More powerful than illegal narcotics, sugar is now firmly linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and just about every other disease you can think of. If you’re not taking the harmful effects of sugar seriously, you might be addicted!
Sugar lights up the pleasure receptors in our brains and overrides our self-control mechanisms. All of us have been there. It’s why we go back to the cabinet for more cookies. It’s why we’ll get into our cars at night and drive to the store for ice cream. It’s everywhere, it’s in everything, and it is making many of us sick.
The process of sugar breakdown in the body have been well-studied. It interferes with efficient metabolism, causing your body to store excess fat. It has direct and indirect effects on vitamin and mineral absorption, cholesterol levels, and your body’s immune system responses. Because sugar drives you to eat MORE sugar, your body is often left void of healthy, nutrient-dense foods.
Upon learning about sugar’s adverse effects, people usually ask, “Well, how much sugar CAN I have?” Your body can handle some sugars just fine. A few servings of whole fruits (with fiber) are great for you and provide many benefits for the body. Highly processed sugars do not provide any.
Begin the process of “breaking up” with all processed foods. Understanding how powerful—and harmful—sugar is can help you with your process. Replace processed foods with real foods! Transition slowly or just quit cold turkey. Take back control! Let us know if you need help!
