Suicide by Sugar »

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 on 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 adultsso 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.

Introduction 1

1 Confessions of a Sugarholic 3

Addicted From an Early Age 4

Time for a Change 5

Inset: Just A Sweet Tooth or a Sugar Addiction? 6

Sugar by Any Other Name is Just as Troublesome 10

2 140 Reasons Why Sugar Is Ruining Your Health 13

3 Homeostasis: The Balance in the Body 21

Balance Does Not Mean a Candy Bar in Each Hand 21

Sugar Can Throw Off Homeostasis 22

Inset: Minerals: Yes, They Are Important 23

Sugar's Unbalancing Act 26

4 What Sugar Can Do to Your Blood Glucose Is No Sweet Matter 29

Glycemix Index and Glycemic Load 29

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Alternatives 37

5 Sugar and the Food We Eat 41

The Hard Facts About Soft Drinks 42

Inset: Are You Overweight? Find Out! 44

Ensure is Anything But a Sure Thing 47

Inset: Another Meal Substitute: Intravenous Feeding 50

Inset: Your Goose is Overcooked 53

More than a Spoonful of Sugar in Processed Foods 56

Chocolate Goodness??? 59

Inset: Fructose Roulette 60

6 Sugar-Related Diseases and Conditions 71

Obesity: The Fattening of America 72

Hypoglycemia: Low Blood Sugar Does Not Mean Eat More Sugar 79

Inset: Sugar is Not a Toy 82

Metabolic Syndrome: Tough Subject, Easy Answer 88

Dementia: Rotting Teeth, Rotting Brain 93

Cancer: A Cancer Answer 96

Epilepsy: Sweet Seizure 100

Inset: Faraway Places 101

7 A Practical Plan for Right Now 107

Breaking the Sugar Addiction 109

Tips for Healthy Living 110

Homeostasis Testing 111

Food Plans 111

Healthy Eating Habits 118

Recipes to Tame Your Sweet Tooth 119

Conclusion: A Sweet Ending Without Sugar 129

Glossary 131

Resources141

Recommended Reading 149

Notes 151

About the Authors 169

Index 171

Order Forms 177