Sugar’s a lively party guest: charming initially, but overstaying brings a messy aftermath.
While enjoying treats in moderation is fine, excessive intake can harm your health.
Let’s delve into why addiction happens and ways to break free from it if needed.
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What Is Sugar?
- Natural is found in whole, natural foods. You likely associate fruit as the food group closely linked to natural sugar, but vegetables such as carrots, beets, squash, zucchini, and onions contain some natural sugar. Examples include the sugars found in dairy products, fruit, and vegetables.
- Processed: Sugar that’s been tinkered with in some way and extracted from its natural source. Examples of processed include white cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and agave.
Sugar Is Bad
Ironically, most foods geared toward children are full of refined sugar. Why would a responsible food producer knowingly place an addictive substance in it?
To make money through your addiction.
There comes a point when the body uses so much calcium to survive that people’s bones and teeth begin to show the consequences.
Consuming refined sugar affects the brain’s pineal glands and the neurotransmitter serotonin production.
Once serotonin levels are depleted, the next step would be feelings of depression. People in this state are often attracted to sweet foods to elevate themselves to a better sense (of comfort eating). Unfortunately, all this does is create a vicious and tiresome cycle.
We live in a society where we want a pill to solve all our health problems, and eliminating foods and drinks that cause them would be a better choice. Remember the Rolaids commercial where the guy says, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing”?
The answer is to take some Rolaids, and the painful feelings in the stomach will disappear.
You can gorge yourself all you want, pop a couple of antacids, and everything will be fine. I have a better answer: don’t eat so much food in one sitting, and you won’t have to take antacids.
The hormone insulin carries glucose to the cells; too much sugar means the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to cope, and your whole system is overwhelmed.
When glucose is not used and stored as energy by your cells, it is stored as fat. This is a major contributing factor to obesity in our society. Insulin imbalance also leads to prostate and breast cancer because of its effect on the immune system.
We also face an epidemic of diabetes in this country, which is entirely lifestyle-driven.
Even so-called low-fat, healthy alternatives and gluten-free foods will have excess. I understand the reason for putting sugar in products is because it makes them taste better.
I remember when fat-free products were the big diet craze in the nineties. If anyone bothered looking at the food label on the box, they would see it was loaded with sugar. Fat equals flavor, and extra sugar was added to increase the flavor when the fat was removed.
So, while consuming less fat, you were getting extra sugar. You would still be losing if you bought into the fat-free craze.
As my diet becomes more whole and healthy, I lose my taste for unnatural things. Artificial sweeteners are even more toxic than refined sugar, and artificial sweeteners contain a neurotoxic chemical.
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener with no calories and is 150 times sweeter than sugar. People think that they are reducing their calories while consuming it, but in the meanwhile, they are poisoning their bodies.
The Downside of Sugar Consumption
- Health Complications: Excess intake is linked to numerous health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. It can also contribute to inflammation, negatively impacting your overall well-being.
- Energy Rollercoaster: Sugar highs and crashes are real things. It spikes your blood levels, giving you a temporary burst of energy. However, this is followed by a crash, leaving you drained and potentially craving more to repeat the cycle.
- Nutrient Displacement: Sweet treats often offer little to no nutritional value. When you prioritize them over nutritious foods, you miss out on essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body needs.
Sugarproof: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child's Health at Risk and What You Can Do - Amazon Link
Kicking The Addiction
Breaking free from addiction can be challenging, but it’s achievable. Here are some tips:
Start Small: Don’t try to go cold turkey overnight. Gradually reduce your intake by making small changes, like swapping sweet drinks for water or unsweetened tea or opting for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
Read Labels: Be mindful of hidden sweets lurking in processed foods. Scrutinize labels and choose options with lower content.
Find Alternatives: Satisfy your sweet tooth with healthier options like fruits, yogurt with berries, or homemade baked goods with natural sweeteners like honey or dates.
Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These foods provide sustained energy and keep you feeling full.
Get Support: Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance and support on your reduction journey.
Gradual Reduction:
Rather than quitting abruptly, consider gradually reducing your intake. This can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and make the transition more sustainable.
Read Food Labels:
Be mindful of hidden sugars in processed foods. Check food labels for ingredients like sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and other related terms.
