Ask Dr. Balcavage: Sweet Sickness

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on April 8, 2010

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One of the biggest challenges we face in this country is the
rising health care problems associated with blood sugar. The average American
consumes on average at least 170 pounds of refined sugar a year.

Over-consumption of refined sugars can cause severe deficiencies
in the nutrients that regulate blood sugar, especially vitamin B1. Consistently
high blood sugar reduces white blood cell activity and depresses the immune
system in general.

Let’s face it – we all have had sugar cravings at one time
or another — and we have all given in to these sugar cravings with candy,
cakes, or cookies.

Sugar is a carbohydrate, which is one of the three main
macro-nutrients the body requires for health. There are many types of sugars:

Simple sugars which are easily digested and absorbed. Examples
include:

• Sucrose (Table sugar)

• Fructose (Fruits and juices)

• Lactose (Milk)

Complex sugars, which must be broken down into simple sugars
for our body to utilize. Examples include:

• Starch found in rice, potatoes, and wheat

• Cellulose or fiber which the human body cannot break down
and is found in many grains, fruits, and vegetables

Excessive sugar can have devastating effects on the brain and
body. Most importantly is its effect on the nervous system. The nervous system
is the system that controls the function of every cell tissue and organ in your
body. For proper brain and nervous system function it requires two primary
things: fuel and activation. Fuel comes in the form of oxygen and properly
regulated blood sugar. If blood sugar isn’t regulating properly the brain does
not function optimally. If the brain does not function optimally than every
other system in the body can be affected. Poor neurological function can
manifest as: poor motor function (you don’t move right), poor sensory function
(you feel things, hear things, sense things different than you should, poor
mental function (you forget why you walked into a room), poor metabolic
function (abnormal blood chemistries, poor digestion, etc), and changes in
normal body contour (you slouch).

Some other health concerns from consuming too much sugar
include:

Insulin Resistance - Most common is diabetes and other sugar
related disorders

Tooth decay

Obesity

Immune system imbalance

Yeast and bacteria

Interference with the absorption of minerals

Nutrient insufficiency (many processed, sweet foods are
devoid of fiber, vitamins, and minerals)

To help manage your blood sugar and limit health challenges
associated with blood sugar dysregulation you should avoid:

High fructose corn syrup

Refined sugar

Soft drinks

Processed fruit juices

Artificial sweeteners

White flour

In order to avoid the things listed above you will need to
have some alternatives or wiser sugar choices. Below are a few healthier
options.

1. Rice syrup, barley syrup, maple syrup, honey, and
molasses are sweet while retaining trace mineral and vitamin content.

2. Stevia, a sweetener from a shrub found in South America.
It has no calories, is all natural, and does not elevate blood sugar or promote
tooth decay.

3. Whole fruit – it contains water, fiber, vitamins, and
minerals.