Researchers at the University of Konstanz have determined that consuming sugar impedes the body’s capacity for complete relaxation, even if an individual subjectively perceives themselves as rested.
The trial involved 94 healthy adults. Prior to the study commencing, all participants fasted. Subsequently, one cohort received beverages containing glucose, while the other was given plain water. Following this, half of the subjects underwent a relaxing massage, while the remaining participants simply rested. Throughout the entire duration, scientists monitored cardiac activity, heart rate variability, and other indicators of nervous system function.
It was discovered that the relaxation techniques effectively stimulated the parasympathetic nervous system—the branch responsible for rest and recuperation—regardless of whether the person had ingested sugar. Nevertheless, in those who consumed glucose, the sympathetic nervous system, which governs arousal and stress response, was simultaneously activated. This implies that despite experiencing subjective relaxation, the body was, in reality, remaining in a state of heightened alertness.
It is a long-established fact that sugar exacerbates the body’s stress response: following its intake, more cortisol is released, and heart rate remains elevated for a longer period. This phenomenon is attributed to the body’s demand for extra energy during taxing situations. Furthermore, the long-term repercussions of routinely using sugar as a “booster” are well-documented, including increased risks of hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. This new research contributes an additional insight: sugar diminishes the body’s potential for thorough recovery following exertion.
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