SUGAR: THE BIG, BAD WOLF THAT BLOWS DOWN OUR HOUSE OF HEALTH
I recently went to a professional development conference where the speaker presented hard evidence of the harmful effects of sugar. It scared me into writing this blog. I had been toying with the idea for a long time. During that time, I have collected articles, etc. with titles such as "Suicide by Sugar," "Sugar and How it Affects Your Life," "Sugar, the Great Food Deceiver," "Sugar's Hidden Danger"...You get the idea!
For a number of reasons I have been timid about speaking up on this subject. I have felt that I shouldn't stick my nose into others' nutritional business when I struggle so much myself with nutritional issues. However...as I listened to the presenter at this conference speak about the detrimental effects sugar has on children, I realized, "Uh-oh. I'm in the Early Childhood field and it is my business!" So here we go!
Lets start with the over consumption of sugar. The American Heart Association is now recommending that sugar consumption be limited for heart health. Conversely, sugar consumption is increasing in this nation to frightening levels. The AHA says that maximum consumption for men should be 9 teaspoons a day and 6 teaspoons a day for women. Obviously, sugar consumption for children should be less than that.
Most kids in the USA today are consuming 32 tsp. of sugar a day. Sugar consumption in 1999 was 158 pounds per person per year plus 20 pounds of corn syrup. I'm here to tell you it's not getting any better in 2015, but the effects over time are now evident! One in eight adults in the US have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and diabetes is diagnosed in youth and children more often and at much younger ages.
Obesity is the most obvious symptom of sugar overdose. 2/3 of adults in the U.S. are obese (and the percentage is higher than that among us baby boomers). 1/3 of children in the U.S. are obese. The number of overweight children has tripled in a decade. 30% of obese children will develop diabetes. Half of U.S. children have chronic illness which includes diabetes.
Next, take a look at what sugar does in the brain. Brain imaging shows that a brain on sugar and a brain on cocaine are very similar. Sugar is addictive! Brain images the presenter showed us also show that sugar does the same thing to your brain that smoking, alcohol and cocaine do. You damage yourself with every dose of sugar. Here's the sugar addiction cycle:
1. You eat sugar and crave it because of its addictive properties.
2. Blood sugar levels spike
3. Blood sugar levels drop rapidly. Body craves the lost sugar high.
4. Hunger and cravings drive you to eat sugar and the cycle repeats itself.
This speaker delivered a great deal of research which shows that autism, ADHD, and other behavioral and health issues are increasing at an alarming rate and that individual children's challenges are more and more severe. She said, that while there is not one cause, sugar consumption factors in as part of the total load. It is a key player.
To summarize other harmful effects of sugar, I will quote from author, Linda Allen. "Sugar can also damage the immune system (compromising the defense against bacteria), produce an acidic stomach environment (ideal for Candida), cause food allergies...increase the size of the liver (disrupting it from filtering toxins and used hormones), and encourages the development of bad bacteria in the colon. This means more stress on the organs of elimination, more toxins and more yeast infection."
Now, just in case you are filled with despair because you are addicted to sugar and don't feel you can ever overcome it, here is a helpful suggestion from herbalogist, Roger Drummer. The first thing that goes into your mouth in the morning needs to be protein. Completely eliminate the typical sugary and refined carb breakfasts so many of us eat, especially children who prefer sugary cereals, pancakes, toast and jam. Protein is what the brain needs when you "break fast" and will reduce the cravings so that you can successfully avoid sugar the rest of the day. If you do give sugar to your children, at least balance it with protein.
Good luck. I know it's hard, but what is happening to all of us is scary. It is especially frightening to see what is happening to our children. I saw a tremendous difference years ago when I eliminated sugar from my children's diet. I know it helps!
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Friday, July 24, 2015
NEWS FLASH! PROBIOTICS!!!
Industrialization has wiped beneficial microorganisms out of our gutscape. Urban dwellers, and really the whole industrialized world, have a deficit in our microbiomes or in other words, the microorganisms in our guts. This deficit may contribute to low-grade anxiety, psychological distress, less resiliency, negative mental outlook, etc. We can't overcome this deficit by simply taking probiotics but they can really make a difference. We also need to get outside and move. Connect. Eat real food.
