Friday, August 01, 2003
Hypnosis:
Frequently, I see ads in the newspaper for hypnosis sessions that will help people stop smoking and lose weight. I've been tempted a few times to sign-up for an appointment, but then I chicken out. Guess I'm afraid the hypnotist might really be a whacko or something and just might program me to bark like a dog when there is a full moon or to crow like a rooster at sunrise - neither of those activities seem very appealing to me. So, I'm thinking that I might just create my own instructions for my subconcious mind - I'll start with just diet and exercise related issues, for example "I weigh 210 pounds. I hate sugar and empty carbohydrates, I love to exercise and work-out." - I'll listen to these statements (I'll loop them to repeat) over and over as I drift off to sleep at night. I'll save money by not paying for a professional hypnotist, I won't have to worry about doing things that might embarrass me (like crowing), and - I'll hear the statements in my own voice.
I'll let you know how things go with this endeavor.
Frequently, I see ads in the newspaper for hypnosis sessions that will help people stop smoking and lose weight. I've been tempted a few times to sign-up for an appointment, but then I chicken out. Guess I'm afraid the hypnotist might really be a whacko or something and just might program me to bark like a dog when there is a full moon or to crow like a rooster at sunrise - neither of those activities seem very appealing to me. So, I'm thinking that I might just create my own instructions for my subconcious mind - I'll start with just diet and exercise related issues, for example "I weigh 210 pounds. I hate sugar and empty carbohydrates, I love to exercise and work-out." - I'll listen to these statements (I'll loop them to repeat) over and over as I drift off to sleep at night. I'll save money by not paying for a professional hypnotist, I won't have to worry about doing things that might embarrass me (like crowing), and - I'll hear the statements in my own voice.
I'll let you know how things go with this endeavor.
Holes:
I mentioned in the previous entry about the holes that we dig for ourselves. Yeah buddy, I've dug some awful deep holes - and, I've sat at the bottom of those holes for a pretty good spell. Up to my neck in misery, pain, and regret. Sometimes - I've been able to muster up enough energy to slowly climb up out of a hole. But, in most cases - I could in no way, do it on my own.
I've noticed - God created us human beans (beings of course) with a free will. That free will allows us to do whatever we want - whenever we want (unless we are breaking the law that is) - we are not robots or puppets. It's that free will that gets us into trouble every time - we think we know what is best, we think we know how to skirt the law (civil and natural), we think we won't get caught or found out. We don't want no God telling us what to do or to make us feel guilty about the things that we are doing - so, we exercise our free will and do them anyway. That's why, when we do really stupid things - consequences come, and God doesn't just jump out of the bushes and protect us. We do the crime - we do the time, basically.
There is another way to look at free will though; every morning when I get up - I have the absolute free will to change my life. There is no one holding a gun to my head and saying "You will continue to do the things that you do - no matter how destructive they are, you are not allowed to change." - that just doesn't happen, especially here in America - the home of the spoiled and the land of the selfish. Every morning is a new start - every day, we can use to plan our next change, our next goal to be met, our next obstacle to overcome - or, we can sit back - watch TV, play video games, surf the Internet; and then, get up the next morning and continue on our road to misery. Misery? Yeah, if we aren't being productive, if we aren't giving something back to the world (or God) - we are living a slow miserable death, we aren't really livin'!
Remember when I said God is not going to override our free will, nor is He going to supernaturally rescue us on His own free will? But, He will rescue anyone who calls out to Him. Rescue comes in many forms - sure, maybe He'll just reach down and grab you right out of that hole - but more than likely, He'll provide you with the tools to do it yourself. Have you ever noticed, we learn more from hands on experience than we do if someone else does it for us? Also, if everytime we got ourselves into trouble, and then asked God to rescue us - and He did, without any difficulty on our part - would be learn from those mistakes - I think not. If there is difficulty involved in our rescue, we are more apt to think twice before getting into that same situation - at least most people are.
I mentioned in the previous entry about the holes that we dig for ourselves. Yeah buddy, I've dug some awful deep holes - and, I've sat at the bottom of those holes for a pretty good spell. Up to my neck in misery, pain, and regret. Sometimes - I've been able to muster up enough energy to slowly climb up out of a hole. But, in most cases - I could in no way, do it on my own.
