Sugar is poison.
Okay, a little dramatic maybe? Not really.
A poison is defined by dictionary.com as
1. (n.) a substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health.
I firmly believe that sugar fits this description.
A lot of people think they only have to worry about sugar if they are on a diet or have diabetes in their family. Actually, sugar is too refined for the human body to deal with effectively and is harmful, on some level, to everyone. Sugar and other high glycemic index sweeteners like the now infamous high-fructose corn syrup, create physiological conditions which directly support all the major diseases of degeneration and aging through immune suppression, inflammation, glycemic stress, acidification, mineral loss, and more. And even if you try to avoid it, it’s hidden everywhere – even in many products marketed as “health foods”.
The reasons you may want to reduce or eliminate sugar in your diet are countless. Refined sugars are a factor in numerous disorders including hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue, addictions, obesity, diabetes, skin conditions, dandruff, fungal infections, malnutrition, tooth decay, difficulty losing weight, ADD/ADHD, problems concentrating, headaches, sleep disturbances, indigestion, acid reflux, yeast infections, candidiasis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, mineral deficiency, acidosis, gallstones, arthritis, depression, anxiety, numerous digestive disorders, osteoporosis, osteopenia, mood-imbalances, slow healing of injuries, herpes outbreaks, chronic infections, chronic colds, asthma, and many others.
However, even the healthiest person will benefit from the reduction of refined sugars in their diet. Sugar directly limits the absorption of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, copper, and other nutrients in the digestive system and puts much greater stress on the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and other organs due to its unnaturally concentrated chemical nature. Sugar, even one serving, immediately lowers immunity following ingestion, and damages micro-vessels like those found in the eyes, ears, and brain. Regular use essentially trashes your immune system.
Hidden sugars are a major concern. In order to be successful in reducing or eliminating sugars, you must start reading ingredient lists on food products you buy. You may be surprised at what you’ll find in your food. Many products where you may not expect to find sugar, actually have a lot of sugar in them. Also many sugars are concealed in everyday foods by using chemical names or names that make the ingredient sound healthier. Examples: “Glucose-Fructose” (white sugar!), “organic cane sugar” (organic white sugar!), “brown sugar” (white sugar dyed beige with molasses!).
One of the services I most commonly provide to my clients is to help them integrate the healthiest sweeteners without depriving themselves of sweets, snacks, and desserts. It is possible, and for most people its quite easy with the right knowledge and a little experimentation. Many people have seen radical health transformations with just this one dietary change. A good start is understanding the glycemic index and a shift from a calorie- or fat-fearing mindset like so many have been indoctrinated with, to a high-nutrition, low glycemic index, less-refined food approach.
Watch for more articles and links on good and bad sugars coming soon.
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Posted on October 22, 2009
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