A lady in our new ward subscribes to medical journals and was kind enough to give me this piece of information: Roots of Gluten Sensitivity is the title..
"Studies have shown a strong correlation between low levels of Bifidobacteria and the risk of children becoming susceptible to gluten sensitivity or even celiac disease, a more potent form of sensitivity.
Bifidobacteria suppresses the release of inflammatory cytokines from macrophages and microglia, the main culprit immune cells in celiac disease.
The link to Bifidobacteria is so strong that it has been proposed as a way to prevent the disorder in high-risk individuals and in animal models of gluten sensitivity as it reverses gluten damage in the gut.
Being on a gluten-free diet can improve most of the symptoms of celiac disease, but has no effect on levels of Bifidobacteria, which need to be increased.
Most cases of gluten sensitivity and even full blown celiac disease go undiagnosed for 20 years or more. This makes treatment with Bifidobacteria early in life even more important."
From the Blaylock Wellness Report, July 2016 p. 5
Industrialization has wiped beneficial microorganisms out of our gutscape. Urban dwellers, and really the whole industrialized world, have a deficit in our microbiomes or in other words, the microorganisms in our guts. This deficit may contribute to low-grade anxiety, psychological distress, less resiliency, negative mental outlook, etc. We can't overcome this deficit by simply taking probiotics but they can really make a difference. We also need to get outside and move. Connect. Eat real food.
A lady in our new ward subscribes to medical journals and was kind enough to give me this piece of information: Roots of Gluten Sensitivity is the title..
"Studies have shown a strong correlation between low levels of Bifidobacteria and the risk of children becoming susceptible to gluten sensitivity or even celiac disease, a more potent form of sensitivity.
Bifidobacteria suppresses the release of inflammatory cytokines from macrophages and microglia, the main culprit immune cells in celiac disease.
The link to Bifidobacteria is so strong that it has been proposed as a way to prevent the disorder in high-risk individuals and in animal models of gluten sensitivity as it reverses gluten damage in the gut.
Being on a gluten-free diet can improve most of the symptoms of celiac disease, but has no effect on levels of Bifidobacteria, which need to be increased.
Most cases of gluten sensitivity and even full blown celiac disease go undiagnosed for 20 years or more. This makes treatment with Bifidobacteria early in life even more important."
From the Blaylock Wellness Report, July 2016 p. 5
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
EMPOWER PEEPS, LISTEN UP!
FYI For a lot of people that take Empower, it is a long-term commitment. Why? Because Empower is food/nutrition and needs to be replaced daily just like other food we eat. Our brains, and I'm talking about the entire human race, are fueled by the food we eat. In order for Empower to work well, it needs to be taken every day in the dosage that your individual brain and make-up requires.
You are unique, your circumstances are different than anyone else. I personally can't determine what is best for you, but I am learning that there are some commonalities. The biggest one is that, whether or not you are on medication, you need to work up gradually to the dosage that is best for you.
As you work up gradually, start taking Empower with breakfast. Take one capsule at breakfast. The next day add a capsule at lunch. The third day take two at breakfast, then two at lunch. If taking more than four, then the next day add another at breakfast and another at lunch. If taking higher doses ( and you should consult with Support personnel to know correct amount for you) then add Empower at dinner but be sure to take that dose 4-5 hours before bedtime
Always take Empower with food, ideally with meals. Eat half of your meal, take the Empower, then eat the rest of your meal.
Eight is the highest dosage for most people. Support people I have talked to have recommended at least six a day for people in a high stress situation/lifestyle. Four is generally a good maintenance dose. A body can't absorb more than three at a time, so take that four in two doses. Also avoid taking it anywhere near bedtime for optimal sleep.
Most people don't get a stomach ache with Empower, and if they do, it is temporary. If you do get a stomach ache, you may need to back off and build up more slowly. In this and any other discomforts that you feel might be related to taking Empower, call Support and get their take on it.
If you take thyroid medication, you need to determine with help from Support what is the best time to take thyroid medication in relationship to Empower.
