It is no secret that average health is declining and a big contributing factor to this is poor dietary choices. We know that cellular inflammation and cellular deterioration is occurring throughout our bodies and leading to many major health issues.
One of the key factors that contributes to deterioration of the body’s cells is sugar. Yes this simple white crystalline substance that has no nutritional value, no vitamins or minerals is craved by almost every man, women and child on this planet.
Too much sugar in the diet can lead to hearth issues, obesity diabetes, liver disease and even Alzheimer’s. For women going through the menopause sugar contributes to debilitating hot flushes.
The average person consumed 5 pounds of sugar in the 18th century and now in the 21st century consumption is 180 pounds per year. Children are now consuming more than 10 times the amount of sugar they did 100 years ago. It is also said that sugar is 10 times more addictive than heroin.
Its consumption affects the pleasure part of the brain, releasing chemical into the blood similar to alcohol or drugs and giving you a high.
Shocking!
The symptoms of sugar addiction are:
- Constant sugar cravings.
- Inability to function without high sugar foods
- Problems controlling your appetite
- Mood swings when you do not get a sugar fix
- Highs and lows of energy
If you have any of these symptoms you need to become mindful of your intake of sugar and modify it.
Sugars can be hidden in many foods, so always check the labels. If you are a lover of juicing follow the 80 / 20 rule, 80% greens and 20% fruit.
Some individuals like to use artificial sweeteners as an alternative to sugar but no matter how these are marketed remember they are artificial sweeteners and poison to your body.
There are a few safer sugar alternatives that you can consider:
- Honey natures great healer
- Stevia a natural sweetener form the sunflower family
- Maple syrup
- Molasses
- Coconut sugar
- Date sugar
While it is difficult to live your life without sugar remember sugars can be used in moderation. When you do try to wean yourself off sugar completely, you could have symptoms of anxiety, irritability even the shakes. If you need to add a sweetener to your food or drinks choose the least refined option? Try to eat real life energy foods rather than processed ones. Eat less sweets /chocolates and avoid those canned drinks