Dangers of Refined Sugar

Do you remember penny candy? Many of us do. Most local grocery stores had a penny candy counter when I was growing up in the fifties. The adults in my young life would give us some change they scraped together and off we would go. It was such a treat to have a few pennies and shop the penny candy counter. Everyone I knew loved candy and desserts, too. What could be the harm?

Cavities for one. Sugar coats and attaches to plaque on the teeth. The end result is rotten teeth if you don‘t brush and floss regularly. Another condition which grows slowly and takes over the body is fungus. Antibiotics have been used a little too much over the years. With antibiotics not only is the bad bacteria killed but our good bacteria as well. Our good bacteria keep the bad bacteria in check. No one seemed to know or think about what was really happening in our bodies. Candida is a normal balanced part of our intestinal tract. It loves sugar. When the balance of good bacteria is upset in our gut, candida gets out of hand. It can grow, convert to fungus and take over our bodies causing devastating disease. Many times arthritis, heart disease, cancer and many other diseases are tracked back to fungus. Fungus is a living parasite in our bodies. So what can a person do to protect their health?

There are many cleanses on the market. A favorite of mine is the candida cleanse. Basically, you cut sugar and foods that convert to sugar out of your diet for at least three months. It may not be easy to do but is very worthwhile. Your body stops craving the sugar fairly quickly. When the yeast and fungus start to die off you may experience fatigue. This will pass. It is important to eat lots of vegetables, some fruits and raw nuts during this time. Lean meats may be eaten as well. Nature Sunshine’s Candida Clear is one of my favorites. Enzymes are included to fight the “die-off “of the yeast.

The knowledge of the dangers of refined sugar has been out a long time. William Duffy learned about the sugar that was making him sick from Gloria Swanson. Mr. Duffy wrote Sugar Blues in 1975. This book is well worth reading. Mr. Duffy gives a very detailed history of sugar. It seems Christopher Columbus brought sugar to America. Mr. Duffy credits Gloria Swanson with changing his life for the better and opening his eyes to the danger of sugar.

A very recent article in Body and Soul magazine expands even further about the effects of sugar in our bodies. According to the author, Janice O’Leary, we can improve our relationship with sugar by understanding the powerful biological and emotional effects it has on us. She quotes John Bagnulo, Ph.D., clinical nutritionist at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. We may be set up to crave sugar since sweets have the most calories; it is a means of survival. Of course early sugar would have been in the form of honey not refined sugar. The sweet taste buds on our tongues can trigger a chain reaction making us feel good. In the blood stream, sugar tells the body to release serotonin, a feel good hormone. Endorphins are released by eating sugar. It can have a relaxing effect as well as stimulating. Is it any wonder we crave sugar?

In recent tests done when blood sugar levels are increased, dopamine, another neurotransmitter, spikes. Our feelings of being satisfied after a meal are increased with dopamine. It seems that the increases of serotonin and dopamine rise right along with insulin. This is the connection which may create health problems.

The insulin levels must be balanced. The adrenal glands kick in manufacturing hormones which result in inflammation in our bodies. Years of satisfying the sweet tooth can result in chronic inflammation resulting in disease. Diabetes, heart disease and many cancers may start this way. These are very good reasons to cut back on the sugar habit.

Sugar is a very acid food. Refined sugar is the worst, along with high fructose corn syrup. When we eat acid foods excessively our bodies work harder to balance the ph to make it more alkaline. Avoid these sweeteners by reading labels. Instead look for natural sweeteners such as xylitol, stevia, raw natural honey and raw sugars. Try to eat as close to nature as you can. Overcome the sugar habit!



This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat anyone. Until next time I am wishing for you, good health.

Eva may be reached at littleherbshoppe@hotmail.com