I was told that when pregnant and lactating mothers take Empower, it gives their baby's brain what it needs. The baby will be calmer, happier, and more intelligent. Support will help these mothers to know how to get started and dosage amounts. Eight is the recommended dosage for pregnancy. Pregnant mothers may want to take additional folate and iron.
Something to be aware of is that some supplements interfere with Empower and shouldn't be taken if you are taking Empower. Clear any herbs or supplements with the Support staff.
To smooth out any difficulties you may be experiencing, Support people may suggest additional products that are compatible with Empower. For example, I was told that Choline helps with racing thoughts. It calms the brain and doesn't interfere with Empower. It can be purchased at a health food store. It's not habit forming and you can safely take up to 2000 mg. a day if you spread it out.
In a previous post I talked about taking probiotics. You can and should take them along with Empower. Some people also require some anti-fungal use.
If you are on psychotropic medication and in the process of taking Empower to reduce or completely go off the meds, you will start feeling overmedicated as your brain heals. For most people this is a groggy, lethargic feeling or possibly agitation. Again, call Support to know how to reduce medication and get feeling good again.
Remember that these are only general guidelines. YOU might be different. Support personnel are awesome at helping you figure out what is best for you.
Does it sound like I am totally in support of Support. Yup! I am. I feel it is such a great resource! Are you concerned with the expense? All I can say is investing in brain health is one of the most important investments you could ever make. In my own experience, sometimes answers to prayers cost $. And it's worth it!!
Be well!
As you work up gradually, start taking Empower with breakfast. Take one capsule at breakfast. The next day add a capsule at lunch. The third day take two at breakfast, then two at lunch. If taking more than four, then the next day add another at breakfast and another at lunch. If taking higher doses ( and you should consult with Support personnel to know correct amount for you) then add Empower at dinner but be sure to take that dose 4-5 hours before bedtime
Always take Empower with food, ideally with meals. Eat half of your meal, take the Empower, then eat the rest of your meal.
Eight is the highest dosage for most people. Support people I have talked to have recommended at least six a day for people in a high stress situation/lifestyle. Four is generally a good maintenance dose. A body can't absorb more than three at a time, so take that four in two doses. Also avoid taking it anywhere near bedtime for optimal sleep.
Most people don't get a stomach ache with Empower, and if they do, it is temporary. If you do get a stomach ache, you may need to back off and build up more slowly. In this and any other discomforts that you feel might be related to taking Empower, call Support and get their take on it.
If you take thyroid medication, you need to determine with help from Support what is the best time to take thyroid medication in relationship to Empower.
I was told that when pregnant and lactating mothers take Empower, it gives their baby's brain what it needs. The baby will be calmer, happier, and more intelligent. Support will help these mothers to know how to get started and dosage amounts. Eight is the recommended dosage for pregnancy. Pregnant mothers may want to take additional folate and iron.
Something to be aware of is that some supplements interfere with Empower and shouldn't be taken if you are taking Empower. Clear any herbs or supplements with the Support staff.
To smooth out any difficulties you may be experiencing, Support people may suggest additional products that are compatible with Empower. For example, I was told that Choline helps with racing thoughts. It calms the brain and doesn't interfere with Empower. It can be purchased at a health food store. It's not habit forming and you can safely take up to 2000 mg. a day if you spread it out.
In a previous post I talked about taking probiotics. You can and should take them along with Empower. Some people also require some anti-fungal use.
If you are on psychotropic medication and in the process of taking Empower to reduce or completely go off the meds, you will start feeling overmedicated as your brain heals. For most people this is a groggy, lethargic feeling or possibly agitation. Again, call Support to know how to reduce medication and get feeling good again.
Remember that these are only general guidelines. YOU might be different. Support personnel are awesome at helping you figure out what is best for you.
Does it sound like I am totally in support of Support. Yup! I am. I feel it is such a great resource! Are you concerned with the expense? All I can say is investing in brain health is one of the most important investments you could ever make. In my own experience, sometimes answers to prayers cost $. And it's worth it!!
