The main culprit in creating inflammation throughout our body is the intake of sugar. Did you know that the average American ingests 141 lbs of sugar each year? That's just average! Have you ever thought about how much sugar you ingest each day? There are 8 - 15 teaspoons of sugar in one can of soda. Imagine sitting down and eating 8 teaspoons of that white granulated stuff!
Now, I KNOW how difficult it is to stay away from sugar. I was addicted to sugar when I was much younger. Sugar is like crack..and the food manufacturers are banking on that - knowing you absolutely WILL buy again.. But if you don't get this out of your diet - you are setting yourself up for guaranteed poor health and faster aging due to inflammation. Cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, weight gain, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, weakened immune system (colds, flu) and much more is what you can expect with overconsumption of sugar- and when I say 'overconsumption' - I mean every day use, Ingestion of all kinds of sugar like high fructose corn syrup (it's toxic and just like refined sugar, it's in everything so be on the lookout for it in ALL food products), honey, molasses, maltose and fruit juice..yes, fruit juice. Stay away from juice because it's metabolized just like sugar only with vitamins and minerals. It too has a negative and dramatic effect on our blood sugar levels. Whole fruit is just fine however, in moderation.
By the way, the ingestion of refined white sugar and high fructose corn syrup are directly linked to diabetes and obesity..and high fructose corn syrup is particularly dangerous..it's in almost every processed food like breads, pretzels, desserts and much more.
What is sugar? In its simplest form it is the juice from the sugar cane that has been refined and processed - meaning it's been stripped of all fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is then further processed to create a substance with no nutritional value. The body has trouble handling foods without value. It then is metabolized by the body creating HUGE spikes in blood sugar and then severe drops. This, by the way, is a very serious part of the inflammatory process. If sugar is eaten every day - in any form - the liver cannot store it, so it is then stored outside the liver as fat on our hips, thighs, stomach, butt..etc..you get the picture.
There is a very complex biochemical process that occurs in our bodies called "Glycation." I won't go into detail except to say that Glycation, in its simplest form, is essentially, the caramelization of our body tissues. As you know, caramelization is the browning that occurs when you apply heat to foods to create that crispy, browned effect. Think of a steak on the grill..or crispy fried potatoes. The same browning effect happens in our bodies as well. Just like food, we have sugars and proteins circulating in our bodies. Some people have more sugar than others - diabetics for one. People with diabetes tend to experience faster age-related diseases due to the chemical reaction between glucose and protein (and as you may know sugar is metabolized into glucose) - this is glycation. Glycation essentially gunks up the works in our bodies. It damages the RNA and DNA in our bodies - creating abnormal bonds called "Cross-Linking." Cross Linked proteins are responsible for, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, wrinkles, sagging skin and much more.
The problem is that the aging process is a slow one and we really don't feel the serious effects until the accumulated damage becomes too much. Yes, we see the superficial effects such as wrinkled and sagging skin. By the way, the skin is a reflection of what's going on inside the body - but the serious disease processes are underway. The body is so great at repairing itself that we may 'feel' fine - but there is a underlying unhealthy current that may emerge with overconsumption of sugar.
So, how can we easily stay away from sugar? First, get rid of all types of sugar, that I've mentioned, in your kitchen. Sugars are hidden in almost every product - even ketchup. Read the ingredients on all products and then purge.
Next, continue reading products for hidden sugars at the grocery store. If you don't bring it home, you won't have it in the house.
Now, healthy sugar substitutes are especially helpful when we want something sweet. In my opinion, Agave Nectar is delicious and nutritious. It is metabolized slowly so we avoid those inflammatory blood sugar spikes and drops.
Stevia is another great product that I recommend. It actually balances blood sugar and it won't alter your blood sugar, it reduces cravings for sweets and aids in digestion as well as minimizing the growth of bacteria.
Stop using artificial sweeteners like Splenda, Equal or Nutrasweet. Just because they don't affect our blood sugar level, doesn't mean they aren't toxic. They are chemicals and as you may know, chemicals are stored in our cells. They also send the signal to the brain that we just ate sugar..faking the brain out and creating that desire for more sugar later. This becomes a serious issue for those who drink sugar-free sodas.
I recommend that my clients who are addicted to sugar or consume large amounts of carbohydrates, to take Chromium Picolinate. Chromium Picolinate is what I took to help me control my sugar cravings - and still do - along with eliminating sugar from my life. It's extremely effective in balancing blood sugar so you will not have the inflammatory blood sugar drop. When your blood sugar drops you want more sugar to bring you back to feeling good again. This is the vicious cycle - we eat sugar, the blood sugar drops and we want more: addiction. Chromium will help you within a few days. I recommend 200 mcgs of Chromium Picolinate.
By eliminating sugar from your life, you have taken an important step in creating optimum health in your life!
By Lori L. Shemek, Ph.D.
Lori L. Shemek, PhD, CNC, CLC, is Founder and President of DLS HealthWorks. Lori has devoted the past 20 years practicing and teaching others how to easily CREATE OPTIMUM HEALTH in their lives. Lori is the Co-Author of "A Practical Guide On Aging Parents And Nutrition. Lori is the show host of "Creating Optimum Health!"
