| Tasty Poisons - Sugar and Salt: How Bad Are They For You ? |
Sugar and salt are two unnatural, chemical substances that are toxic to the body, yet they are nearly a part of every meal or snack.Pastries and other baked goods contain a lot of sugar as well as many manufactured drinks. Sugar and salt are found in almost every home and restaurant around the world.
Unfortunately, sugar and salt are as addictive as heroin and they both cause withdrawal symptoms. Parents give sugar and salt to babies and children without question and many people with heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes still crave and consume sugar and salt because they are addictive.
Although people are generally aware of other addictive substances such as alcohol and cigarettes, few know that sugar and salt are addictive ... and extremely toxic.
We just can't get enough of the sweet stuff...
The average consumer in the USA eats 2-3 pounds of sugar in one week and in the U.K. average consumers eat 4 to 5 pounds of sugar a week.
White sugar becomes toxic due to the manufacturing process involved. It originates from sugar cane or sugar beets which are both healthy, natural foods. The juice is pressed out of the cane and processed into molasses. Sucrose is then extracted and processed again to form white crystals. During this process, all vitamins and minerals are removed. It therefore has no nutritional value.
The extent of damage done to the internal system from sugar and salt is quite frightening. They are more harmful than any known narcotic or illegal drug. Think about this because sugar and salt do more harm to the body than heroin, cocaine, alcohol or cigarettes. To make matters worse, the body requires balance in all things; but sugar and salt are eaten in excess to the point where the body has no chance of fighting off the toxic effects.
Sugar and salt are given to newborn babies in formula, foods and drinks. As they grow, babies and children develop an addiction to sugary foods such as sweets, candies, ice cream, pastries, cakes, biscuits, cookies, candies and sweet sodas and drinks. We tend to say 'children like sweets' but that is not the case at all. Children form a craving for sweet foods simply because sugar is extremely addictive. From the first taste an addiction occurs.
The consistent supply of these substances to the body from birth into adulthood is the underlying reason for many health conditions. To make matters worse, many health conditions such as a poor immune system and susceptibility to colds are not associated with the constant use of sugar and salt.
Once Inside the Body - Just How Dangerous is Sugar?
It is almost unbelievable that a substance that is enjoyed by millions of people can be more dangerous than addictive drugs. The following complications have been sourced from scientific studies.
Blood Acidity
Sugar contributes to the problem of acidosis. Acidity is the main cause of disease in the body including inflammations, coronary disease and fibrocystic conditions.
Increased Cavities and Periodontal Disease
Sugar causes the saliva to become acidic leading to an increased chance of cavities and the possibility of periodontal disease.
Excess Mucous
Sugar creates excess mucous in the sinusoids and provides an ideal environment for toxins and pathogens to thrive in.
A Dysfunctional Immune System
Sugar suppresses the immune system and causes susceptibility to colds, flu and infectious diseases.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Sugar can cause many problems with the gastrointestinal tract including: acidity, indigestion, malabsorption in patients with functional bowel disease, increased risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Cellular damage and death
Sugar is highly toxic and causes cellular disturbance and dysfunction. When the body's cells are damaged, the entire body begins to break down and develop disease.
| Increases Free Radicals Sugar in the bloodstream stimulates a lot of free radicals - the progenitors of disease. The more sugar consumed the higher the levels. Lowers Vitamin E Levels An increase in free radicals affects levels of vitamin E in the blood which is an antioxidant. In a study, 14 healthy men and women fasted for 12 hours and then consumed a drink composed of 75 mg of glucose which is roughly equivalent to the sugar content in two cans of soda. A control group of 6 patients drank a water-saccharin solution. In patients who drank the sugar water, the free radical generation increased significantly at one hour and more than doubled at two hours. However, there was no change in free radical generation in samples taken from the controls. At the same time, levels of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) fell about 4 percent by hour two and remained depressed at hour three showing that sugar lowers important antioxidant levels which are essential for cellular health. Gallstones High-intake of sugar has been associated with an increased risk for gallstones. A diet that involves too many carbohydrates can also increase risk, since carbohydrates are converted to sugar in the body. The body requires balance for general health. Porosis of the Skeletal System Otherwise known as osteoporosis, sugar is the hidden cause Mineral Deficiencies Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in your body: causes chromium and copper deficiencies and interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium. Increases Adrenaline Sugar can cause can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline, hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children. Cellular and Tissue Damage / Increased Death Rate of Cells from Increased Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE's) High sugar intake increases advanced glycation end products. AGE's are sugar molecules attaching to and thereby damaging proteins in the body). Decreases the Metabolism of Protein Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein. |
Impairs Physiological Homeostasis
High sugar intake can impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in your body.
