Moderate sugar intake is considered safe; after all, many foods, such as fruits, naturally contain sugar. Further, the body uses sugar to produce energy. However, a persistently high intake of sugar can harm health. This excessive intake is usually brought on by heavy dependence on packaged and highly processed food, ready-to-eat meals, baked goods, and other products containing refined sugar and additives. Here are common signs indicating high sugar intake: Persistent sugar cravings Surprisingly, one of the most common signs of high sugar intake is constant cravings for sugary foods. This leads to over-indulgence in sugary snacks and desserts such as cookies, candies, packaged cakes, doughnuts, and flavored yogurt. This sign usually develops as a high intake of sugar causes an increase in the level of ghrelin, a hormone that is associated with an increase in appetite for sugar goods. Joint pain The excessive intake of sugar leads to an increase in the level of cytokines in the tissues of the body. These substances induce inflammation in the joints, and persistently high levels of inflammation can lead to chronic pain in the region. Frequent mood swings Sugar intake causes a release of certain chemicals in the brain that are related to pleasure and happiness.