® Technology, this keto-friendly alternative is packed with grass-fed butter and C8 MCTs to create high-quality brain fuel that helps support healthy brain aging along with hair, skin and nails.
Modere Axis™ Phytos
Go beyond gut health with Modere Axis™ Phytos collection. Featuring 3 unique formulas that help boost overall immune health and well-being, this lineup of nutraceuticals includes an array of bioactive and bioavailable phyto-rich ingredients and less than 0.5g of sugar per serving.** More than a superfood, Axis Phytos are specially formulated without additional sugars to help you feel the benefits of a healthy gut, mind and body—free of any sugar crash. Choose from Axis PhytoGolds to optimize digestive health, antioxidant capacity and joint health; Axis PhytoGreens to enhance energy levels and optimize alkalinity; or Axis PhytoReds to help optimize antioxidant intake, vitality and heart health.*
Don’t let sugar stand in the way of feeling your best! With select Modere cutting-edge workout and wellness formulas, you can take on the day with balanced energy and clean label supplements that don’t end in a sugar crash. To learn more about our award-winning products, visit modere.com
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
** Fruit, fruit juice concentrate, and fruit extract ingredients add a trivial amount of sugar.
[1] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/finding-the-hidden-sugar-in-the-foods-you-eat
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-your-body-need-sugar#what-is-sugar
[3] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=503
[4] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-foods-that-can-cause-inflammation/
[5] https://www.vtfc.com/insights/blog/this-just-in-over-consumption-of-sugar-contributes-to-muscle-joint-pain/
[6] https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=6ee15a58-5dc8-4615-bbc9-94c0c34ecf0d#:~:text=Skin%20is%20composed%20of%20collagen,Dr.
[7] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=503
