For those in the USA, I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. For the most part the traditional Thanksgiving meal is full of refined carbohydrates. Just about everything we consume in our holiday meal has added sugar. My Thanksgiving meal was no exception. We purchased a prepared meal from a local healthy grocer and while the words “natural”, “organic” were presented on the labels, the ingredients were still full of sugar and refined starches. In addition to the prepared meal, I made my own no sugar cranberry sauce and prepared other options like brussels sprouts with bacon and roasted sweet potatoes. The white mashed potatoes and gravy still made its way on my plate. For desert we had a Costco pumpkin cheesecake and I had a small slice and honestly, it was WAY too sweet for me and not as enjoyable as I had hoped. Within 30 mins I was feeling the effects of the carbs and sugar rush. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling. It was like having an alcohol hangover.
I test my blood glucose often (although I’m not diabetic) to see how different foods effect my blood sugar. My normal range is around the mid 80’s after eating a low carbohydrate meal. I tested my blood glucose about 40 mins after the carb/sugar load and my reading was 112. I can’t remember the last my reading was over 95. This was shocking but not surprising.
Never in the history of mankind, have we had an emergency need to lower blood sugar. The chronic high levels of blood sugar are creating an epidemic of diabetes and obesity, which lead to other health problems like high blood pressure, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, and insomnia.
Elevated blood sugar is also related to brain health. There’s a process called glycation whereby glucose reacting with proteins result in “sticky proteins”. These proteins covered with this sticky sugar begin to harden. Glycation injures the brains neurons cell membranes and creates neuro inflammation. Diabetics have 4 times the rate of Alzheimer’s, pre-diabetics 3 times and compromised blood sugar 2 times risk. The inability of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients to utilize glucose is a key factor in disease, and what we know as diabetes is newly coined as Type 3 Diabetes. In Dr. David Perlmutter’s book Brain Maker, Dr. Perlmutter shares studies that there’s a direct correlation between elevated bold sugar levels and Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Going back to my Thanksgiving meal, even the turkey was pumped with sugar to enhance the taste. Unless you cook your own food to know what you’re eating you can’t escape sugar or the hidden names for sugar. If sugar or a sugary ingredient is listed as one of the first three ingredients, it’s likely that the product is high in sugar. There is some good news from the USDA. In 2015 on average, Americans consumed 120 lbs. of caloric sweeteners compared to 151 lbs. in 1999. Caloric sweetener being refined cane and beet sugars, corn sweeteners and honey and edible sweeteners.
I know many people who try to avoid sugar. You need to be diligent and vigilant and read every label and know the hidden names where sugar lurks.
If you have any thoughts, comments or feedback you can post below or send me an email at Pat@PutOldOnHold.co
Pat Garner holds certifications in Professional, Addiction & Recovery Coaching, is a Sedona Method Facilitator and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. Most recently, a number of her articles on addiction and wellness have been featured by the World Coaching Institute. She has earned the reputation as a dedicated leader and advocate of change.
During her own journey from addiction fifteen years ago, Pat discovered the world of holistic health and wellness that led to her adopt and promote a ketogenic lifestyle that has become an integral part of her mission to awaken people to their infinite potential so they can achieve lasting personal success in all areas of life. Pat invites reader comments and questions. Pat@PutOldonHoldJournal.com
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