I've noticed - God created us human beans (beings of course) with a free will. That free will allows us to do whatever we want - whenever we want (unless we are breaking the law that is) - we are not robots or puppets. It's that free will that gets us into trouble every time - we think we know what is best, we think we know how to skirt the law (civil and natural), we think we won't get caught or found out. We don't want no God telling us what to do or to make us feel guilty about the things that we are doing - so, we exercise our free will and do them anyway. That's why, when we do really stupid things - consequences come, and God doesn't just jump out of the bushes and protect us. We do the crime - we do the time, basically.
There is another way to look at free will though; every morning when I get up - I have the absolute free will to change my life. There is no one holding a gun to my head and saying "You will continue to do the things that you do - no matter how destructive they are, you are not allowed to change." - that just doesn't happen, especially here in America - the home of the spoiled and the land of the selfish. Every morning is a new start - every day, we can use to plan our next change, our next goal to be met, our next obstacle to overcome - or, we can sit back - watch TV, play video games, surf the Internet; and then, get up the next morning and continue on our road to misery. Misery? Yeah, if we aren't being productive, if we aren't giving something back to the world (or God) - we are living a slow miserable death, we aren't really livin'!
Remember when I said God is not going to override our free will, nor is He going to supernaturally rescue us on His own free will? But, He will rescue anyone who calls out to Him. Rescue comes in many forms - sure, maybe He'll just reach down and grab you right out of that hole - but more than likely, He'll provide you with the tools to do it yourself. Have you ever noticed, we learn more from hands on experience than we do if someone else does it for us? Also, if everytime we got ourselves into trouble, and then asked God to rescue us - and He did, without any difficulty on our part - would be learn from those mistakes - I think not. If there is difficulty involved in our rescue, we are more apt to think twice before getting into that same situation - at least most people are.
Challenges:
I've finally realized something in the past 44 years - everyone on Earth has challenges. Some more than others - and there are seasons of challenges; someone may go years without encountering any great difficulties and then they may spend years up to their eyeballs in trouble. To each person, their current difficulties are very important and seem very big - bigger than others. It's simply because, these are the things that affect us directly - they are the things that we see, feel, and experience every day. We just hear about other peoples problems - that makes them much less imporant, even though those problems truly could be catostrophic. So, what am I getting at - my point is, that there really isn't any way that we can live a life totally free of challenges - they are gonna' find us out and get us - one way or the other. It's how we face those challenges that really count.
I also believe that we are personally responsible for about 90 percent of the difficulties that come our way. Foolish, selfish decisions - decisions without forethought and consideration. We dig really big deep holes for ourselves - with our very own shovels even. And do we even consider that fact that we in no way planned our escape - prior to digging the hole. I call it the TV mentality - if we don't like something we just flip the channel; or - the difficulty will somehow resolve itself prior to the end (of the show). If we ignore the challenge - we think it will just turn tale and run - wrong. We turn our backs, we walk to the side - yet, when we look back over - the challenge is still there, waiting on us to react.
I used to have this one main thought to myself, everytime a difficult situation came up. "It's just not fair" I'd say to myself - over and over and over. Instead of focusing on how to overcome the challenge - I'd get stuck (like a broken record) and just focus on the unfairness of the situation. I've now realized (thanks to Dr. Phil), sure - this "thing" isn't fair - but it's still here. I have to just say to myself - "Ok - it's not fair but that doesn't matter. What matters is what I'm going to do about it." - it's that simple. No more wasting my energy, my thoughts, my emotions on the fairness of the challenge - so what, it "ain't" fair! Get over it.
I've finally realized something in the past 44 years - everyone on Earth has challenges. Some more than others - and there are seasons of challenges; someone may go years without encountering any great difficulties and then they may spend years up to their eyeballs in trouble. To each person, their current difficulties are very important and seem very big - bigger than others. It's simply because, these are the things that affect us directly - they are the things that we see, feel, and experience every day. We just hear about other peoples problems - that makes them much less imporant, even though those problems truly could be catostrophic. So, what am I getting at - my point is, that there really isn't any way that we can live a life totally free of challenges - they are gonna' find us out and get us - one way or the other. It's how we face those challenges that really count.
I also believe that we are personally responsible for about 90 percent of the difficulties that come our way. Foolish, selfish decisions - decisions without forethought and consideration. We dig really big deep holes for ourselves - with our very own shovels even. And do we even consider that fact that we in no way planned our escape - prior to digging the hole. I call it the TV mentality - if we don't like something we just flip the channel; or - the difficulty will somehow resolve itself prior to the end (of the show). If we ignore the challenge - we think it will just turn tale and run - wrong. We turn our backs, we walk to the side - yet, when we look back over - the challenge is still there, waiting on us to react.
