Sugar, Sugar, Sugar (1)

This is certainly the time of year for sweet treats to be on the horizon. It's unfortunately no wonder this is also cold and flu season, coincidence I think not. Certain items we consume are huge sources of inflammation. Inflammation is the start of disease.  White processed bleached sugar is extremely inflammatory and a danger to our immune system.

 All minerals are stripped from the original sugar and it leaves up with a very sweet addictive substance. Companies count on consumers this the next three months of every year to make a killing. Sadly, while what we are choosing to purchase as consumers may be lining the companies pockets, we are killing ourselves, and not so slowly.

Type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly, that disease is completely diet dependent. Morbidly obese people are now becoming the norm in the United States. Sugar consumption is not the only contributing factor, but is an enormous piece of the pie, no pun intended. Childhood obesity is on the rise as well, which leads into usually obese adults. We are teaching our children that this hedonistic lifestyle of pleasure pleasing through our mouths as well as every other area is an "okay" and acceptable way to live.

It has only been in the last 60 years or so that problems really started to occur. Tracking back before that time convenience foods loaded with processed sugars, salts, and other preservatives really weren't available or at least not that popular. Before that time people would cook and eat traditional foods. Sugary treats were a rarity.

Another issue that is plaguing our nation is arthritis. Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. There are different types of arthritis. Currently research is discovering that eating a diet in anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric and ginger is of great help as well as eliminating processed lab experiments like donuts, cakes, and cookies makes a huge difference.

Due to the fact that the chemicals in these sweet foods are so addicting it is not always easy to just say no.  In order to deal with cravings it does take patience, but take heart that after a while they will decrease or when you have them they will change to healthy cravings. The body knows what it needs and we have to listen. Next time I'll dig deep with what sugar does and what sweetener options are available that are better for our bodies.