The Evils of Sugar

No doubt you’ve come across the evil effects of sugar in the media lately. Sugar is a hotly debated topic at the moment, in particular added sugars which refer to sugars added during the food industry process (not naturally occurring sugars).

Historically, the worries about excessive sugar consumption have revolved mostly around obesity and dental caries. However, more recently there is mounting evidence that added sugar is much more dangerous than we thought. Now scientists are warning us that excessive sugar intake is a risk factor not only for obesity but also cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, dementia, cirrhosis of the liver, depression, cancer and other inflammatory illnesses.

We now have insight that eating too much sugar not only makes us fat, but also ages us prematurely and leads to chronic illness.

A recent study found that dietary sugars have significant influence on blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels even if body weight was not a concern.  Researchers themselves were surprised to find the relationship between sugars and cardio-metabolic risk factors.

More worrying, another recent study has shown that the risk for death from cardiovascular disease rises exponentially for individuals who consume high levels of sugar.

Sugar is highly addictive (even more so than cocaine) and the habit can be very difficult to break.  The best strategy is to avoid sugar completely.  Initially, cravings will be intense but after 5-6 days the cravings will begin to dramatically reduce. Even small amounts of sugar will feed the sugar cravings so it is important to cut out sugar completely (apart from fresh fruit).

By naturally boosting the level of dopamine in the body (the neurohormone that is involved in the brain’s pleasure pathways) one can also help reduce the cravings for sugar.  To do this, I recommend a combination of 5-HTP, glutamine and chromium as well as vitamin B6 and vitamin C.

Giving up sugar is tough, but it is well worth the health benefits that you will gain.

By Charmaine Shepherd  B.Sc. Biomed., N.dip. Ac, MBAcC
Charmaine Shepherd is an Acupuncturist, Director of the Centre for Holistic Health and Author of Is it all in your mind? 10 Steps to Resolving the Underlying Causes of Anxiety and Depression. Available on Kindle!

Charmaine has a sensitive and holistic approach to health-care. She is dedicated to helping individuals take control of their own health. "I believe in supporting the innate healing ability of the body through the use of natural remedies, nutrition and lifestyle,” Charmaine Shepherd.