Friday, July 10, 2009

"Suicide By Sugar"

I would like to highly recommend the book "Suicide by Sugar"
– A Startling Look at Our #1 National Addiction
Nancy Appleton, PhD & G. N. Jacobs

Sugar may be worse for kids than it is for adults because kids react so strongly and with much wilder swings of body chemistry. The immune system is still developing the acquired immunity to fight off infections, and the digestive system must learn to handle the variety of foods in our diet. A child's body is learning and working continually, and sugar just causes it to work harder. These body chemistry changes not only cause physical ailments, such as allergies and asthma, but have also, in many studies put children on a roller coaster of emotional effects that include hyperactivity, aggressiveness, sadness, low self-esteem, mania, sleeplessness, and many more.

Suicide by Sugar – A Startling Look at Our #1 National Addiction
Nancy Appleton, PhD & G. N. Jacobs


It is a dangerous, addictive white powder that can be found in abundance throughout this country. It is not illegal. In fact, it is available in or near playgrounds, schools, workplaces, homes, and vacation spots. It is in practically everything we eat and drink, and once we’re hooked on it, the cravings can be overwhelming. This white substance of abuse is sugar. Once associated only with cavities and simple weight gain, it is now linked to a host of devastating health conditions including cancer, epilepsy, dementia, hypoglycemia, obesity, and more. In this book, sugar addiction expert Dr. Nancy Appleton and health writer G. N. Jacobs not only expose the exorbitant levels of sugar we ingest, but also document the connection between our current health crisis and our sweet tooth.

Suicide by Sugar begins with the story of Dr. Appleton’s battle with her own sugar addiction. Next, the authors examine all the frightening (and unknown) things that can go wrong when people consume too much sugar—from increased susceptibility to disease to imbalanced body chemistry. They go on to discuss the various ways scientists measure sugar’s impact on blood glucose, and explain why these statistics cannot be solely relied on when choosing foods. The authors provide shocking information about the amount of sugar found in many popular foods and beverages, and an in-depth discussion of the ailments now associated with excessive sugar consumption. Finally, Dr. Appleton’s easy-to-follow, effective lifestyle plan—complete with recipes—guides you in eliminating sugar from your life.

As children, we fall under the spell of ads that lure us to indulge in all things sweet. Is it any wonder that as adults so few of us can see the dark side of sugar? Suicide by Sugar shines a bright light on our nation’s addiction and helps us begin the journey toward health.