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Sweet Poison
You have permission to publish this article electronically free of charge as long as you follow my requirements. The entire byline at the end of the article must be included and the content should be left unchanged. The actual url must be visible, not a link connected to unrelated words. The bio and url must be placed either directly above my article or directly below my article, not on a completely different page. The bio and the url must be typed in a large enough font that it is clearly visible to the eye. If you use the article, please notify me with a copy of your publication or a url to where it can be found. For print publications, please contact me to discuss and to obtain US mailing address to send a courtesy copy. cynthiap@frognet.net
Sweet Poison By Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed.
What is the most common addiction in our society today? Well you may be surprised to learn that it is sugar. That’s right, those pretty white crystals sitting on most people’s kitchen table. The average American consumes 32 teaspoons of sugar a day. Not only is it addictive, but this very common everyday product that is falsely believed to be harmless is responsible for many health problems we find in our society.
There’s a very significant difference between white refined sugar and naturally occurring complex sugars that are found in whole foods. In this article we are speaking specifically of refined white sugar, or its cousins, the other refined sugars, such as brown sugar, powdered sugar or raw sugar.
White refined sugar is not a food. It is a chemical. It is an addictive drug. Yes, that’s right, an addictive drug and when you remove it from your diet you can experience withdrawal symptoms as excruciating and serious as alcohol withdrawal, including tremors, flu like symptoms, headaches, and mood swings so intense you would damn near kill for a chocolate bar. Some say it is as addictive as heroin.
The biochemical make up of white sugar is almost identical to alcohol, except for one molecule. Refined white sugar is stripped of any nutritional value and is an empty calorie food. In addition to that, in order to be metabolized in the body it has to draw from your vitamin and mineral reserves and therefore is responsible for depleting mineral and vitamin levels, which in itself creates numerous health problems.
What is very sad and devastating is that sugar is an acceptable addiction. It’s not uncommon for people to know they have a sugar addiction and to make a joke of it. It’s not seen as a serious matter, when in reality it is very serious indeed.
The list of health problems associated with sugar is enormous and too
large to go into completely in one article, but some of the most common symptoms created are: depression, mood swings, irritability, depletion of mineral levels, hyperactivity, anxiety, panic attacks, chromium deficiency, depletion of the adrenal glands, type II diabetes, hypoglycemia, candida overgrowth, raised levels of cholesterol and creates anti-social behavior such as that found in crime and delinquency.
One of the most important issues that pertains to all of us living with chronic illness is the impact sugar has on the immune system. Sugar suppresses the immune system. It depletes levels of phagocytes (the white blood cells that are needed for strong immune function and that eat up harmful bacteria) and this reduces the bodies’ ability to fight infection and disease.
Next to exercise, removing sugar from your diet is probably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your health.
Removing sugar from your diet is not as easy as you think, because sugar is used as an additive for preservation and to make things more palatable. So it is basically found in most commercial foods. Unless you are living a health conscious life-style and picking your food wisely, sugar is in your catsup, morning cereal, spaghetti sauce, soup, salad dressing, peanut butter, pancake syrup, bread, yogurt, you name it and it probably has sugar in it. They even put sugar in your salt. You must learn to read labels very carefully to eliminate sugar from your diet.
Other steps to take to help you kick the sugar habit are as follows: -Keep sugar and all sugar products out of the house, so you won’t be tempted and give in during times of stress and hunger. -When you go to a social event, take your own food, or eat before going. -Use alternative whole foods snacks such as fruit, dates, whole grain crackers in place of sweets. -Exercising will reduce cravings -Supplementation with l-glutamine can reduce cravings. -Get emotional support. -Keep healthy snacks on hand for when cravings come on. -A chromium supplement may be helpful. -Be patient and forgiving of yourself. It will take time to be successful. More than likely you will fall off the wagon repeatedly. Get back on and start again.
About the Author
Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed. is a holistic health counselor specializing in issues of living with chronic illness, chronic pain and disability as well as sexual intimacy. She is also author of the inspirational E-Book Finding Life Fulfillment when Living with Chronic Illness-A Spiritual Journey. Services, Ebooks and a FREE Newsletter can be found at her website. http://www.holistichelp.net/
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American Diabetes Association Home Page |
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Available in English and Spanish. |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes Information - American Diabetes Association |
The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, ... Take the first steps toward better diabetes care by visiting the Diabetes ... |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes UK home page - Diabetes UK |
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the ... |
www.diabetes.org.uk |
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Canadian Diabetes Association |
To promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service, and advocacy. |
www.diabetes.ca |
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Diabetes information including treating type 2 diabetes at ... |
Offers dietary recommendations, including recipes and tips on managing blood sugar levels. From GlaxoSmithKline. |
www.diabetes.com |
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Diabetes |
Web site for Diabetes. ... publishes Diabetes. Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press ® assists in the publication of Diabetes Online ... |
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org |
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CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource |
The diabetes information homepage of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. |
www.cdc.gov |
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CDC - Health Topic: Diabetes |
Diabetes · Diabetes and Research Diagnostics · Diabetes Surveillance Report · FAQ's on Diabetes · Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon ... |
www.cdc.gov |
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National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse |
Provides educational materials to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public. |
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes mellitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and dogs. ... Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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MedlinePlus: Diabetes |
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Links to PDF ... Select services and providers for Diabetes in your area. ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes |
Diabetes affects about 18 million Americans. There are many risk factors for ... These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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Diabetes |
What to expect from your diabetes diagnosis? Get up-to-the-minute information about medications, insulin, blood sugar management, nutrition requirements, ... |
diabetes.about.com |
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WebMD Diabetes Health Center - Information on Type 1 and Type 2 ... |
Find in-depth information here about diabetes prevention, diet, ... Study Shows Burned-Out Staffers More Likely to Get Type 2 DiabetesGo To Article ... |
www.webmd.com |
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WebMD Health - 404 Error |
Allergies|Anxiety Disorders|Arthritis|Asthma|Back Pain|Bipolar Disorder|Cancer|Children's Health|Cholesterol|Depression| Diabetes|Diet & Nutrition|Erectile ... |
www.webmd.com |
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Diabetes Overview |
Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
www.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes News - The New York Times |
A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
topics.nytimes.com |
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children with DIABETES Online Community |
An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
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International Diabetes Institute - Diabetes Research, Education ... |
The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
www.diabetes.com.au |
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Diabetes New Zealand |
Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
www.diabetes.org.nz |
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