Be well!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
"INSTRUCTION MANUAL" FOR HAVING SUPPORT WHILE USING EMPOWERPLUS
Empowerplus is a powerful nutritional supplement specially formulated to nourish the brain and repair brain function without side effects. If you are on medication, it is vital that you work with support personel who have been trained to help you to either get off your medication or be able to take Empower along with medication. Even if you are not on a medication, order to gain the greatest benefit, it is vital that you are an informed user.
I am so grateful that I have had the Support program to help me and mine make our way through the difficult and bewildering tangle of symptoms and side effects caused by medications. I loved being able to access it on most business days. I talked many times to knowledgeable, professional Support personnel who have been trained to help individuals to use EMPowerplus effectively.
So these are my instructions:
1) Access Support for as long as you need it. In this post I will tell you how to do that. Let me emphasize again that if you are on psychotropic medications, you really must have Support! Remember too that Caffeine is essentially a medication, along with tea and certain herbs. Be aware that if you are taking thyroid along with this supplement there is a certain protocol. You may choose to replace medication with EMPowerplus. Support personnel will guide you in doing that safely.
2) Give it a good try, long enough to see results. If it stops working well or you experience any kind
of difficulties that you think might be related, call Support personnel.
You can buy Empowerplus from Truehope, the parent company, or through QScience, the direct marketing company that makes Empower available in the United States. It is also available through Amazon. If you are buying Empower, renamed Q96 because it is no longer a Truehope product, through QScience it is less expensive but does not offer any support.
Empowerplus is a powerful nutritional supplement specially formulated to nourish the brain and repair brain function without side effects. If you are on medication, it is vital that you work with support personel who have been trained to help you to either get off your medication or be able to take Empower along with medication. Even if you are not on a medication, order to gain the greatest benefit, it is vital that you are an informed user.
I am so grateful that I have had the Support program to help me and mine make our way through the difficult and bewildering tangle of symptoms and side effects caused by medications. I loved being able to access it on most business days. I talked many times to knowledgeable, professional Support personnel who have been trained to help individuals to use EMPowerplus effectively.
So these are my instructions:
1) Access Support for as long as you need it. In this post I will tell you how to do that. Let me emphasize again that if you are on psychotropic medications, you really must have Support! Remember too that Caffeine is essentially a medication, along with tea and certain herbs. Be aware that if you are taking thyroid along with this supplement there is a certain protocol. You may choose to replace medication with EMPowerplus. Support personnel will guide you in doing that safely.
2) Give it a good try, long enough to see results. If it stops working well or you experience any kind
of difficulties that you think might be related, call Support personnel.
You can buy Empowerplus from Truehope, the parent company, or through QScience, the direct marketing company that makes Empower available in the United States. It is also available through Amazon. If you are buying Empower, renamed Q96 because it is no longer a Truehope product, through QScience it is less expensive but does not offer any support.
There are two ways I know of to get the support you need. One way is from Truehope. To be eligible for Support from Truehope, you must order supplements from there. Empower from Truehope costs more than buying wholesale from QScience. Essentially, that cost difference pays for Truehope Support. The Truehope phone number is 1-888-878-3467.
The other way is through MicroNutrient Support Services Anyone can access this Service by calling 1-866-397-3116. They provide support IF you have bought and are using EMPower which is the Truehope product. They do not offer support if you are taking Q96. They offer a free assessment to help you determine if you need the Support Services and to inform you on the protocol for building up the dosage of Empower.
For this free assessment, register at www.micronutrient support.com. Fill out the registration to the point where it asks you to enter credit card info. Instead of doing that, exit out. Within 24 hours you can expect a phone call to complete the assessment. If it is determined that you need the Support, there is a monthly fee. As of Oct. 2020, the monthly cost is $34.85. I was told that most people don't require Support for a long period of time.
An option for buying is to join the QScience company. If you choose this option, you pay about $80 a year and buy the product wholesale on autoship, which is the lowest cost. Or you can be a preferred customer and get autoship. Or you can buy retail which costs the most. Go to my website wellonyourway.myqsciences.com to join and/or order product.
An option for buying is to join the QScience company. If you choose this option, you pay about $80 a year and buy the product wholesale on autoship, which is the lowest cost. Or you can be a preferred customer and get autoship. Or you can buy retail which costs the most. Go to my website wellonyourway.myqsciences.com to join and/or order product.
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