The Addiction That's Stealing Your Health

So you probably thought I was going to say that your iphone was the culprit hey? Actually I'm talking about the silent killer, yup the one that no one wants to admit is wreaking havoc on your health. Sugar, yes, there it is. Sugar is the addiction that is stealing your health and shortening your life. I've recently been reading a lot about 'sugar' in all it's various forms and the damage that it does to our bodies when abused or consumed in excess. 

It's no secret that the western diet is clearly one that is driven by sweetened foods. Though most people know that loading up on sugary foods and snacks is not good for their bodies it can be a real struggle for people to break this addiction or even realize that they are addicted to it. Sugar actually stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain making us crave more and more of it.  Sugar is labeled with a lot of different names as to likely confuse the consumer when label reading. Here are some of the names that sugar can be hidden under:  

1. Dextrose
2. Fructose
3. Glucose
4. Sucrose
5. High Fructose Corn Syrup
6. Lactose
7. Maltose
8. Agave Nectar
9. Fruit Juice Concentrate
10. Evaporated Cane Syrup

 The list really does go on, there are loads more words that we perceive to be healthy but are really disguising sugar. Here are some reasons that I've discovered that might make you think twice about the added sugar that you're putting into your body. I"m not talking about natural sugars that come from fruits as our bodies do need this sugar to produce energy. I'm talking about sugars that come from all types of desserts, cookies, cakes, pies, candy, chocolate, etc., you get the idea. Also the sugars that are hidden in foods that we don't even realize are in there. Foods like ketchup, worcestershire sauce, yogurts, granola bars and so on.  
     

1. Contains no essential nutrients
2. Can overload your liver and cause fatty liver disease
3. Increases toxicity in the body
4. Messes with blood sugar levels
5. Causes inflammation
6. Can contribute to cancer
7. Sugar is highly addictive
8. Can lead to obesity
9. Raises cholesterol 
10. Contributes to heart disease                                                          

One of my goals this January is to get healthier and reduce my sugar intake. As of today I am on day 18 of no sugar. Meaning no sweets or chocolate, nothing other than natural fruits. So far I had a headache for a day in the first week but other than that I feel great and have no cravings for it.  I think being active and working out regularly definitely helps with this too!  Did you set any health goals for yourself this year, if so I'd love to hear what they are. Feel free to leave your comments.