What is a sugar high?

a sugar high is not an actual "high", like the effect you would get from drugs. it just refers to the elevated energy level people have when they eat a lot of sugary products which is similar to the crazy, energetic behavior people get when they are taking illegal drugs. it is not harmful, but those who have a "sugar high" will lose it very suddenly and it can cause headaches when it is gone. too much sugar can cause cavities.

Another answer:

A sugar "high" occurs when your bloodstream is flooded with glucose, usually produced from ingested carbohydrates which can easily be converted into glucose, such as sugars and certain polymers of sugar, such as starches. Your brain is unique in that it requires glucose, and cannot use other forms of energy such as fats or proteins. So when glucose levels are high in your blood, you feel energized and awake. The state of high blood-glucose levels, through a very fundamental signaling system, triggers the release of insulin from cells in your pancreas. Insulin is a directive for your body to store this extra energy as fat once your glycogen reserve has been topped off (so you can make it through the winter and other times when there may be no food). Therefore, your entire body feels active during a sugar high.

On the other hand, a sugar "crash" is probably on the way. If a very large amount of easily broken down carbohydrates is ingested, blood-glucose levels rise rapidly and cause a high degree of insulin release. This creates a sugar "rollercoaster" inside your body as glucose levels are brought down precipitously, to the point where you feel fatigued, tired, and...hungry! Eventually, your body can become resistant to insulin, causing chronic high blood-glucose levels. This is known as hyperglycemia, and is the beginning stage of type II diabetes.

Much of this explanation has been greatly simplified, but the important concept to remember with a sugar high is that what goes up must come down. It might go up as sugar, but it will probably come down as mostly fat.

Matt Kramer - Madison, WI mfkramer@wisc.edu

First answer by Rosie.wenger. Last edit by Dootsmasta. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 7 [recommend question]