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LIving With Sugar

 

Halloween everyday?  Some people would think this is great to eat an equivalent of 3-4 candy bars a day.  Not so much.  Before I left for India, I was eating almost no sugar except for the last week of ” living it up.”  My body is really happy without sugar even though my brain would disagree at times.  When you start to look at labels, you see that almost everything has “sugar” in some form in it.  It is actually a challenge to minimize or go without.    Making the switch to the ashram, they offer prashad which is a delightful bowl of fresh fruit topped with an incredibly sweet “sugar ball” from the area.  What is a “sugar ball?”  Fat, sugar, and water are the main components and then for variation, one would throw in nuts, flavors, etc.  The good news is that there are no preservatives–it is natural.  But, it is like taking a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of sugar and eating it.  The minute I saw it, my stomach would start to grumble and then when I ate it, my stomach would feel nauseous.   Ironically, these were suppose to be a real treat for the people in the Indian culture.  They were raised on them. Maybe one develops sugar tolerance?  Is it like the people who drink soft drinks all day.  Most of the time visitors would get one, but because I was there all day meditating, I would get 3-4 a day.  After a month or so of this process, I had to make a change.  Nausea for the sake of politeness was not going to work any longer.  There was enough sugar from the natural fruit.  Within a few days, my body said “Thank you!!!”  Prashad without sugar.

I was curious to do a little research on the effects of sugar and found this easy and straight to the point article.

Lose the Sugar, Lose the Weight and Gain Peace of Mind and Body
By: Dr. David Shapiro
Did you know that sugar may be making you fat and grumpy? Find out why this sweet substance is making everyone sour.

 

If you’re unable to refuse to candy, cookies, and soda you could be among thousands of people who are addicted to sugar. For many people, sugar acts as a drug within your body, and as with any other drug, could cause a basic “high” accompanied by withdrawal symptoms.

Indications of sugar dependency consist of:

Potent cravings for sugar, refined carbs or alcohol
Swift changes in moods
Stress and anxiety
Depression symptoms
Irritation or anger
Low energy
Headaches
Feeling light-headed
Feeling much better after consuming sugar

It’s not simply loss of self-discipline. It is actually an addiction.

Research indicates that sugar can create effects similar to cocaine, morphine and other drugs associated with addiction. Eating considerable amounts of sugar releases a chemical in the brain called dopamine, which makes you experience alertness, energy, motivation and enthusiasm. But after some time, sugar decreases the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine, and you can actually begin to feel “hooked” on sugar. You may need additional dopamine simply to feel normal In addition, without having some sugar to boost your dopamine production, you start to feel lethargic, worn out, foggy and cranky.

If you are dependent on sugar, it is critical to try cutting sugar from your diet entirely to provide the brain an opportunity to recuperate. However, not having your early morning sugar rush may seem impossible. You might be asking yourself how one can actually make it through their day without having sugar, and wondering how you are you going to cope with the continual food cravings. Luckily, a plan of nutritional vitamins, minerals and amino acids can rapidly balance blood sugar levels, wipe out cravings and conquer withdrawal difficulties.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that chromium balances bloodstream sugar levels plus lowers cravings for sugar and refined carbs. In a single scientific study, blood sugar levels dropped by almost 30 percent in individuals who had taken 1,000 micrograms of chromium picolinate each day. Sugar, alcohol in all forms, and white flour each slow up the assimilation of chromium within the body, which produces a vicious cycle. Substantial sugar consumption leads to chromium deficiency, which results in blood sugar inconsistencies and increases powerful cravings for sugar. Chromium supplements could build up chromium amounts in the body and disrupt the vicious circle.

L-Glutamine is actually an amino acid (a building block of protein) which the brain uses for fuel when blood sugar levels are very low. It may also help to balance bloodstream sugar levels.

Once you have taken care of the cravings, you will discover that it is simpler to switch to a nutritious diet. Steer clear of sugar and refined carbs, take in lots of healthy proteins, fresh fruits and veggies, healthy fats and average amounts of complex carbohydrates. Protein needs to be consumed at each meal because it assists in maintaining blood sugar levels by triggering the production of glucagon, a hormone which levels out the action of insulin. Fruit and vegetables give you a great supply of the vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain stable blood sugar.

You will be amazed at how much better you’ll feel after a couple of weeks of no sugar. Many individuals describe feeling relaxed and balanced, reduction of depression and anxiety, improved energy and better overall health, in addition to weight loss and an end to continually feeling hungry. When you experience the need for sugar, grab your L-glutamine instead and defeat your addiction to sugar.

 

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