Sugar is Everywhere
It is one of the most commonly used ingredients on the market. Companies add sugar to products for a variety of reasons. There are two that stick out to me the most. First of all, it’s highly addictive, so companies know consumers will keep coming back for more. Secondly, sugar is added for the purpose of “weight,” because packages are sold by the pound. This obviously requires less product in each bag increasing their sales.
Sugar hides in all types of foods, like, milk, yogurt, breads, crackers, breakfast bars, juice, cereal, and so much more. If you haven’t realized it by now, most Companies do not care about you or your family’s health.. Only about taking more money from your pockets.
The recommended daily sugar intake is 6 teaspoons for women, 9 teaspoons for men, and 3 teaspoons (or less) for children. The average American consumes more than 14 teaspoons of sugar a day! So let’s talk about why sugar is even an issue in the first place.
Glucose Levels Rise and Fall
Unstable blood sugar can cause mood swings, decrease attention and focus, cause confusion, and increase your cravings in general. I had unstable blood sugar levels as a teen that followed me into my college years, but I never understood what it was. I didn’t realize it then, but the diet I was consuming was high in sugar and causing more harm than good.
The Immune System
The immune system is one of the most intricate parts of the human body. One of its’ greatest enemies, though, is sugar. What researchers have found is that bacteria, viruses, yeast, and even cancer all feed on sugar. So when your body comes down with a cold or virus of some kind, the quickest way to fight it off is to stop consuming all kinds of sugar. Knowing where sugar lurks is key to keeping your immune system strong.
Cognitive Decline
The doctors and media may not tell you the whole truth when giving tips on how to prevent cognitive decline … sugar actually causes inflammation in the brain tissue as well. Long term consumption of sugar leads to early stages of short term memory loss and confusion. The brain uses more energy than any other organ in the body. When it is fed whole foods and glucose from natural sources the brain can function at optimal levels making you an effective human for the people in your lives.
Effect on Children
Just like sugar affects the adult brain, researchers have found children’s brains to be even more susceptible to sugar overload. The diets of children in America are full of processed foods and snacks - all ridiculously high in sugar content. High intake of sugar has been linked to childhood obesity, attention deficits, behavior issues, and fatigue due to the highs and lows of their glucose levels.
What Does This Mean for You?
Well, it means we must become advocates for our own health and the ones we care for. We as Moms are typically the ones who bring the food into our homes, plan and prepare the meals, and pack lunches for the following day. Become label readers, educate yourself, and influence the women around. The more you know and put into practice the more motivated you will be to stay the healthier version of you.
Remember - you were created specifically for YOUR children. When your brain and body are clouded with poor food choices it can limit your God-given capabilities as a mom. Join our Free FB Group to find new strategies to for your toddlers at home.
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