We all know that sugar contributes to obesity. High blood sugar, the result of eating large amounts of sugar, leads to the need for the body to store that extra sugar and that storage occurs as fat, which most often leads to an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.
Can sugar really be as addictive as cigarettes? The average person eats an astonishing half-pound of sugar a day. For many of us, we don’t eat that much sugar because we want to, but because we have to—much like any other addiction.
Addiction to sugar begins almost as soon as a child starts to eat solid food. Eating habits adopted in childhood can be hard to change, to say nothing of the damage it incurs early in life.
A study done by Sibylle Kranz, PhD, , a registered dietitian and assistant professor of nutrition sciences at Pennsylvania State University found that:
On average, added sugar intake was 14 teaspoons per day for kids aged 2-3 and about 17 teaspoons per day for those aged 4-5. The highest level of added sugar for the younger kids was 23 teaspoons per day and more than 26 teaspoons per day for the older kids.
No wonder so many of us have sugar addiction? And the sad thing is, today's kids are eating even worse than we did. Cereals contain huge amounts of sugar. Re-structured foods that claim 'health benefits', have decreased fats but added sugar.
If you are addicted to sugar, look at what your child is eating. Track his/her consumption of sugar and begin to find ways of decreasing the daily intake.
There are studies that claim children today, because of their eating habits, might not have the life span of their parents. Don't let that happen to the ones you love.
Look for ways to change your sugar addiction and you will be able to change your child's. It's one of the most important things you can do for both of you.
'Sugarettes', by Dr. Scott Olson ND,
This amazing book details specific and actionable steps every individual can take to master their diets and take control of their addictive relationship with sugar.
Guarantee yourself and your child a long and healthy life span.
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Comments: 55
I'm glad I grew up only eating candy at Christmas and Easter as a very big treat. It was something to look forward to and much appreciated! Now, I see children walking around stores eating doughnuts before they've even been paid for - it's very very sad.
Thanks for this very important article! Salud
Curiously, the two longest lived people in my family consumed mass quantities of sugar right up until the day they died at age 95.
Eat fewer proccessed foods. The sugar you add is noting compared to what is in proccesed foods.
Angel
The Neighbor’s rock garden
I made sure that my children were given lots of fruit as a source of sweetness, but very few chocolate bars or other sweets.
They all have wonderful teeth - not a filling between them - and they are slim and active.
I DO believe sugar is addictive.
Soon as she was home she went right back to drinking primary soda coke 6-8 tall glasses full per day. Her husband does too and he is diabetic. Why do people want to do this I don't understand.
Soda is bad for you, your teeth, your bones, and other areas. I don't like it at all.
But, as I grew older, of course, I don't eat much sweets now.
I grew out of that stage, so to speak. And, mostly only eat sweets once per month.
I think some sweet treats, in moderation is more than fine.
You just need to know when to draw the line.
Moderation is the key. Period.
I am a diabetic and you would think I would pay very close attention to my sugar intake. For sure, I have cut way back on the amount of sugar I take in, but I have found that salts in their various forms (not just table salt [NaCL Sodium Chloride] does more to negatively affect my blood sugars than sugar (fructose, corn syrup, sorbitol, ... etc.). A diabetic must limit their carbohydrate intake.
Certain carbs, however, are better than others. A good example is oatmeal. Oatmeal, or gruel to some, in the form of "quick or old-fashioned or rolled oats" can be prepared in the microwave within 3 to 5 minutes depending on wattage and whether or not you use full power. Forget that "instant" stuff. You might as well eat a bowl of sugar.
Oats are good sources of fiber and are complex carbohydrates. There is the difference. A complex carb will take longer to digest and will result in less waste entering your blood stream.
Compare that to bread. Especially white or even wheat bread (not whole grain). These are simple carbohydrates. They enter your bloodstream quicker.
Now for the big question. WHAT FORM DO CARBOHYDRATES TAKE WHEN THEY ENTER YOUR BLOODSTREAM? If you said "sugar" you are 100% correct.
So, you see, minimizing sugar is more than limiting your intake of granulated or raw or turbanado sugar. Just about anything your body takes in that cannot be used or stored turns into carbohydrates. Too many carbs turn into sugar. Too much sugar forces your pancreas to excrete more insulin. When the pancreas puts out all the insulin it can, your cells start becoming insulin resistant. Next stop: Diabetes. If your pancreas does not get a chance to recover and resume its work even at a lower level, next stop is a high chance for pancreatic cancer.
Moderation. Balance everything. Unless you have genuine specific food allergies, follow the food pyramid. Okay, so lighten up on the breads - unless you use whole grain or multi-grain breads.
Natural Healing With Food web page.
Your information is excellent.
Thanks for commenting.
The rest of you can have the mansions and streets of gold.
Interesting post Mary.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark
Great article