Choose Whole Foods:
Opt for whole, unprocessed foods that are naturally low in sugar. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can all be part of a balanced, low-sugar diet.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes, feelings of hunger can be mistaken for cravings, and staying hydrated may help curb cravings.
Eat Balanced Meals:
Include a combination of macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) in your meals. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.
Replace Sugary Snacks:
Replace sweet snacks with healthier alternatives. For example, choose whole fruit, nuts, or yogurt instead of candy or sweet desserts.
Manage Stress:
Stress can contribute to cravings. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
Get Support:
Share your goal of reducing intake with friends or family. Having a support system can make it easier to stay accountable.
Remember, quitting sugar isn’t about deprivation but creating a healthier relationship with food. You can break free from sugar’s grip and feel your best by making gradual changes and focusing on nutritious options!
Bonus Tip: Don’t demonize desserts! Occasional treats are okay. Just enjoy them mindfully and savor the experience.
- It is highly addictive: we’ve evolved to crave it.
- It used to be extremely scarce, so we’ve evolved to develop an incredible craving for it.
- However, the problem is that it’s now abundantly available, and we consume far more than we should.
Refined Sugar Has Negative Effects On Health
Refined Sugar can have negative effects on health when consumed in excessive amounts. Here are some reasons why it is considered bad for health, along with tips on how to kick addiction:
Why Sugar Is Bad for Your Health:
- Weight Gain:
- High intake is linked to an increased risk of obesity. Sweet foods and drinks are often high in calories and can contribute to an imbalance in energy intake.
- High intake is linked to an increased risk of obesity. Sweet foods and drinks are often high in calories and can contribute to an imbalance in energy intake.
- Insulin Resistance:
- Consuming too much can lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which cells become less responsive to insulin’s effects. This can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Consuming too much can lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which cells become less responsive to insulin’s effects. This can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Increased Risk of Heart Disease:
- High intake has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. It can lead to elevated blood pressure, inflammation, and unfavorable changes in blood lipid levels.
- High intake has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. It can lead to elevated blood pressure, inflammation, and unfavorable changes in blood lipid levels.
- Dental Issues:
- Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, producing acids that can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities.
- Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, producing acids that can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities.
- Risk of Fatty Liver Disease:
- Excessive consumption, especially in the form of fructose, has been linked to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Excessive consumption, especially in the form of fructose, has been linked to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Increased Inflammation:
- High intake may contribute to chronic inflammation linked to various health conditions, including arthritis and certain autoimmune diseases.
If you are insulin-resistant, even small amounts of it are horrible. Remember that you become insulin-resistant by overeating carbs, especially sugar.
I still occasionally eat foods with added sugar. However, I have drastically reduced my consumption over the years, and I can feel the difference in my body when I cut out sugar for a couple of days.
When I quit sweets, I feel mentally sharper, have more energy, and improve my mood.
Refined Sugar
Refined sugar is exceptionally acidic to a lethal degree, and the body’s coping strategy is to release massive amounts of calcium into the system from the bones and teeth.
I am bringing this subject up because the better my food quality, the better I feel.
I already discussed how eating a gluten-free diet, taking B vitamins, and eliminating coffee have contributed to a better overall feeling.
Yes, it is a drug that alters your mind, physiology, and health in general. Sugar is a drug to which I became addicted at an early age. Later in life, I got tired of eating unhealthy foods to comfort myself and get to the bottom of my cravings.
As a child, I would wake up early in the morning, go downstairs, and pour myself a bowl of sweet cereal with a bit of ‘Cool Whip dollop on top for extra sweetness. I was already hooked by the time I was five years old.
Sugar is put in almost every processed food and drink on the market. Not only is it placed in every processed product on the market, but it’s also in excessive amounts.
Some scientists claim that it feeds cancer cells, candida, parasites, and yeast in the body. Sugar is not a good fuel source for the body since it burns dirty, causing DNA damage and protein impairment.
>>>Related: 10 Ways to Stay Healthy and Avoid Illnesses This Winter
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Conclusion
Remember, listening to your body and finding a balance that works for you is essential.
If you’re concerned about sugar consumption or have specific health conditions, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
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