This Everyday Food Could Be Doing More Damage Than Sugar

March 23, 2026

Doctor Warns One Common Food Is ‘Worse Than Sugar’ — And Most People Eat It Daily

Sugar has long been labelled the ultimate “bad” food.

But according to one doctor, there’s something even worse.

And chances are, you’re eating it all the time without realising.

The warning has sparked concern — because it’s not some niche ingredient.

It’s everywhere.


The Food Experts Are Warning About

According to health experts, refined carbohydrates — like white bread, pastries and processed snacks — can be even more damaging than sugar in some cases.

That’s because of how they affect your body.

Unlike whole foods, refined carbs are stripped of fibre and nutrients during processing.

Which means your body absorbs them extremely quickly.


Why They Can Be ‘Worse Than Sugar’

At first, that might sound dramatic.

But the reasoning is actually pretty simple.

Refined carbs can:

• Cause rapid spikes in blood sugar
• Lead to energy crashes shortly after
• Increase cravings and overeating

Because they break down so quickly, they act very similarly to sugar — sometimes even more aggressively.

That repeated spike-and-crash cycle can put stress on your body over time.


https://quinola.com/cdn/shop/articles/5120_1445x.webp?v=1669047007

https://www.tastefrance.com/sites/default/files/2026-03/TFM_FrenchBreakfast_GettyImages_AlexanderSpatari.jpg
https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-3/i_HDINBvCsiK-1Ktqxe1Dn5409TAjZ4puL-OgBcuR0wjBFwazGIbYUTrS9AegPiOlaTj_AbRX06Wr7S_92gYh9glJnpLKvaPsv8eUpchGnA?purpose=fullsize&v=1
Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Blood Sugar Problem Explained

When you eat refined carbs, your body converts them into glucose almost immediately.

This leads to a sharp rise in blood sugar levels.

Over time, repeated spikes like this can:

• Increase the risk of insulin resistance
• Contribute to weight gain
• Raise the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes

This is similar to what happens with sugar — but because refined carbs are so widely consumed, the impact can be even bigger.


Why They’re So Hard To Avoid

One of the biggest issues?

These foods are everywhere.

Refined carbs are found in:

• White bread and pasta
• Cakes and biscuits
• Breakfast cereals
• Packaged snacks

And because they’re cheap, convenient and heavily marketed, they make up a large part of many people’s diets.

https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/08/22/14/17/iStock-2203747469.jpeg

https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/c66bee35f8d5bf4f74ebff436b0e1e70dc49a787/0_328_6240_3744/master/6240.jpg?auto=format&fit=crop&height=1200&quality=85&s=d1eaa4a08cbf106d1eadd1871de0bea7&width=1200
https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/61d012799383ed43e64981895027e0ae0d6d81ba/0_522_3500_2100/master/3500.jpg?crop=none&dpr=1&s=none&width=465

Photo credit: Shutterstock


It’s Not About Cutting Everything Out

Importantly, experts aren’t saying you need to completely eliminate these foods.

Instead, the focus is on balance.

Health professionals recommend:

• Choosing whole grain alternatives
• Eating more fibre-rich foods
• Reducing ultra-processed snacks

Because fibre slows down digestion, it helps prevent those sharp blood sugar spikes.


The Bigger Issue: Ultra-Processed Diets

This warning also links to a larger problem.

Many modern diets are heavily based on ultra-processed foods, which are designed to be:

• Easy to eat quickly
• Highly addictive
• Low in nutrients

These foods can override natural hunger signals, making it easier to overeat.

And refined carbs are often a major part of that.


Why This Is Going Viral

This kind of advice spreads quickly online for one reason.

It challenges what people already believe.

Most people think sugar is the main thing to avoid.

So hearing that something else might be worse?

That grabs attention.


What You Should Actually Take From It

The key message isn’t that one food is “evil”.

It’s about understanding how different foods affect your body.

In general:

• Whole foods = slower digestion, steadier energy
• Processed foods = quick spikes, faster crashes

And over time, those differences add up.


Key Points Summary

• A doctor warned that refined carbohydrates may be worse than sugar.
• These include foods like white bread, pastries and processed snacks.
• They cause rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes.
• This can contribute to weight gain and increased health risks.
• They are widely consumed and difficult to avoid.
• Experts recommend focusing on whole foods and balance.
• The warning highlights the impact of ultra-processed diets.

more latest news