Sugar is BAD, mKAY?

I feel like the teacher from Southpark…(Southpark video 1 and video 2). But instead of “Drugs are Bad, mKAY?”…I’m saying, “Sugar is BAD, mKAY?” I feel like the bad guy breaking the news, especially during the holidays! But I thought it was important to share the information so that perhaps, you might consider going a little easier on sugar for the holidays and who knows, maybe you'll get inspired and let it go all together for the new year, or at least reduce your regular intake of sugar and make it for very special occasions. Moderation is key, right?

I think it is something that we all know, but I don’t think many of us realize HOW BAD sugar really is. In addition to its more known evils (weight gain, hyperactivity, tooth decay), research has shown (141 reasons article and 146 reasons article) that sugar can weaken eyesight, impair the structure of DNA, change the structure of protein, lower the enzymes ability to function, damage the pancreas, increase fluid retention, compromise the lining of the capillaries, suppress the immune system, reduce learning capacity, and slow the ability of the adrenals to function.

Further, sugar can cause premature aging, arthritis, asthma, gallstones, heart disease, appendicitis, multiple sclerosis, varicose veings, hemorrhoids, food allergies, cataracts, emphysema, atherosclerosis, headaches, migraines, loss of tissue elasticity and function, depression, hormonal imbalances, kidney stones, epileptic seizures, and constipation.

Finally, sugar also feeds cancer, so it can lead to cancer of the ovaries, play a role in pancreatic cancer in women, increase the risk of gastric cancer, lead to prostrate cancer, increase the risk of breast and stomach cancers, cause endometrial cancer, cancer of the rectum, renal carcinoma and liver tumors.

So what are your alternatives?

My preferences and recommendations are Xylitol and Stevia. Here’s a little information about each:

Xylitol is found in different fruits and vegetables, such as plums, berries and mushrooms as well as from birch trees and bark, and is produced naturally in the body. While it has the same sweetness as sugar, it has 40% fewer calories, 75% fewer carbohydrates, a low glycemic index of 7 with minimal effects on blood sugar. It is actually not considered a “sugar,” because it doesn’t display any of the negative insulin release effects as sugar. Additionally, Xylitol has been shown to reduce the risk of dental disease by killing bacteria tied to tooth decay and has other anti-bacterial, viral and fungal properties. Because of this, switching over to using Xylitol can lead to some initial digestive discomfort, but this is only because of the bad bacteria and viruses that it may be killing off initially. So upon continued use, any discomfort will pass. Finally, Xylitol is approved by the World Health Organization, European Union and Food and Drug Administration. Xylitol is my favorite alternative to sugar. Here are a few articles on Xylitol: Xylitol article, Ezine article, Zhion article, and Xyloburst article.

Stevia is an herb from the Chrysanthemum family. Stevia is significantly sweeter than sugar, but has negligible effects on blood glucose. There is even some research that it has anti-plaque benefits, but not to the levels of xylitol. The FDA is ambiguous about Stevia as it allows it to be imported as a food supplement but not a sweetener and defines Stevia as an unapproved food additive. Stevia may be used in cooking and baking, but may not caramelize like sugars. Stevia may also have a slightly bitter after taste. Some articles include: Wikipedia Stevia and Stevia.com.

There is much discussion, and use, of agave nectar, but I am not a fan as how it is metabolized is much like sugars, corn syrup and honeys, so it negatively impacts your blood sugar and insulin levels, can feed bacteria, virus and fungi in your system and hence lead to more significant negative health consequences. A series of articles by Dr. Merkola explains more about why agave is bad, and possibly even worse than high fructose corn syrup (Merkola Article 1 and Article 2). Another Agave article that is not necessarily based on hard science or from a solid source, brings up some interesting and valid perspectives that are worth considering.

That is a little food for thought on sugar and its alternatives. Sugar is bad, Agave is not so good, whereas Xylitol is best, Stevia is another good alternative. So consider letting go of sugar in the new year and replacing it with something a little better for your body…it might just do your body, your health and your soul GOOD!

You can find me at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1 and twitter @pilarstella.

You Are What You Eat!

I recently keep being reminded that we are what we eat! Over the last few years, I have been on a journey of purifying my body, mind and spirit. It has not always been the easiest of journeys! But I have increased my Kundalini yoga and meditation practice to elevate my spirit, have gone through various cleanses and dietary shifts to purify my intestines, organs and body, and working on something that I love that feeds my heart, soul and intellect! The transformation has been mind blowing and let me tell you, there have been some dark moments as I have had to clear out the old, fear, negativity, anger, and resentments that were stored in my body through the process. The result is nothing less than staggering. I feel like a new me.

Then I remembered reading something that Deepak Chopra wrote that every atom in the human body is replaced somewhere between every year and seven years. The stomach lining is replaced every 4 days, new skin every 30 days, a new liver in 6 weeks, blood is replaced in 90 days, the bones and skeleton can take longer.

