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Do We Eat Too Much Sugar?
by Sheri Clinchard, MA

Americans, on the average, consume over one hundred pounds of refined sugar per year. High-sugar items are extremely successful in the marketplace and are some of the cheapest fillers in processed food. Sugar is in our fruit juice, soda, crackers, bread, soups, desserts, processed foods, canned food, and in our baby foods.

So what's the problem with sugar? Refined sugar drains the body's energy, damages the immune system, and promotes vitamin and mineral deficiencies. For example, sugar slowly leeches the B vitamins, chromium and magnesium from our bodies. In addition, sugar is addictive and damages the body by causing hypoglycemic reaction (low blood sugar). It is actually more toxic than alcohol. In addition, people who eat high amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates are at high risk for heart disease and diabetes.

We know that one in six will adopt diabetes by adopting the average Western diet that is high in sucrose, fructose, and refined carbohydrates. Three out of five people will be pre-diabetic or pre-hypoglycemic. So exactly how does too much sugar cause hypoglycemia? When you eat sugar your blood sugar level goes up and your pancreas, whose job it is to monitor your blood sugar, secretes insulin to counteract the rise and restore balance. The problem is that the pancreas shoots insulin so quickly that it creates a drop in blood sugar levels before a balance can be restored. This drop in blood sugar results in a craving for more sugar. You take more sugar, which signals another insulin release, again lowering the blood sugar levels. At this point, your pancreas is getting tired and worn out and this can lead to diabetes.

What to do? One possibility it to reduce the amount of sugar and refined carbohydrates you eat. Refined carbohydrates turn into sucrose once ingested. Another possibility is to add more fiber or complex carbohydrates to your diet to delay absorption and counter the effects of sugar. Fiber, especially from vegetables, beans, nuts, grapefruit, and grains, brings essential chromium and magnesium back into the body. Avoid excessive amounts of fruit and fruit juices which can overwork your pancreas. When sweetening is needed, use natural sugars such as honey or molasses, brown rice syrup, or stevia, a naturally sweet herb found in health food stores.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this document should be construed as medical advice. For long-lasting relief, consult your doctor or health practitioner.