How Carbs and Sugars Damage Appetite-Control Cells

There are many factors that cause us to gain weight as we age: A slowing metabolism, exercising less, and eating more calories. But eating more as we age is not necessarily all about gluttony.

Dr. Zane Andrews, a neuroendocrinologist with Monash University's Department of Physiology, discovered that appetite control cells in the human brain degenerate over time, which causes increased hunger (Obesity Link to Killer Carb).

But what makes appetite-suppressing cells degenerate? According to Andrews, appetite-suppressing cells are attacked by free radicals after eating. And the damage is more significant following meals rich in sugars and carbohydrates.

"People in the age group of 25 to 50 are most at risk. The neurons that tell people in the crucial age range not to overeat are being killed-off," Andrews said. This, he explains, creates a cellular imbalance between our need to eat and the message to the brain to stop eating.

Andrews notes the degeneration of appetite-suppressing cells could be one of the reasons for the adult-onset obesity epidemic.

"A diet rich in carbohydrate and sugar that has become more and more prevalent in modern societies over the last 20 to 30 years has placed so much strain on our bodies that it's leading to premature cell deterioration," Andrews said.

Here's what you can do to reduce the damage:

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and include structured workouts such as walking, running, swimming, and biking.

Lift weights 3 times a week.

Eat clean! Consume 5 to 6 small meals (no processed foods) a day and eat every 3 to 4 hours to boost metabolism.

Set consistent goals to improve your health and strength and stick to them.

Why does this matter to you? Because your health does not need to deteriorate with age. You can reduce the physical limitations associated with aging by eating right and exercising now.