subject: Excess Sugar and Energy [print this page] Excess Sugar and Energy Excess Sugar and Energy
The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the impacts on energy in relation to excessive intake of refined sugars. Here is their report:
Sugar 'High' or Energy?
Although sugar is a primary source of energy, over-consumption of sugar is conversely a major cause for fatigue.
You may think your healthy diet is free of sugars if you avoid candy and chocolate, but refined carbohydrates such as white bread and starchy processed foods can quickly turn to sugar in the bloodstream, and can be equally damaging.
Sugar consumption is a part of our westernized diet, but it can be highly addictive. It creates a cycle of craving and bingeing.
Balancing blood sugar is an essential key to natural energy and overall good health.
Overindulgence of sugar does not just harm teeth and cause excess weight, sugars can also affect brain chemicals, nerves, muscles and the digestive system.
Sugar Spikes
Sugar is a natural energy booster, creating quick spikes of energy. The sugar sparks a rush of adrenalin and insulin in the blood which can quickly lead to the body craving more sugar as the energy spike fades, leaving the person even more drained and lacking in energy than before.
The Dangers of Excess Sugar
In 1989, the USDA reported that people aged 12-29 drank on average 638 cans of soda per annum. The average can of soda contains 8-9 teaspoons of sugar.
As the soda is consumed, the body has to deal with this sudden increase in sugar so it mobilizes a sudden surge of insulin and adrenalin to counter the sugar in the bloodstream.
When repeated on a daily basis, this repetitive surge can lead to blood sugar disorders, such as diabetes, and other health problems.
What is the Glycemic Index?
The glycemic index measures the affects of carbohydrates (which break down into sugar) and the speed with which certain foods are digested, releasing glucose into the bloodstream.
Those foods which react rapidly are given a high GI while those that release glucose at a slower, steadier rate are given a lower GI. To increase energy naturally, foods with a lower GI is preferable.
Foods with a low GI include most vegetables and fruits, legumes/pulses, whole grains and nuts. Foods with a high GI are white bread, white rice, processed breakfast cereals and baked potatoes.
Eating a diet high in fiber, with foods which are low on the glycemic index, is the best way to provide a natural energy booster which will last all day. Meals should be small but frequent to keep the levels of blood sugar steady.
Role of Superfoods
Green superfoods such as spirulina, barley grass juice and wheat grass juice are excellent to use between meals as snacks. They maintain healthy blood sugar levels and increase energy naturally.
The best way to take these superfoods is with a greens drink such as All Day Energy Greens which does exactly what its name suggests. Along with the recommended daily requirements for greens, it may provide all day energy naturally, without resorting to excess sugar.
Other excellent energy boosting supplements including taking Spirulina Deluxe in easy tablet form, or adding a few drops of Liquid Vitamin528 to a glass of water to provide vitamins, antioxidants and energy boosting supplements safely and naturally, without a hint of dangerous excess sugar.