Now, I KNOW how difficult it is to stay away from sugar. I was addicted to sugar when I was much younger. Sugar is like crack..and the food manufacturers are banking on that - knowing you absolutely WILL buy again.. But if you don't get this out of your diet - you are setting yourself up for guaranteed poor health and faster aging due to inflammation. Cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, weight gain, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, weakened immune system (colds, flu) and much more is what you can expect with overconsumption of sugar- and when I say 'overconsumption' - I mean every day use, Ingestion of all kinds of sugar like high fructose corn syrup (it's toxic and just like refined sugar, it's in everything so be on the lookout for it in ALL food products), honey, molasses, maltose and fruit juice..yes, fruit juice. Stay away from juice because it's metabolized just like sugar only with vitamins and minerals. It too has a negative and dramatic effect on our blood sugar levels. Whole fruit is just fine however, in moderation.
By the way, the ingestion of refined white sugar and high fructose corn syrup are directly linked to diabetes and obesity..and high fructose corn syrup is particularly dangerous..it's in almost every processed food like breads, pretzels, desserts and much more.
What is sugar? In its simplest form it is the juice from the sugar cane that has been refined and processed - meaning it's been stripped of all fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is then further processed to create a substance with no nutritional value. The body has trouble handling foods without value. It then is metabolized by the body creating HUGE spikes in blood sugar and then severe drops. This, by the way, is a very serious part of the inflammatory process. If sugar is eaten every day - in any form - the liver cannot store it, so it is then stored outside the liver as fat on our hips, thighs, stomach, butt..etc..you get the picture.
There is a very complex biochemical process that occurs in our bodies called "Glycation." I won't go into detail except to say that Glycation, in its simplest form, is essentially, the caramelization of our body tissues. As you know, caramelization is the browning that occurs when you apply heat to foods to create that crispy, browned effect. Think of a steak on the grill..or crispy fried potatoes. The same browning effect happens in our bodies as well. Just like food, we have sugars and proteins circulating in our bodies. Some people have more sugar than others - diabetics for one. People with diabetes tend to experience faster age-related diseases due to the chemical reaction between glucose and protein (and as you may know sugar is metabolized into glucose) - this is glycation. Glycation essentially gunks up the works in our bodies. It damages the RNA and DNA in our bodies - creating abnormal bonds called "Cross-Linking." Cross Linked proteins are responsible for, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, wrinkles, sagging skin and much more.
The problem is that the aging process is a slow one and we really don't feel the serious effects until the accumulated damage becomes too much. Yes, we see the superficial effects such as wrinkled and sagging skin. By the way, the skin is a reflection of what's going on inside the body - but the serious disease processes are underway. The body is so great at repairing itself that we may 'feel' fine - but there is a underlying unhealthy current that may emerge with overconsumption of sugar.
So, how can we easily stay away from sugar? First, get rid of all types of sugar, that I've mentioned, in your kitchen. Sugars are hidden in almost every product - even ketchup. Read the ingredients on all products and then purge.
Next, continue reading products for hidden sugars at the grocery store. If you don't bring it home, you won't have it in the house.
Now, healthy sugar substitutes are especially helpful when we want something sweet. In my opinion, Agave Nectar is delicious and nutritious. It is metabolized slowly so we avoid those inflammatory blood sugar spikes and drops.
Stevia is another great product that I recommend. It actually balances blood sugar and it won't alter your blood sugar, it reduces cravings for sweets and aids in digestion as well as minimizing the growth of bacteria.
Stop using artificial sweeteners like Splenda, Equal or Nutrasweet. Just because they don't affect our blood sugar level, doesn't mean they aren't toxic. They are chemicals and as you may know, chemicals are stored in our cells. They also send the signal to the brain that we just ate sugar..faking the brain out and creating that desire for more sugar later. This becomes a serious issue for those who drink sugar-free sodas.
I recommend that my clients who are addicted to sugar or consume large amounts of carbohydrates, to take Chromium Picolinate. Chromium Picolinate is what I took to help me control my sugar cravings - and still do - along with eliminating sugar from my life. It's extremely effective in balancing blood sugar so you will not have the inflammatory blood sugar drop. When your blood sugar drops you want more sugar to bring you back to feeling good again. This is the vicious cycle - we eat sugar, the blood sugar drops and we want more: addiction. Chromium will help you within a few days. I recommend 200 mcgs of Chromium Picolinate.
By eliminating sugar from your life, you have taken an important step in creating optimum health in your life!
By Lori L. Shemek, Ph.D.
Lori L. Shemek, PhD, CNC, CLC, is Founder and President of DLS HealthWorks. Lori has devoted the past 20 years practicing and teaching others how to easily CREATE OPTIMUM HEALTH in their lives. Lori is the Co-Author of "A Practical Guide On Aging Parents And Nutrition. Lori is the show host of "Creating Optimum Health!"