Causes Enzyme Dysfunction
Sugar lowers the ability of enzymes to function. Enzymes are the stimulants of all biochemical and physiological function in the body. Sugar goes to the enzymatic level - the very core of DNA and cellular function and causes dysfunction.
Causes Liver Enlargement and Fatty Tissue
Kidney Dysfunction and Damage
Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney such as the formation of kidney stones.
Increases Bad Cholesterol Levels
Sugar can produce a significant rise in total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol and a decrease in good cholesterol.
High sugar intake can impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in your body.
Causes Enzyme Dysfunction
Sugar lowers the ability of enzymes to function. Enzymes are the stimulants of all biochemical and physiological function in the body. Sugar goes to the enzymatic level - the very core of DNA and cellular function and causes dysfunction.
Causes Liver Enlargement and Fatty Tissue
We have heard about the effects of alcoholc consumption on the liver. Why haven't we heard about the effects of sugar? Sugar can increase liver size by causing abnormal cellular division and increase the amount of liver fat leading to disease.
Kidney Dysfunction and Damage
Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney such as the formation of kidney stones.
Increases Bad Cholesterol Levels
Sugar can produce a significant rise in total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol and a decrease in good cholesterol.
Feeds Cancer Cells
Cancer cells like every living cell in the body need to eat in order to spread and form tumours. They thrive on sugar and protein especially from red meat. Sugar has been directly linked to the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, biliary tract, lungs, gallbladder and stomach. Sugar plays a significant role in the development of CANCER and causes the spread of cancer. Loss of Tissue Flexibility
Sugar causes a loss of tissue elasticity and function.
Interferes with Cognitive Function
Sugar can reduce the learning capacity, adversely affect school children's grades and cause learning disorders. It also causes an increase in delta, alpha, and theta brain waves which can alter your mind's ability to think clearly.
Increases Glucose Levels in the Blood
Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose and can cause reactive hypoglycemia.
Premature Aging
Sugar can cause premature aging through rapid cellular death
Autoimmune Illnesses
Sugar is a strong contributing cause to the development of arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis.
Feeds and Strongly Promotes the Growth of Candida Albicans
This is the main fungal infection that is associated with cancer. Research shows that cancer is candida albicans. Sugar greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans throughout the body.
Deregulates Glucose and Insulin Levels- sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraceptive users.
Causes High Insulin Levels Leading to DIABETES
Sugar can cause a decrease in your insulin sensitivity thereby causing abnormally high insulin levels and eventually diabetes.
Contributes to High Blood Pressure
Sugar can increase your systolic blood pressure.
Toxemia
Sugar makes the body toxic because it is a toxin! but it can also cause a dangerous condition known as toxemia during pregnancy.
Skin problems
Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease Very few doctors explain the link between sugar and heart disease. Many people who have this problem have absolutely no idea that something 'as harmless as sugar' can do this. A study (one of many) conducted by Barbara V. Howard et al., 2002 published in 'Circulation' by the American Heart Association, states that
during the 1960's and 1970's a higher intake of sugar was associated with increased cardiovascular disease.
Recent studies show that diets high in sugar cause a higher formation of AGE's interfering with blood circulation, obesity and heart disease. Common disaccharides are sucrose (glucose+fructose) and lactose (glucose+galactose).
IMPAIRS THE STRUCTURE OF DNA
Any substance that impairs the structure of DNA, we know we should not go there. In relation to the severe damage caused by sugar - this one takes the cake. The mutation of DNA and an underlying cause of genetic diseases. This is why sugar has been referred to as a POISON. We have to accept that there are poisons that are legalized and approved for consumption and there are others that are not (drugs - cocaine etc). Sugar is not the only poison that we consume - many chemicals used in processed foods are toxic to the body and are approved for use. So we have to be selective about what we eat!
Sugar does its damage inside the body while those who take it are blissfully unaware of the internal chaos taking place - that is, until there is a diagnosis. Every time sugar is consumed, the cells of the body are attacked and the immune system fights against ion against an alien substance. inside their bodies - until years later - there is a diagnosis.. Even if there isn't a diagnosis - the poor quality of health experienced today with no apparent reason is linked to unknown poisons like sugar.
Changes the Structure of Proteins
Another mutation that leads to poor health. Sugar can change the structure of protein and cause a permanent alteration of the way the proteins act in your body.
Skin Losing its Youthful Glow? Wrinkles? Age Spots? Yes - SUGAR
Sugar can make your skin age by changing the structure of collagen. Notice the ability of sugar to cause many mutations in the body.