I used to have this one main thought to myself, everytime a difficult situation came up. "It's just not fair" I'd say to myself - over and over and over. Instead of focusing on how to overcome the challenge - I'd get stuck (like a broken record) and just focus on the unfairness of the situation. I've now realized (thanks to Dr. Phil), sure - this "thing" isn't fair - but it's still here. I have to just say to myself - "Ok - it's not fair but that doesn't matter. What matters is what I'm going to do about it." - it's that simple. No more wasting my energy, my thoughts, my emotions on the fairness of the challenge - so what, it "ain't" fair! Get over it.
"Ode to exercise"
Exercise is my friend - yet I treat it like it's my enemy
When I'm depressed - working-out elevates my mood
When I'm stressed - the physical activity releases endorphins
causing me to feel calmer
When I'm tired - I soon feel rejunvenated after a good work-out
When I feel pain in my body - exercise makes the pain subside
When I'm worried about something - the physical activity takes
my mind off of the situation
When I cannot relax - exercise relaxes me
When I cannot sleep - physical activity tires me out
When my brain is feeling muddled and fuzzy - it soon becomes
quite clear after a vigorous work-out
No one can make me exercise - but me
No one can take the blame for not exercising - but me
It's up to me whether or not I wallow in my misery
Or whether I say "So what!"
and exercise anyway
Exercise is my friend - yet I treat it like it's my enemy
When I'm depressed - working-out elevates my mood
When I'm stressed - the physical activity releases endorphins
causing me to feel calmer
When I'm tired - I soon feel rejunvenated after a good work-out
When I feel pain in my body - exercise makes the pain subside
When I'm worried about something - the physical activity takes
my mind off of the situation
When I cannot relax - exercise relaxes me
When I cannot sleep - physical activity tires me out
When my brain is feeling muddled and fuzzy - it soon becomes
quite clear after a vigorous work-out
No one can make me exercise - but me
No one can take the blame for not exercising - but me
It's up to me whether or not I wallow in my misery
Or whether I say "So what!"
and exercise anyway
Sugar - the enemy!
Excess sugar consumption can increase the body's blood sugar level dramatically. High blood sugar levels can cause vision problems, fatigue, headaches, heart & circulation problems, kidney failure, and problems with the nervous system. As for the later - a lot of people consume sugary snacks because they think it makes them feel better, emotionally. The problem is, once the blood sugar level becomes elevated - it begins to negatively affect the brain, acts as a depressant - it is a wolf in sheep's clothing!
It has been reported in the press lately, that over 15 million Americans suffer from diabetes - that is a lot of people. People who feel bad every day, who have to watch everything they eat - who are, sometimes - just a few heartbeats away from a seizure or a blackout. Who, have to inject themselves with painful needles every day. What a life - and sugar, is the primary reason.
I found a very informative web page that lists over 70 ways that sugar is harmful to the body. I'm going to post all of the information from that page on this blog, in case that web site ever disappears. Remember, I did not write the following information - I'm just making it available to you:
78 WAYS SUGAR CAN RUIN YOUR HEALTH
In addition to throwing off the body's homeostasis, excess sugar may result in a number of other significant consequences. The following is a listing of some of sugar's metabolic consequences from a variety of medical journals and other scientific publications.
1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar can upset the body's mineral balance.
3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children.
4. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
5. Sugar can adversely affect children's school grades.
6. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
7. Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.
8. Sugar can cause kidney damage.
9. Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).
10. Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
11. Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.
12. Sugar can cause copper deficiency.
13. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
14. Sugar may lead to cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, and rectum.
15. Sugar can cause colon cancer, with an increased risk in women.
16. Sugar can be a risk factor in gall bladder cancer.
17. Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.
18. Sugar can weaken eyesight.
19. Sugar raises the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which can narrow blood vessels.
20. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
21. Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
22. Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.
23. Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
24. Sugar can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and grey hair.
25. Sugar can lead to alcoholism.
26. Sugar can promote tooth decay.
27. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
28. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
29. Sugar can cause a raw, inflamed intestinal tract in persons with gastric or duodenal ulcers.
30. Sugar can cause arthritis.
31. Sugar can cause asthma.
32. Sugar can cause candidiasis (yeast infection).
33. Sugar can lead to the formation of gallstones.
34. Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
35. Sugar can cause ischemic heart disease.
36. Sugar can cause appendicitis.
37. Sugar can exacerbate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
38. Sugar can indirectly cause hemorrhoids.
39. Sugar can cause varicose veins.
40. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraception users.
41. Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
42. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
43. Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.
44. Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
45. Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
46. Sugar can decrease growth hormone.
47. Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
48. Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure.
49. Sugar can change the structure of protein causing interference with protein absorption.
50. Sugar causes food allergies.
51. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
52. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
53. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
54. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
55. Sugar can impair the structure of DNA.
56. Sugar can cause cataracts.
57. Sugar can cause emphysema.
58. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
59. Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.
60. Sugar lowers the enzymes' ability to function.
61. Sugar can cause loss of tissue elasticity and function.
62. Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.
63. Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.
64. Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.
65. Sugar can overstress the pancreas, causing damage.
66. Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention.
67. Sugar can cause constipation.
68. Sugar can cause myopia (nearsightedness).
69. Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
70. Sugar can cause hypertension.
71. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
72. Sugar can cause an increase in delat, alpha and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind's ability to think clearly.
73. Sugar can cause depression.
74. Sugar can increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets.
75. Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.
76. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.
77. Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of blood clots.
78. Sugar can increase the risk of Alzheimer Disease.
REFERENCES
A. Sanchez, et al. "Role of Sugars in Human Neutrophilic Phagocytosis."American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 1973, pp. 1180-1184.
F. Couizy, C. Keen, M.E.Gershwin, and F.P. Mareschi.Nutritional Implications of the Interaction between Minerals. Progressive Food and Nutrition Science 17, 1933, 65-87.
J. Goldman, et al. "Behavioral Effects of Sucrose on Preschool Children," Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. 14 1986 565-577.
D. Behar, J. Rapoport, Berg C., Adams, and M. Cornblat. "Sugar Testing with Children Considered Behaviorally Sugar Reactive. Nutritional Behavior 1 1984 277-288
Alexander Schausss. Diet, Crime and Delinquecny (Berkeley, CA: Parker House 1981)
S. Scanto and John Yudkin. "The Effect of Dietary Sucronse on Blood Lipids, Serum, Insulin, Platelet Adhesiveness and Body Weith in Human Volunteers. Postgraduate Medicine Jmournal 45: 1969 602-607
W. Rinsdor, E. Cheraskin, and R. Ramsay. "Sucrose Neutrophlic Phagocystosis and Resistance to Disease. Dental Survey 52. 12 1976 46-48.
J. Yudkin, S. Kang, and K. Bruckdorfer. "Effects of High Dietary Sugar." British Journal of Medicine 281, November 22, 1980,p. 1396.
Ibid.
Lewis GF , Steiner G Acute effects of insulin in the control of VLDL production in humans. Implications for theinsulin-resistant state. Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada. Diabetes Care 1996 Apr;19(4):390-3 R. Pamplona, M.J. Bellmunt, M. Portero, and J. Prat. "Mechanisms of Glycation in Atherogenesis." Medical Hypotheses 40, 1990, pp. 174-181.
A. Kozlovsky, et al. "Effects of Diets High in Simple Sugars on Urinary Chromium Losses." Metabolism 35, June 1986, pp. 515-518.
M. Fields, et al. "Effect of Copper Deficiency on Metabolism and Mortality in Rats Fed Sucrose or Starch Diets." Journal of Clinical Nutrition 113, 1983, pp. 1335-1345.
"Sugar and Prostate Cancer." Health Express, October, 1982, p. 41.
R.M. Bostick, J.D. Potter, L.H. Kushi, et al. "Sugar, Meat, and Fat Intake, and Non-dietary Risk Factors for Colon Cancer Incidence in Iowa Women." Cancer Causes and Controls 5, 1994, pp. 38-52.
Clara Moerman, et al. "Dietary Sugar Intake in the Etiology of Biliary Tract Cancer." lnternational Journal of Epidemiology 22, No.2, 1993, pp.207-214.
J. Kelsay, et al. "Diets High in Glucose or Sucrose and Young Women." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 27, 1974, pp. 926-936.
J. Lemann. "Evidence That Glucose Ingestion Inhibits Net Renal Tubular Reabsorption of Calcium and Magnesium." Journal of Clinical Nutrition 70, 1967, pp. 236-245.
