Hello Science Blog readers. I’m joining you today and tomorrow as part of my SUGAR SHOCK! Blog Tour. The reason I’m here is because I’m eager to dispel misconceptions and to share the scoop out about the dangers of sugars and refined carbs. You see, I would like to share with you the real sugar story — and weight gain is only part of it. To that end, I spent five long years researching and writing my book SUGAR SHOCK!, which was recently released by Berkley Books (part of the Penguin Group). While working on my book, one of the biggest things I learned was how sugar overload can result in baffling symptoms of hypoglycemia — which is a pervasive condition but one that’s much maligned and misunderstood by the medical profession. (To better understand how common hypoglycemia is — and how often it is misdiagnosed — I invite you to read an excerpt from my book called Hypoglycemia — A Hidden Hell.)
Although I’m an experienced journalist and blogger, my interest in this subject actually began with my own sugar-induced nightmare. In 1998, I was besieged by a plethora of seemingly unconnected ailments. So now I’m coming out of the closet, so to speak, about my sugar addiction so that I can help millions of people out there who are unknowingly suffering from a condition (or constellation of symptoms) that I call SUGAR SHOCK!
In fact, I recount my own torrid tale (in Chapter 1), because I believe that by sharing some of my mortifying moments would make it easier for many of you to determine if you, too, are in SUGAR SHOCK! I’m presenting information so you can learn if there’s a connection between your sugar consumption and your baffling ailments (heart palpitations, depression, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, excessive exhaustion, etc.)
FYI, I saw my role in SUGAR SHOCK! to interview as many experts as I could (you’ll find quotes from some 250 cutting-edge docctors, nutritionists, researchers, etc.); to cull through groundbreaking research findings; to present the viewpoints of thousands of “sugar sufferers,” and ultimately to present my conclusions to you in as palatable a form as I could write. So far, the response has been quite gratifying, because a number of medical experts already have endorsed my book, including megabestselling author Dr. Mehmet Oz (YOU: On A Diet), Dr. Christiane Northrup, and Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas.
Anyhow, I’m eager to hear from you.
- What fascinating research do you know about that deals with the health hazards of sugar and refined carbs?
- Have you been inspired to learn more about this subject because of your own health woes?
- How much do you currently know about the dangers of these fast-acting carbs (what I call “culprit carbs”)?
- What do you think most readers need to know — but don’t about sweets and refined carbs?
- What kinds of things would you like to hear me discuss here?
See you soon.
Connie
Author, SUGAR SHOCK!
Founder, www.SugarShockBlog.com
Jim,
Hurrah for you for deciding to take some positive action now that you have type 2 diabetes. There should be more people like you! Alas, a lot of people find out they have diabetes but do nothing about it. So you really should be applauded!
…You’re right — the best way to shop is to get food from those outer aisles and skip those center aisles filled with processed, low-quality carbs, etc. Basically, the best foods to eat are ones you can pick, pluck and catch — that pretty much covers vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, organic meats, etc.
By the way, what kind of whole grain bread are you eating? You see, it’s easy to get duped by some of these breads and they may contain sweeteners without our knowing it.
As for knowing “exactly” what my message is, gee, I thought that you have to read my book SUGAR SHOCK! to really “get” it! LOL! …Well, I hope you’re inspired enough here to at least get my book! : )
Anyhow, good luck to you, and thanks for writing. Let me know about that bread. I’m curious.
Connie Bennett
Author, SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkley Books)
http://www.SugarShock.com
http://www.SugarShockBlog.com
Hi Anonymous (sorry, I don’t know your name!)
To answer your question, experts tout the virtues of fiber quite a bit. One researcher, Dr. Walter Willett of Harvard says that the fiber in whole grains delays the absorption of glucose. What’s more, he says, fiber eases the workload for the insulin-making cells in your pancreas. He also believes that fiber helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
That’s not all. Harvard’s Dr. Willett thinks that fiber may even rev up some of your body’s natural anticoagulants and help prevent small blot clots from forming that may trigger strokes and heart attacks.
So certainly we want ample fiber in our diets!
Connie Bennett
Author, SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkley Books)
http://www.SugarShock.com
http://www.SugarShockBlog.com
Please discuss how fiber affects digestion, and the rate of absorption of carbs, thus stabilizing blood sugar and satiety.
Dear Connie,
I am insulin intolerant (Type II Diabetic(. To control this, I shop correctly. I now shop the “U” at the grocery starting with the vegetables (no white potato) and fruits; then to the meats; off to the dairy, eggs, cheese and yougrt and finally the breads eating a whole grain with little white flour. I would recommend this diet to anyone. Stay out of the center of the store! Prepare your meals “from scatch”. Without reading your book, I know exactly what your message is. Thanks for spelling it out!!
Jim in Oregon