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How Excess Sugar Consumption Affects Your Body

Dr. Chimezie C. Amanambu, M.D • February 22, 2023

Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Agave Nectar, Powdered Sugar, Cane Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses…it's all sugar. Disguised by different names, these sweet ingredients are to be used in moderation. Let’s explore how too much of this sweetness can have negative effects on your body. 

WEIGHT

It is no secret that when you consume excess sugar, you are going to have excess weight. Being overweight contributes to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.

 

HEART

Excess sugar is also hard on your heart. It can cause hardening of the arteries which leads to your heart working overtime to pump blood through your body. Overworking your heart can lead to increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure. 

 

BRAIN

As you eat sugar, dopamine is produced in the brain. This chemical makes you feel good. Over time as you consume more sugar, the excess dopamine produced causes you to crave more and more sugar to simulate that good feeling. It is not a healthy cycle.

 

MOOD

While sugar may make you feel good temporarily, your body will experience a slump after eating it as your cells absorb the sugar. This slump leads to feelings of anxiety, jitters, and some studies suggest that excess sugar can even lead to depression in some people. 

 

TEETH

Sugar that remains in your mouth causes bacteria to multiply. As the bacteria multiplies, it begins to eat away at your teeth leading to cavities. 

 

JOINTS

Excessive sugar can aggravate the inflammation in your joints which leads to increased joint pain. It also increases your risk for rheumatoid arthritis. 

 

PANCREAS

This vital organ produces insulin as you eat. Insulin is produced in high levels if your body is not responding to insulin at healthy levels. This extra insulin overworks your pancreas, causing damage, and raising your blood sugar levels. 

 

KIDNEYS

These organs are responsible for filtering blood. When your blood sugar level is high, it releases extra sugar. If not treated properly, this extra sugar can lead to kidney damage. 

 

LIVER

When the liver has to produce large amounts of fructose (high fructose corn syrup), damage can occur. Fructose is broken down into fat.  This can lead to serious health concerns such as Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

 

SKIN

Excess sugar can cause your skin to age prematurely. The extra sugar in your body attaches to proteins in our blood which attack the collagen and elastin needed for healthy skin. 

 

Dr. Amanambu and the staff at Pax Internal Medicine will provide expert care in weight management and dietary care. Dr. Amanambu can assess your weight, and make recommendations that are right for your specific medical need. Contact our office today to make an appointment and begin your journey to well being. 

Green Card Health Check: Ensuring a Smooth Path to Permanent Residency

January 24, 2025
The journey to obtaining a Green Card and establishing permanent residency in the United States involves several crucial steps, including fulfilling the health-related requirements. A key component of this process is the Green Card medical exam, a comprehensive assessment conducted by a designated Civil Surgeon. Dr. Chimezie Amanambu at Pax Internal Medicine Associates in Akron, Ohio, is a qualified Civil Surgeon who provides thorough and efficient Green Card health examinations, helping you navigate this essential step in your immigration journey.  Why is a Green Card Medical Exam Necessary? The Green Card medical exam serves several important purposes: Public Health Protection: It screens for communicable diseases that could pose a public health risk to the U.S. population. Individual Health Assessment: It evaluates your overall health and identifies any conditions that may require ongoing medical attention. Vaccination Compliance: It ensures you meet the vaccination requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Green Card Health Examination: What to Expect During your Green Card health examination with Dr. Amanambu, you can expect a comprehensive assessment that includes: Medical History Review: Dr. Amanambu thoroughly reviews your medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments. Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical exam assesses your overall health, including your vision, hearing, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and more. Mental Health Assessment: A mental health evaluation is conducted to assess your mental well-being and identify any potential concerns. Vaccination Review: Your vaccination records are reviewed, and any necessary vaccinations are administered to meet USCIS requirements. Testing for Communicable Diseases: You'll undergo tests for specific communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis and syphilis, to ensure you don't pose a public health risk. Green Card Medical Exam Locations: Convenient Access to Care Finding a qualified Civil Surgeon to conduct your Green Card medical exam is essential. Dr. Amanambu at Pax Internal Medicine Associates provides these exams in a convenient and accessible location in Akron, Ohio. Why Choose Dr. Amanambu for Your Green Card Medical Exam? Expertise and Experience: Dr. Amanambu is a board-certified internal medicine physician with extensive experience conducting Green Card medical exams. Comprehensive Care: He provides all necessary components of the exam, including vaccinations and testing, in a timely and efficient manner. Patient-Centered Approach: Dr. Amanambu and his team prioritize your comfort and well-being, creating a welcoming and respectful environment for your exam. Your Path to Permanent Residency Starts with a Green Card Medical Exam Don't let the medical examination requirements delay your Green Card application. Contact Pax Internal Medicine Associates today to schedule your Green Card health check with Dr. Amanambu. He'll guide you through the process with expertise and compassion, ensuring you meet all the necessary health requirements for your journey to permanent residency.

New Year, New You: Achieving Lasting Weight Loss with a Medical Weight Loss Program

January 17, 2025
It's a new year, and for many, that means renewed resolutions to prioritize health and wellness. If weight loss is one of your goals, Dr. Amanambu at Pax Internal Medicine Associates is your partner in achieving lasting results. As a weight loss specialist, he understands the challenges and complexities of weight management and offers comprehensive, medically supervised programs tailored to your individual needs.  Why Choose a Medical Weight Loss Program? While countless fad diets and weight loss trends promise quick fixes, a medical weight loss program provides a safe, effective, and sustainable approach. Dr. Amanambu combines his medical expertise with a compassionate understanding of the challenges individuals face, creating a supportive environment for your weight loss journey. Benefits of Medical Weight Loss: Personalized Plans: Dr. Amanambu develops customized weight loss plans that consider your medical history, lifestyle, and individual goals. This ensures your program is tailored to your specific needs and promotes long-term success. Expert Guidance: With Dr. Amanambu's guidance, you'll receive evidence-based recommendations on nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification, empowering you to make informed choices and develop healthy habits. Ongoing Support: Weight loss is a journey, not a destination. Dr. Amanambu and his team provide ongoing support and encouragement, helping you stay motivated and navigate challenges along the way. Improved Health Outcomes: Medical weight loss not only helps you shed pounds but also improves your overall health. By achieving a healthy weight, you reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. What to Expect from Dr. Amanambu's Weight Management Program: Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Amanambu conducts a thorough assessment of your health, including a review of your medical history, lifestyle habits, and weight loss goals. Personalized Recommendations: Based on your individual needs, he'll create a tailored plan that may include dietary modifications, exercise prescriptions, and behavioral counseling. Nutrition Education: You'll receive guidance on healthy eating habits, portion control, and making nutritious food choices. Exercise Support: Dr. Amanambu helps you incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, providing recommendations and support to increase your activity levels. Behavioral Counseling: He'll address the emotional and behavioral aspects of weight loss, helping you develop coping mechanisms and overcome challenges. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins and progress assessments help you stay on track and make adjustments as needed. Achieve Your Weight Loss and Health Goals This year, make a commitment to your health and well-being. With Dr. Amanambu's expertise and a personalized medical weight loss program, you can achieve lasting weight loss, improve your health, and enhance your quality of life. Contact Pax Internal Medicine Associates today to schedule your consultation and start your weight loss journey.
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