Sugar's Effects

  When I fast on the Jewish High Holiday of Yom Kippur, I crave one thing the most as the last hours of the Holy Day wind down: orange juice! That may seem odd at first, but orange juice is loaded with sugar, and when you learn how that substance affects your body, you understand!
   An article in the Washington Post syndicate by Casey Seidenberg a while back did a good job in explaining it..
   *Sugar comes from sugar cane or sugar beets, and is one big carbohydrate, with no nutritional value: no protein, vitamins, minerals or fiber.
    *It has an addictive effect, and, interestingly, was called "crack" when it was introduced to Europe in the 1100's
    *Going "cold turkey" on refined sugar can cause withdrawal symptoms like a drug: fatigue, depression, head and body aches.
     *Over-consumption of sugar can alter your taste buds, where it craves sweeter and sweeter foods, no longer satisfied with the natural sugars in fruits and other whole foods.
      *Sugar enters the bloodstream rapidly, because there are no nutrients or fibers to slow the process down. This causes a quick rise in blood sugar. A hormone called insulin is then released from your pancreas to distribute the sugar into your cells, causing the blood sugar levels to drop. You get an instant burst of energy, which may make you hyper and unable to focus.
     *When the insulin does it's job (protecting your body from a dangerous level of blood sugar!),
  your energy levels immediately drop, which can leave you lethargic, cranky, and desiring more sugar!
  *Sugar has been known to suppress the immune system, which can lead to a greater frequency of colds, flu's, and other illnesses.
  *Sugar can leave you feeling bloated, where you don't eat enough healthful foods, leaving you deficient in vital nutrients.
   *Everyone knows the association between sugar and obesity and diabetes, but it also has links to high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, asthma, arthritis, and ADD/ADHD symptoms in youngsters.
   Sugar is hidden in many foods, and let's face it, is enjoyable to ingest! It is hard to completely eliminate refined sugar from your diet, and you don't need to, unless ordered by your doctor. Keep it limited for special treats and balance it out with a healthy diet of natural foods.
    As for my Yom Kipper fast, my drop in blood sugar had my body craving the "quick fix" the orange juice provided. Not to worry, I supplemented it with plenty of other calories sources, like a few open-faced bagels with Nova Scotia salmon ("Lox"), tomatoes and onions, and some noodle pudding on the side. I wasn't lacking in any nutrient by the time I was done with the "break fast!"