Sugar is something that's in almost everything you eat - in the soda you drink, the white bread you're munching on, the chips you're enjoying with that sandwich, and more.
Really, sugar is everywhere.
It's hard to ignore, and while some avoid sugar altogether, the rest of us admit that avoiding something that's so ingrained into our lives would be impossible, and just move on.
However, what we consider to be completely safe - an ingredient used in thousands of dishes, from sauces to chocolate cake, muffins and more - could actually be harming us.
And you probably don't even know how it's affecting your body.
Are you ready to learn the shocking truth? The truth that no one really wants to talk about, because we're so comfortable with our lives now that we can't imagine something that can hurt us so much is sitting in our cabinets, in our children's drinks, food, and yes, even in us right now? Are you ready to learn how plain-Jane, no frills, no substitute granulated sugar - the stuff that you probably have in your home right now - could cut your life by years? Sugar: The Deadly Addition To Any Meal Sugar can do some amazing things -It has been shown to increase your body's fluid retention - that means that the more sugar you eat, the heavier you're going to look, because of how much water we're going to be adding.
Reducing that sugar might mean wearing that pair of shorts that have been in the back of the closet for a few years - ahem, months.
Some studies also suggest that sugar can actually increase your risk for depression, and even make your existing depression worst.
While the studies aren't entirely conclusive, it does make sense - because those that give up sugar notice a drastic increase in their mood.
Did you know that, when 'coming off' of sugar, many of those that have had sugar their entire lives experience withdrawal symptoms? This includes headaches, being tired all of the time, shaking, excessive sugar cravings, and more.
This lasts for about a week, but afterwards, they notice increased energy, mood, better sleep, and an overall feeling of being healthy.
Sugar has also been linked to numerous hormone imbalances, like increased estrogen in men, decreased growth hormone, and more.
Not having the proper balance of hormones can create a serious problem in your body, with one gaining dominance over the others.
Scared yet? Maybe not - but I'm not done yet.
Receiving an IV of sugar water can actually cut oxygen off to your brain, so don't think it's 'funny' to switch Grandma's IV just yet.
It's because of how sugar affects your blood.
It can also affect your adrenal glands, making them work slower.
Adrenal glands are a very important part of your body, and if they are not working properly, it can create many other health issues! Sugar may also induce cell death, cause high blood pressure in those that are already overweight or obese, it's been linked as a cause of gum disease, etc.
Intensive Care units in hospitals drastically reduce the amount of sugar that they feed their patients - and it makes a difference.
Not quite convinced? Well, in a Juvenile rehabilitation camp, when the children there were put on low sugar diets, there was a 44% drop - not gain, but drop - in their anti-social behavior.
44% is not a low number! Remember...
Sugar isn't just a fact of life.
You do not need sugar, and it could be the cause of many of your current health problems.
If it was, would you even realize it? Probably not.
Let me leave you with this - you're not supposed to give newborn babies anything that has any sugar in it, because it can actually cause severe dehydration.
It makes you wonder what it does to us!