Our bodies are also 60% water. Studies by Masaru Emoto on water molecules found that positive changes to water molecules can be achieved through prayer, positive thoughts or words attached to containers of water. If this is true about water, imagine what our thoughts do to our bodies? Our thoughts are energy, our emotions are energy, our spirit or soul is energy. Our thoughts have the powerful potential of healing ourselves and moving energy to help ourselves and others. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAvzsjcBtx8)

I recently watched the movie Food Matters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4DOQ6Xhqss) which was one of the most powerful documentaries about the impact that food has on our bodies and reminded me that you are what you eat. The way we eat, taking supplements, and making a lifestyle change and commitment can transform your health and life. Instead today chronic malnutrition is massively impacting our health. Over 100,000 people die every year from taking pharmaceuticals as directed. Yet doctors, the FDA and others claim that natural supplements cause harm, what is our “health” care system doing for our health? It is treating sickness rather than promoting health.

As you think about your health and seek to improve it, remember that your thoughts create your reality. I have a trick when I am starting to feel sick, I begin to chant the mantra, “I am healthy, I am healthy, I am healthy” over and over again and every time I am well within 24 hours. I am also starting to recognize that what you eat literally replenishes and revitalizes or drains and destroys your body.

The choice is yours? What will you choose? Give it a try…transform your thinking and eating and watch you health and wellbeing turn around for the positive. Miracles can happen and you have the power to make them happen.

Supplements For Thought!

I recently rediscovered supplements and how fantastic they make me feel. They have given me more energy and just helped stabilize my energy levels and health. So I thought I would share with you some of the supplements that I have incorporated into my life….I do not recommend them for everybody, however, I always wondered what to start with and these are a few that I discovered through friends, doctors, healers and others that had some amazing wisdom to share with me.

PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so these are just some that work for me. If you are considering using supplements and/or are on any other medications, you might want to check in with a doctor or your naturopathic doctor to learn more and see how they might affect you or interact with your current regimen.

Cayenne – Cayenne is great for helping with stomach and overall digestive health. One thing that is counterintuitive is that it helps with ulcers. My recommendation is to start with a lower heat index (like 40,000 units and work your way up). Some more information can be found at: http://www.cayennepepper.info/health-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper.html

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is used for colds, gas, nausea, diarrhea, diabetes, indigestion and painful menstrual cycles. It helps balance blood sugar levels if taken in capsule form (if it hits the saliva that undoes these benefits) and is believed to improve circulation, vitality and energy levels. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/cinnamon/a/cinnamon.htm and http://www.homeremediesweb.com/cinnamon_health_benefits.php

Turmeric – Turmeric is an ayurvedic herb that has been used over the centuries for its healing properties. It is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It helps circulation and promote liver, heart and digestive health, among many other things. http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com/turmeric-benefits.html

Rhodiola – Rhodiola is an herbal remedy that helps regulate your glandular and endocrine system, minimizing the effects of stress and almost acting to disable your from reacting to stress. It also helps with migraines, heart problems and supports natural weight loss. http://www.herbalremedies.com/readmorabamh.html and http://www.yourbodycanheal.com/herb-rhodiola-rosea.html

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) – has a tonifying effect that helps your body equilibrate and come into balance. So if you have some hormones that are overstimulated and others that are under stimulated, it helps to bring them back into balance. It also helps with immunity, energy, helps your nervous system, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Because it can be relaxing, it is best to take at night. It is also an antioxidant and anti stress and supports fertility. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ashwagandha.html

Probiotics – Probiotics are a healthy type of bacteria that are known for promoting digestive and overall health. Probiotic help multiply friendly or good bacteria in your system. One important thing to note, when you are taking probiotics, it is best to eat healthy when you are dosing up on probiotics so the bacteria in your digestive system that multiply are good. Also, if you take antibiotics, it is critical to take lots of probiotics as the “anti biotic” kills good and bad bacteria in your system which can allow for the bad bacteria to grow back in force. When too many bad bacteria are in your system it may cause digestive problems, sluggishness, candida, headaches and more. http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0905c.shtml and http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-probiotics/

Xylitol – Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from fibrous vegetable and fruit cell walls. In addition to being an amazing sugar substitute, it is also an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-aging remedy. It is good for your teeth and periodontal health, stabilizes insulin and hormone levels, contributes to weight loss and bone density, and promotes good health. http://www.laleva.cc/food/xylitol.html and http://ezinearticles.com/?Healthy-Benefits-of-Xylitol&id=358103 and http://www.zhion.com/digestion/XYLITOL.html

Evening Primrose Oil – EPO has benefits for your metabolism, cholesterol, premenstrual syndrome, migraines and more. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-evening-primrose.html and http://www.homeremediesweb.com/evening-primrose-oil-health-benefits.php

One other thing I will say is when you start a supplement regimen, start small. Get used to taking a few and then over time add in others. The last thing you want to do is start strong and then peter off. So keep it simple, pick one supplement to start with, get into the habit of taking supplements with or between meals and then add to those as you become more habituated. The last thing you want to do is have a bad reaction to one and then throw the whole bunch out.

This is just supplements for thought from a resident non-health expert but someone who’s always been fascinated and obsessed with being healthy!

You can find me on Twitter @pilarstella and Facebook at www.facebook.com/pilarstella1