“fix” hit our bloodstream that we became a bright eyed happy family. We were a white bread and jam family and we liked the sweet stuff. In hindsight, it seems we needed it on a regular basis.
....Although the sugar bowl has become somewhat less prominent on today’s tables, sugar still accounts for too many empty calories in our diets. Much of the sugar we consume is in the packaged foods that we buy at the supermarket. The more obvious cakes, cookies, donuts, candies, sodas and ice cream as well as the less obvious condiments, juice drinks, frozen entrees and even salad dressings. You only have to read the labels to find sugar in one of its many disguises. Fructose, glucose, maltose, lactose, corn syrup, molasses, honey and maple syrup are some of the most common forms.
....And who doesn’t have a sweet tooth or two? An occasional sugar binge is often of little long lasting consequence. The body has a built in mechanism to help stabilize the high intake of sugar. Within seconds after eating sugary foods, the pancreas begins to pump out insulin to counterbalance the high blood sugars. Problems arise when we become too dependent on the sweet stuff. Long term over consumption of sugars and processed carbohydrates places a lot of stress on the pancreas and can burden the whole system.
....Over time an overworked pancreas can actually have somewhat of a meltdown. It gets a little too efficient as it goes into overdrive and begins to treat even a small rise in blood sugar as a major ordeal. Consequently it begins to pump out too much insulin. This results in abnormally low blood sugars or a condition known as hypoglycemia which is accompanied by symptoms of fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, mood swings and mental confusion. The brain needs glucose |
... |
1. Avoid all sugars, alcohol, refined and processed carbo-
hydrates in your diet. Adopt a more wholesome diet
and include fiber rich complex carbohydrates such as
whole grains, beans and legumes. Include plenty of
fresh fruits and vegetables. Use dried fruits in modera-
tion as they are concentrated sources of natural sugars.
2. Read labels carefully at the supermarket and opt for
foods that don’t have added sugars.
3. Eat smaller more frequent meals. Include a small amount
of protein and a healthy fat at each meal. Proteins and
fats don’t induce an insulin surge like carbohydrates do.
A few almonds, an apple and a piece of cheese is a well
balanced mini meal or snack and will take you much fur-
ther along in your day than a muffin or a donut.
4. Caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes also cause blood sugars
to rise. They create cravings for sugary foods. If you
enjoy your coffee, stick to having one cup at breakfast
and switch to herbal teas for the remainder of the day.
5. Chromium has been found to be effective in helping to
regulate blood sugars. Supplementing with 100 mcg before each meal can help. Brewers yeast is also a good source.
6. B-complex vitamins not only support the nervous system
as a whole but they are needed for the metabolism of
carbohydrates. These water soluble vitamins are best
taken daily.
....Often we wait until our problems are of a chronic nature before we address change. Blood sugar imbalances are rampant in our society and I believe it is directly related to our dependence on manufactured foods. Don’t wait for Hypoglycemia or its cousin Diabetes to come knocking on your door. Make some simple adjustments and take charge of your health today!
Good Health to You! |
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