The S.A.D. is loaded with another health enemy that is best that we reduce or eliminate- sugar. This substantially contributes to our diets lack of nutrients and results in depleted energy and depression. Refined sugar consumption of the average American has been estimated to be 149 pounds per year. Sweet cravings are experienced by a majority of people. Many people are addicted to sugar because it causes the brain to release endorphins or the “feel good chemical.” Our bodies do need sugars but the preferred are not the refined kind that are so readily available to us. We were created to enjoy complex carbohydrates, which are readily found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and beans. These are much better sources of sustained energy because they are able to maintain a more balanced blood sugar.
Here is list of reasons to say no to refined sugar:
• It provides a quick short jolt of energy and then a stronger energy crash
• It puts stress on our pancreas- which responds by dumping insulin into the bloodstream
• It depletes the body of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and B vitamins
• It interferes with the bodies’ production of digestive enzymes creating more problems due to ineffective digestion of food
• Sugar suppresses the immune system
• It puts weight on us
• It’s linked to ADD, ADHD, aging, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and Candida overgrowth
As the awareness of the harmful effects of sugar has increased more alternatives have been made available to us. Yet, these are not always good choices. Beware of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose (splenda). Many experts unanimously agree that people often are not aware that their health issues may be directly linked to their consumption of artificial sweeteners.
High Fructose Corn Syrup can be found on the labels of a multitude of products. It is inexpensive to make therefore it has become a frequent choice of food manufacturers. In the 1970’s it was estimated that the American per person average consumption was 1/2 lb per year. This number has skyrocketed to a yearly average of 60 lbs per person. It is found in soft drinks, fruit juices, beer, baby foods, yogurt, ketchup, candy, cookies, crackers, cakes and a majority of prepackaged foods. HFCS is considered by many to be even more harmful than sugar as it is processed differently than sugar and it goes straight to the liver where enzymes are released and it is stored as fat. It is felt to be a strong contributor to the incredible rise in obesity and diabetes.
Aspartame is the key ingredient in NutraSweet and Equal. It is a known neurotoxin, which means it is toxic to our nervous system. It literally over-stimulates or excites our brain cells to such a degree that they die. For this reason it is called an “excitotoxin.” It is found in numerous low fat or diet foods. Aspartame has been linked to numerous health problems including headaches, seizures, sleep problems, nausea, weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, rashes, loss of taste, ringing in the ears, memory loss, anxiety attacks and rapid heart beat.
Splenda, another artificial sweetener, is created by binding a sugar molecule to three chlorine atoms. Many people think this is a safe choice. It is found in thousands of food and beverages. The chlorine in this product can react with the organic materials in our bodies to cause a number of health issues including fatigue, headaches, foggy thinking, mood swings, joint pains, increased nighttime urination, bloating, and depression. Chlorine is a toxin to the thyroid gland.
There are ways to achieve sweetness in beverages and foods which when used in moderation are not so harmful to the body. These include brown rice syrup, barley malt syrup, honey (for kids over 1 year old), maple syrup, fruit juices, fruit purees, black strap molasses and, my husbands favorite, stevia.
You're doing GREAT!!! Keep it up! It's the simple changes that you apply to your daily habits that can affect the long-term health of you and your family! Don't forget...as you daily make the changes necessary for your families health you're also creating a testimony of your "health success"! To make things more interesting and a little more rewarding, I'm going help you "cruise" into 2010 healthier than you've ever been...all you have to do is apply these 21 Days to Wellness tips to your lifestyle from now till April 30, then write down how these changes affected your lives in a 500-750 word essay. Enter your essay by May 15, 2010 and you could "Sail" into wellness on a cruise for two to Cozumel on the new Carnival ship Triumph!!! So, keep up with the blogs, stick to the suggestions and watch how you and/or your families health sails to "Triumph" in 2010!!! Either way, you WIN!
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