sugar, sugar

“ . . . sugar sugar . . . you’ve got me wanting you . . . “ - the archies

Americans ingest more than 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day! Sugar lives in our soup, bread, yogurt, and beverages. It is in lunch meat. Those little, bread-free turkey roll-ups packed with love in lunch boxes are laced with chemicals, added sugar and excessive salt. Most processed foods depend on sugar and salt to maintain flavor over an extended, unnatural shelf life. High sugar intake is linked to a less nutritious diet, obesity and disease. While we strive to eat whole, unprocessed natural foods (heavy on fresh vegetables and fruit), this may not always be possible.

To function better, we must optimize our food. We need to know if we are consuming added sugar. The first step is to learn where extra sugar lurks. Next, we should scan labels for sugar’s code names. Our ultimate goal is to minimize how often we reach for sugar-laden foods. A good start is being mindful of how much extra sugar hides in our food. Check out the lists below and try to decrease sugar intake to feel better!

Putting It All Together

Reducing your added sugar intake is another simple, evidence-based microboost to improve your health and well-being. This supports better physical, mental, and emotional health.

Together practices like this empower you to live better with greater health, less pain, less inflammation, and more joy. It starts with little steps. We have the power to thrive and take back control of our health! For more ways to eat better and sniff out other sneaky, hidden sources of inflammation, check out the award-winning book: The Pain Solution: 5 Steps to Relieve and Prevent Back Pain, Muscle Pain, and Joint Pain without Medication.

Cheers to taking back control of your health and living better!

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This piece is for education only and is not medical advice.

Any health changes must be discussed with your own physician.

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References

1. Johnson RK, Appel LJ, Brands M, et al. Dietary sugars intake and cardiovascular health: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2009;120(11):1011‐1020.

2. Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases: report of a Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation. WHO Technical Report Series, No. 916. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2003 (http://whqlibdoc.who.int/trs/WHO_TRS_916.pdf, Accessed May 31, 2020).