Are you aware of how much sugar you eat daily? I just learned from a liver detox program that I am a sugar addict. My addictions do not come from eating candy or pastry, but mine come from eating too much breads, pasta and rice. During the liver detox I learned a great deal what sugar can and cannot do for you. Yes, sugar can give you energy when you need it to get through the day, but it is also harmful to your health including your digestive tract.
Did you know that the average American eats 26 teaspoons of added sugar a day? Or 182 teaspoons a week or just about 2 pounds a week or 102 pounds a year. Get the picture? Most sugar can be found in sodas, juices and processed foods.
What is a safe amount of sugar to eat per day?
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the maximum daily amount of added sugar is:
Men: 37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons
Women: 25 grams or 6 teaspoons
Children: Sugar is an important source of energy for children that helps in aiding growth. So their sugar intake can be more (check with your doctor.)
Children ages 1 to 3 – 48 grams or 12 teaspoons
Children ages 4 to 8 – 84 grams or 21 teaspoons
Children between the ages of 9 and 19
Boys – 29 to 34 grams or 7 to 9 teaspoons
Girls – 23 to 25 grams or 5.5 to 6 teaspoons
Health Disorders Linked with Sugar Consumption
According to guide2health.net, there are more than 70 health disorders that are associated with sugar consumption. The most common are:
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Attention deficient – ADD, ADHD
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Cancer: Sugar feeds cancer cells and has been connected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, lung, gallbladder and stomach
• Digestive Disorders: Sugar can cause many problems with the gastrointestinal tract, including an acidic digestive tract, indigestion, malabsorption in patients with functional bowel disease, increased risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Food allergies
• Hypoglycemia: Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose and can cause reactive hypoglycemia and mood swings
• Immune and nutritional deficiencies
• Inability to absorb protein (i.e., CeliSugar can interfere with your absorption of protein)
• Poor brain development, especially in children
• Obesity
• Tooth decay
The sugars found in fruits, vegetables and dairy foods are natural, and should have a prominent spot in your healthy eating plan. What’s dangerous to your health is added sugar, which is found in desserts, soda and baked goods, according to MayoClinic.com. White bread, white pasta and even condiments such as ketchup and barbecue sauce contain tremendous amount of added sugar.
The next time you go to the market, start to educate yourself by looking at ingredient label and note how many grams of sugar are in a serving. Of course there is a difference between natural sugars and added sugars, but due to lack of space I’ll have to write that article another time.
————————
About the writer: Helen Chin Lui is a Certified Reflexologist, Certified Energy Medicine and Reiki Practitioner. She is the founder and owner of the Healing Place in Medfield, MA. She specializes in helping adults and children to find long-lasting relief from chronic pain, digestive issues and heal hormonal imbalances naturally.
If you would like to schedule a FREE 60-minute consultation to learn how Reflexology, energy medicine and Reiki can help you to find long last relief call (508) 359-6463.
For Helen’s free report “Proven Alternative Ways to Heal Common Chronic Digestive Problems: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know Can Keep You From Healing” click here.
The Healing Place LLC helps all ages to find relief from chronic pain, chronic digestive problems and balance hormones naturally. We practice COVID19 safety. Don’t forget to check on our online school HealingPlaceEnergySchool.com. Thank you.
Recent Comments