REASONS SUGAR RUINS YOUR HEALTH
(The following was taken from the website, www.dietcure.com, from the author, Julia Ross, based upon her excellent book.)
1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar upsets the minerals in the body.
3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.
4. Sugar produces a significant rise in triglycerides, a leading cause of heart disease.
5. Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection.
6. Sugar can cause kidney damage.
7. Sugar reduces high density lipoproteins (HDLs, the “good” cholesterol).
8. Sugar leads to chromium deficiency.
9. Sugar leads to cancer of the breast, ovaries, intestines, prostate, and rectum.
10. Sugar consumption is the top cause of Type 2 diabetes, as it increases levels of glucose and insulin.
11. Sugar causes copper deficiency.
12. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
13. Sugar raises the level of neurotransmitters called serotonin.
14. Sugar weakens eyesight.
15. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
16. Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
17. Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.
18. Sugar malabsorption is frequent in patients with functional bowel disease.
19. Sugar consumption can cause aging.
20. Sugar consumption can lead to alcoholism.
21. Sugar consumption is the top cause of tooth decay.
22. Sugar use contributes to obesity.
23. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn’s Disease, and ulcerative colitis.
24. Sugar can cause changes associated with gastric or duodenal ulcers.
25. Sugar can cause arthritis.
26. Sugar can cause asthma.
27. Sugar can cause candida albicans (yeast infections).
28. Sugar can cause gallstones to form.
29. Sugar can cause heart disease.
30. Sugar can cause appendicitis.
31. Sugar can cause multiple sclerosis.
32. Sugar can cause hemorrhoids.
33. Sugar can cause varicose veins.
34. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraceptive users.
35. Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
36. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
37. Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.
38. Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
39. Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
40. Sugar can decrease growth hormone.
41. Sugar can increase cholesterol.
42. Sugar can increase the systolic blood pressure.
43. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
44. Sugar can cause migraine headaches.
45. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein.
46. Sugar causes food allergies.
47. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
48. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
49. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
50. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
51. Sugar can impair the structure of DNA.
52. Sugar can change the structure of protein.
53. Sugar can make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen.
54. Sugar can cause cataracts.
55. Sugar can cause emphysema.
56. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
57. Sugar can promote an elevation of low density proteins (LDLs, the “bad” cholesterol.)
58. Sugar can increase free radicals in the blood stream.
59. Sugar can cause overeating.
So there you have it, 59 reasons why you should avoid sugar like the plague. I know what many of you may be thinking ( because I have heard it all before), “Oh give me a break, sugar is not going to kill me. Live a little.” The irony here is that yes, sugar will not kill you,.right away that is. And yes, you will be able to “live a little”, but will eventually live a whole lot less if you continue to consume it. Many people do not realize that sugar should be classified as a drug due to its addictive characteristics. Just like smoking, sugar is detrimental to your health. But why do so many people continue to worship them? The answer lies in the idea that sugar satisfies a deficiency or need that is lacking. It is a quick fix for our heavily stressed-out, get rich quick and retire early mentality that is prevalent in our society. Have you ever noticed when someone is retired, that is the time that they start going to the doctor more frequently than they did when they were working? I have patients who should literally be paid for going to doctor’s offices. They see multiple specialists and are prescribed multiple medications; and when asked what their diets are like, the most common theme is the presence of sugar and/or caffeine. The sugar, being their quick-fix for energy to get them going and the caffeine to “kick an already tired horse” become addictive. The job title “Professional Patient” and the numerous medications are also quick-fixes. “Hey Doc, don’t you have a pill to make me feel better?” The bottom-line is that we all need to start to take responsibility for our health. The areas we all have the most control over are our diets and lifestyle habits. I have just given 59 reasons on why to avoid sugar. This is just one of the many changes that the Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching Program at JSC addresses to improve one’s health (shameless plug). Health is a choice,..you should know the rest of this phrase by now.
