6 Ways Holiday Sweets and Treats Affect Your Health

Published Dec 16, 2020

|

Updated Dec 17, 2024

|

Est. reading time: 2 minutes

Key points

  • Overindulging in holiday sweets can lead to long-term health risks such as diabetes and obesity.
  • High cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease, can be exacerbated by consuming holiday treats high in cholesterol.
  • Excess sugar from holiday sweets can cause tooth decay and potentially lead to depression due to spikes in sugar levels.
  • Consuming too much sugar can lead to an overproduction of yeast, resulting in yeast infections.
  • Overproduction of yeast due to high sugar intake can lead to uncomfortable infections in both men and women. These health risks can be avoided by moderating the amount of sweets consumed during the holiday season.
6 Ways Holiday Sweets and Treats Affect Your Health

Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when your body begins to resist insulin or the pancreas stops producing enough. This causes your glucose level to rise and build up in your bloodstream. Causes of Type 2 Diabetes include obesity and lack of exercise and poor diet. Overindulging sweets can lead to obesity, which may result in diabetes. If you already have it, eating a lot of sweets will only increase your glucose levels, causing your diabetes to become unregulated and dangerous.

Obesity

Holiday sweets and treats contain a lot of sugar, fat, and calories, all of which can lead to obesity. By overeating during the holidays, you risk obesity and several health issues that come with it, such as diabetes and heart disease. Watch yourself over the holidays and be sure not to overload every plate. Mix in plenty of healthy snacks and beverages, and skip seconds on dessert.

High Cholesterol

Many holiday treats are baked with ingredients that are high in cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol in your blood can lead to severe heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart attacks. Other risk factors for high cholesterol are smoking, existing heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Adding high cholesterol to your holiday diet puts you at a greater risk for heart attack or stroke.

Tooth Decay

Eating too many sweets and treats means consuming lots of sugar. Too much sugar can lead to cavities, and eventually tooth decay. Even a simple piece of candy, a cookie, or a can of soda can build up sugar deposits on your teeth, resulting in long-term dental issues. For healthy teeth, avoid overindulging sweets this holiday season. Brush your teeth regularly with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss.

Depression

As surprising as it might sound, too much sugar can lead to depression. While sugar and carbs give you a boost of energy, it's only temporary. Too much sugar can release stress hormones, leading you to feel down in the dumps.

Massive spikes in sugar levels can also affect preexisting mood disorders, and increase the risk of relapse. If your body is constantly releasing serotonin from a sugar high and then crashing, it may impact your mental health.

Yeast Infection

Too much sugar in your system can lead to an overproduction of yeast as well. The buildup of yeast can lead to an uncomfortable infection. Women aren't the only ones at risk. Men can also develop an infection. To avoid this possible risk, moderate the amount of sweets you eat during the holidays. If you do experience symptoms of a yeast infection, take a trip to your local urgent care to get back to feeling your best.

These six health risks can be avoided by limiting the amount of sweets and treats you eat this holiday season. Enjoy, but enjoy smartly. How will you stay healthy this holiday season? Share your secrets in the comments below.

FAQs

Can eating too many holiday sweets lead to diabetes?

Yes, overindulgence in sweets can lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes.

How can holiday treats contribute to high cholesterol?

Many holiday treats contain ingredients high in cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart disease, strokes, and high blood pressure.

Can consuming too much sugar from holiday sweets cause tooth decay?

Yes, excess sugar can lead to cavities and eventually tooth decay.

Can eating too much sugar lead to depression?

Yes, consuming too much sugar can lead to temporary energy boosts followed by crashes, which can negatively impact your mood and mental health.

Can overconsumption of sugar lead to yeast infections?

Yes, too much sugar in your system can lead to an overproduction of yeast, which can result in uncomfortable yeast infections.

Can overindulging in sweets lead to depression?

Yes, overindulging in sweets can lead to depression. While sugar and carbs can give you a temporary energy boost, they can also release stress hormones that make you feel down.

How does excessive sugar consumption relate to yeast infections?

Consuming too much sugar can lead to an overproduction of yeast in your system, which can result in a yeast infection.

What are some ways to stay healthy during the holiday season?

To stay healthy during the holiday season, it's important to moderate the amount of sweets you eat. Mix in plenty of healthy snacks and beverages, and avoid overloading your plate with desserts. Regular exercise and good dental hygiene can also help maintain your health.

Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD, is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician and urgent care executive. He earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College, currently serves on multiple boards and is Solv’s Chief Medical Officer.

How we reviewed this article

Medically reviewed

View this article’s sources and history, and read more about Solv’s Content Mission Statement, editorial process, and editorial team.

History

Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.

  • December 16 2020

    Written by Solv Editorial Team

    Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD

Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.

  • December 16 2020

    Written by Solv Editorial Team

    Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD

Topics in this article

DepressionNutritionHolidaysDiabetesMental HealthDental CareUrgent Care

This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By using Solv, you accept our use of cookies.