No matter what advertisements say about their sugar-containing foods, the fact remains that sugary foods are extremely poor sources of nutrients. For example, agave and maple syrup are loaded with sugar but manufacturers claim that they also contain trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Look – the truth is clear now: we cannot expect that we’ll be able to get our daily recommended intake of zinc, iron and other nutrients by drinking or eating these sugar-containing foods. If we are serious about our health, we should reduce our consumption as much as possible, NOW.
Our body does not need sugar; it will best gain all its needed energy from a whole foods diet with a balance of protein, fats and complex carbohydrates. Sugar itself provides no nutrient value and usually delivers glucose and fructose in amounts that the body cannot immediately utilize, meaning it is CONVERTED TO BODY FAT!
Sugary Foods are Addictive – Cocaine, Anyone?
Sugar is identified as an addictive substance by experts because it activates the food reward centers in a person’s brain which turns on the vicious cycle of cravings and dependence. Even if the addictive effects of sugar are milder than morphine or cocaine, high sugar consumption turns into a real addiction. Persistent high intake will increase the risk of diabetes, weight gain and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
Sugar Consumption Leads to Reduced Immunity – WE ARE SICK!
Studies now show that sugar consumption lowers the body’s defenses. Once a person’s blood sugar level reaches “120”, the ability of their white blood cells to destroy viruses and other disease-causing microorganisms is reduced by up to 75%.
A blood sugar of 120 can easily be achieved just by eating some cookies or by drinking a glass of fruit juice. Within ten minutes of ingesting sugar our immune system is suppressed and the ability of our body to fight against bacteria and viruses stays compromised for up to five hours from the time we ate it.
Worse, our lowered defenses persist even longer when we indulge in sugary foods several times in a day.
Blood Glucose Levels and Mood
Sugar or simple carbohydrates rapidly affects our blood sugar and insulin levels. When we consume sugar on a regular basis we increase insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. That aside, the effects of sugar on the body can be felt within minutes of consumption and this is what is called a sugar spike and a sugar crash.
This is when our energy levels and our mood can go up and down much like being on a roller coaster. In turn, we will find ourselves feeling irritable and craving for more sugary food. High sugar consumption causes fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Overcoming a Sugar Dependency
These symptoms and effects can be avoided and reversed by avoiding sugar and other FOODS THAT “ACT LIKE SUGAR” in the body. If we are used to consuming large amounts of sugar, abstinence will almost certainly cause some withdrawal symptoms. We may experience headaches and irritability for a few days as our body detoxifies.
However, the upside is huge and once we are past that stage we will find that our mood and energy levels have become more steady and stable without the nasty sugar crash effect.
Are you ready to take control of your life back? Meet with our Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist to learn more about how we can help you create a nutrition plan that is right for you. Click HERE for your Alanis Nutrition Intro Consultation
