Why is Sugar Bad, Really?

We’ve all heard enough of the perils of sugar, so much so that conditions such as Diabetes has become synonymous with the substance. But packing pounds, rotting teeth and Diabetes are probably not the only reasons to worry about sugar. This article from MindBodyGreen by Dr. Kellyann Petrucci  shares some valuable information about the less talked about yet most important reason to avoid sugar, while providing some good tips to control cravings. A must read!

“Sugar constantly spikes your blood sugar, leading to three very bad consequences:

• When your blood sugar rises, your body cranks out greater numbers of pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines.
• In addition, high blood sugar levels cause your body to produce molecules called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. These are destructive molecules that trigger inflammation.
• When you have high blood sugar, your cells become insulin resistant. This means that they refuse to accept insulin and its cargo of sugar. As a result, this sugar gets stored as visceral fat. Visceral fat, in addition to giving you an unsightly belly, churns out pro-inflammatory chemicals.

In short, consuming excessive sugar can cause massive inflammation throughout your body.”

“Twenty years of experience as a weight-loss specialist have shown me that the best way to break your sugar habit is to go “cold turkey” with a low-carb, sugar-free diet. (You’ll need to cut out artificial sweeteners as well because they feed your sugar cravings.) Sugar is just like any other addiction, and the best way to conquer it is to stop feeding that addiction. Period.”

“However, here’s one big caution: The Sugar Demon won’t give up its hold on you easily. For a few days shortly after the start of a low-carb diet, you’re going to feel miserable. That’s because your cells are used to a steady stream of sugar, and when you stop eating sugar (and cut down on other carbs, which turn to sugar in your body), they’ll need to learn to burn fat instead. This is a challenge, and at first, they’ll put up a fuss. During this time, you’re going to feel tired, cranky, wired, and weird.”

“But when you triumph, you’re going to see incredible rewards in the form of quicker weight loss, beautiful skin, and glowing health. And best of all, instead of letting the Sugar Demon control your life, you’ll be the one in charge!”

The full article and her remedies can be read here: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-24763/the-real-reason-you-should-quit-sugar-how-to-cut-it-out-of-your-life-for-good.html

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