SUGAR, HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH BY DR. KING IN SAN MARINO CA
Monday, January 11th, 2010, 7:44 pm
Sugar has become such a standard in the typical “American diet” that many health care professionals are considering it the NUMBER 1 addiction. In the past 20 years, the average person’s consumption has increased from 20 pounds to 156 pounds of sugar annually, this is despite the devastating health effects associated with sugar. This startling number leads us to the other concern which is the most prevalent health issues in the U.S population are all linked to high intake of sugar including obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
How Sugar Affects Your Health….
The insulin response: The health issues that develop as a result of a high-sugar diet are strongly linked to the response of the hormone insulin to carbohydrate ingestion, a phenomenon known as the glycemic response. Simple carbs such as sugar are metabolized quickly by the body resulting in a rapid release of insulin and quick rise and fall in blood sugar. This is often felt by a quick burst of energy followed by symptoms of fatigue (prolonged use of sugar for energy can cause adrenal burnout). Insulin resistance is a progressive condition that occurs; symptoms include high levels of both glucose and insulin. In addition, consumption of excess dietary carbohydrate can stimulate lipolysis (fat generation), resulting in higher levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. As the body’s ability to store excess energy becomes further impaired, fat deposition begins to occur around the internal organs. This type of fat, called visceral fat is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
Dental Health & Your Immune System with Sugar….
Other negative effects of high sugar consumption include its impact on dental health and immunity. Simple carbs as well as sugar cause increase in both oral and intestinal microbes Strep mutan and Candida Albicans. High amounts of these bacterias lead to impairments in the body’s resistance to infections.
High sugar intake has also been linked to mental and emotional well being affecting disorders such as ADD, depression and anxiety. Other negative health-effects are the inflammatory response that sugar causes on the body leading to a high amount of toxic compounds in the body called, AGE’s (Advanced glycation end products). These compounds cause tissue damage and cellular damage and are a key influential factor in the development of arthritis, heart disease, asthma, and accelerated aging. AGE’s have also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Steps to eliminate sugar…….
While many of us associate sugar with sweet foods like pastries and candy, these types only represent about 10% of overall sugar intake. When I do my nutrition consults with patients I find out just how many sugar items people love to eat and they don’t even realize there’s sugar in them (i.e. large quantities of fruit, dried fruit, salad dressings). High contributors of dietary sugar include: sweetened beverages (soda, fruit juice, sweetened teas), sauces, condiments, salad dressings (read half of the organic good for you dressings and you’ll find sugar), spaghetti sauce, breads, milk, yogurt, pre-packaged foods, pre-made foods, etc.
Sugar can also be listed as several different names: glucose, fructose, dextrose, corn syrup, sucrose, and cane sugar to name a few. A particular form of sugar called HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP found in many food items such as ketchup and soda is especially damaging. HFCS is produced from corn starch and clinical research now shows it presents even more health risks then regular sugar.
Watch out for sugar substitutes…..
When looking to reduce dietary sugar intake, many of us turn to artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes as an option. The most common being aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K and sucralose, all of these are considered BAD choices and have been linked to conditions such as cancer and ADD. Recent research also suggests that these common choices are also linked weight weight gain, hyopglycemia and increased hunger.
Better choices are Agave Nectar, Stevia, or Xylitol. Also organic honey in small amounts. The goal is to reduce sugar and switch to better choices such as raw can sugar, honey, agave, fruit and molassess. People fighting certain illness, autoimmune disorders, etc… may need to cut sugar out altogether in order to improve their health. For more information on your specific needs we offer a full Lifestyle/Nutrition Consultation you are welcome to contact us for consultation to determine you best path to great health.
All my best for continued health & success, Dr. Stephanie King
Advanced Health Concepts
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Category: Natural Medicine, Nutrition & Foods, Vitamins & Minerals, Weight Loss