Cataracts
Sugar can cause cataracts and nearsightedness.
Emphysema
In the medical field emphysema is not generally associated with one of its underlying causes - sugar. It is always important to find out WHY you have a condition and what are the underlying causes - when you start to link your lifestyle habits including the foods you eat and environmental factors to disease, you stand a better chance of overcoming whatever ailment you have. A study published in Idenshi Igaku Mook (Japan) 2005 by Kenkoku Ko, entitled 'Sugar Chain and Disease' underlines the relation of the sugar chain to the onset of disease including pulmonary emphysema.
Edema (Oedema)
Sugar can increase your body's fluid retention.
Accumulation of Toxins/Mucous in Colon / Infrequent Bowel Movements or Constipation
Sugar is enemy #1 of your bowel movement.
Reduces Flexibility
Sugar can make tendons more brittle
Headaches / Migraines
Sugar is especially known to can cause headaches, including migraines
|
| Depression High sugar intake is linked to depression. Data from six countries with available data for analysis showed a highly significant correlation between sugar consumption and the annual rate of depression (Pearson correlation 0.948, P=0.004). Naturally, a correlation does not necessarily imply etiology. However, thare are mechanistic reasons to consider that sugar consumption may directly impact the prevalence of major depression. (Studies taken from: Westover A.N. and Marangell L.B., Depression and Anxiety, 2002;16(3):118-20) Increases the risk of Alzheimer's With the recent highlights on Alzheimer's Disease, we are all concerned about our elderly loved ones and our own risk of developing this condition. Medical research - which only supports the use of DRUGS for health conditions - states there is 'no cure' because they have no DRUG to treat it. Yet, Alzheimer's can be prevented and also reversed by feeding the brain cells with natural sources of specific nutrients (especially found in juiced green vegetables which help to revitalize brain cells). In addition, precaution must be taken and that means avoiding sugary foods which cause gradual brain dysfunction (as noted above in cognitive abilities). Many other lifestyle habits must be avoided to prevent Alzheimer's. Hormonal Imbalances Sugar can cause hormonal imbalances such as: increasing estrogen in men, exacerbating PMS and decreasing growth hormone. It can also slow down the ability of your adrenal glands to function. Diets high in sugar will increase free radicals and oxidative stress Diets that have a high sugar intake from foods and beverages create free radicals. In other words sugary foods may taste good and be psychologically enjoyable but they are a detriment to your cells. Significantly increases platelet adhesion - High sucrose diets of subjects with peripheral vascular disease are at risk of blood clotting Causes Emotional Instability in other words, a person may become more susceptible to depression and other emotional problems due to sugar consumption. Studies show that individuals experience more emotional stability when sugar is cut from the diet. Attentention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Sugar can worsen Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms (ADHD) in children. |
Sugar also increases the amount of fat in the blood stream causing high cholesterol, narrowing and hardening of blood vessels, heart disease and many other complications. The rapid absorption of sugar also promotes cravings and excessive food intake in obese subjects.
Causes Antisocial Behavior in Children
In juvenile rehabilitation camps, when children were put on a low sugar diet, there was a 44 percent drop in antisocial behavior.
Sugar also causes the following complications:
- Has the potential of inducing abnormal metabolic processes in a normally healthy individual and to promote chronic degenerative diseases.
- Causes Damage to the Pancreas
- I.V.s (intravenous feedings) of sugar water can cut off oxygen to the brain.
- Sugar increases the risk of polio
- High sugar intake can cause epileptic seizures
- In Intensive Care Units - limiting sugar saves lives.
- A high sugar diet in pregnant adolescents can shorten the length of pregnancy and significantly increases the risk for delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant.
- Sugar given to premature babies can affect the amount of carbon dioxide they produce
- Dehydrates newborns
- Causes appendicitis
- Causes hemorrhoids
- Causes varicose veins
- Weakens eyesight
- Causes food allergies
- Compromises the lining of capillaries
- Increases the risk of gout
- Leads to dizziness
- Is Intoxicating, similar to alcohol
- Is highly addictive
- Adversely affects urinary electrolyte composition
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
When we sum up the complications in the body caused by sugar the damage just doesn't seem to end
Don't let it happen to your body
SUGAR IS A POISON
__________________________________________________________________________________________________Don't let it happen to your body
SUGAR IS A POISON
NEXT: Sugar and salt tend to go hand in hand at every meal. A lot of foods and beverages contain sugar and in addition we always want salt in our food. As if the body doesnt have enough to deal with from sugar - here's what salt does to the body >>