of new nerve tissue in the brain, and thus for the capacity to expand memory, learn, and grow. Research has shown that high sugar di- ets (like diets high in fat and low in essential fatty acids) decrease BDNF. Although the issue is controversial, Lendon Smith, M.D., a well-known pediatrician, has further main- tained that sugar can cause hyperactivity/ ADHD by impacting the mid-brain, which controls emotions and the ability to focus. The Natural Approach -Try: Chromium polynicotinate; B-complex; and a combina- tion of GABA, L-taurine, L-glycine, inositol, and valerian.
Weakened Immunity
Sugar not only generally suppresses the immune system (especially by competing with vitamin C for entry into cells), but it specifically feeds cancer. It has been con- nected with the development of cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pan- creas, lung, gallbladder, and stomach. The Natural Approach -Try: Bovine colostrum (especially protects against viruses and cancer; produces dopamine); echinacea (natural immune stimulant) and goldenseal (natural antibiotic); and astragalus (boosts white blood cell activity to serve as an anti- bacterial and antiviral; ideal for children).
Metabolic Syndrome / Obesity Metabolic syndrome is generally
diagnosed when a patient has three of five interrelated conditions, which the intake of excess sugar can exacerbate: (1) exces-
sive belly fat (waist circumference – women > 35”/ men > 40”); (2) high triglycerides > 150; (3) low HDL (“good” cholesterol that carries LDL out of the body) < 50; (4) high blood pressure over 130/85 (normal is 110/70); and/or (5) fasting glucose > 100, which indicates a resistance to insulin (pre- diabetes). According to Burton Berkson, M.D., Ph.D., insulin resistance always exists in metabolic syndrome because excess insu- lin production promotes increases in blood fats, blood pressure, and fat storage. By generating high levels of cell-damag-
ing free radicals, metabolic syndrome causes premature aging. Along with pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, it increases the risk for various other disorders, including heart and eye disease, Alzheimer’s, some cancers (including breast cancer), and obesity. Waist circumference is but one indica-
tor of whether one might be overweight or obese due to excess consumption of sugar. Overweight can also be defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29, while obesity can be defined as a BMI equal to or greater than 30. Since the liver can only store 100 g of glucose as glycogen, and the muscles can store only 500 g of glycogen, any excess sugars are converted to and stored as fat. There is practically no limit to how many calories the body can store as fat. The Natural Approach -Try: (1) regular
aerobic exercise (even a 10-minute walk after meals can clear glucose out of the bloodstream) and resistance training/weight lifting; (2) a calorie-restricted, healthy diet, including daily breakfast to reduce the risk of obesity and insulin resistance by 33-50%; (3) stress reduction techniques (stress and
26 Natural Nutmeg January 2012
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52