H. Ed Taub, ed. "Sugar Weakens Eyesight." VM Newsletter 5, May 1986.
Richard Wurtman. University of California, Berkeley, Newsletter 6, No. 3, December 1989, pp.4-5.
William Dufty. Sugar Blues. (New York: Warner Books, 1975.)
Ibid.
J. Lewis. "Health Briefings." Fort Worth Star Telegram, June 11, 1990.
Katz RJ , Ratner RE , Cohen RM , Eisenhower E , Verme D Are insulin and proinsulin independent risk markers for premature coronary artery disease ? Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20037, USA. Diabetes 1996 Jun;45(6):736-41
Annette T. Lee, and Anthony Cerami. "The Role of Glycation in Aging." Annals of the New York Academy of Science 663, pp. 6370. D.G. Dyer, et al. "Accumulation of Maillard Reaction Products in Skin Collagen in Diabetes and Aging." Journal of Clinical Investigation 91, No. 6, June 1993, pp. 421-422.
E. Abrahamson, and A. Peget. Body, Mind and Sugar. (New York: Avon, 1977.)
W. Glinsmann, H. Irausquin, and K. Youngmee. Report from FDA's Sugar Task Force, 1986: Evaluation of Health Aspects of Sugars Contained in Carbohydrate Sweeteners. (Washington, DC: Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 1986, p. 39.)
H. Keen, B. Thomas, R. Jarrett, and J. Fuller. "Nutrient Intake, Adiposity, and Diabetes." British Medical Journal 6164, No. 1, March 10, 1979, pp. 655-658.
T. Cleave. Sweet and Dangerous. (New York: Bantam Books, 1974, pp. 28-43.) B.G. Persson, et al. "Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease." Epidemiology 3, No. 1, January 1992, pp. 47-51.
T. Cleave. Sweet and Dangerous. (New York: Bantam Books, 1974, pp. 157-159.)
L. Darlington, Ramsey, and Mansfield. "Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study of Dietary Manipulation Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis." Lancet 8475, No. 1, February 6,1986, pp.236-238.
Lawrence Powers. "Sensitivity: You React to What You Eat." Los Angeles Times, February 12, 1985.
W. Crook. The Yeast Connection. (Jackson, TN: Professional Books, 1984.)
K. Heaton. "The Sweet Road to Gallstones." British Medical Journal 288, April 14, 1984, pp. 1103-1104.
N.J. Blacklock. "Sucrose and Idiopathic Renal Stone." Nutrition and Health 5, No. 1-2, 1987, pp. 9-17.
J. Yudkin. "Dietary Fat and Dietary Sugar." Lancet, August 29, 1964, pp. 478-479.
T. Cleave. The Saccharine Disease. (New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1974, p. 125.)
S. Erlander. "The Cause and Cure of Multiple Sclerosis." The Disease to End Disease 1, No. 3, March 3, 1979, pp. 59-63.
T. Cleave. The Saccharine Disease. (New Canann, CT: Keats Publishing, 1974, p. 45.)
T. Cleave, and G. Campbell. Diabetes, Coronary Thrombosis and the Saccharine Disease. (Bristol, England: John Wright and Sons, 1960.)
K. Behall. "Influence of Estrogen Content of Oral Contraceptives and Consumption of Sucrose on Blood Parameters." DiseaseAbstracts International B. 43, 1982, p. 1437.
W. Glinsmann, H. Irausquin, and K. Youngmee. Report from FDA's Sugar Task Force, 1986: Evaluation of Health Aspects of Sugars Contained in Carbohydrate Sweeteners. (Washington, DC: Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 1986, p. 39.)
Nancy Appleton. Lick the Sugar Habit Bones. (Garden City Park, NY: "Reaction of Monosaccharides Avery Publishing Group, 1989, with Protein: Possible Evolupp. 36-38.)
Schrezenmeir J III.Hyperinsulinemia, hyperproinsulinemia and insulin resistance in the metabolic syndrome. Medical Clinic, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. Experientia 1996 May 15;52(5):426-32
H. Beck-Nelson., O. Pedersen, and Sorensen Schwartz. "Effects of Diet on the Cellular Insulin Binding and the Insulin Sensitivity in Young Healthy Subjects." Diabetes 15, 1978, pp. 289-296.
H. Keen, B. Thomas, R. Jarrett, and J. Fuller. "Nutritional Factors in Diabetes Mellitus." J. Yudkin, ed. Applied Science, 1977, pp. 89-108.
L. Gardner, and S. Reiser. "Effects of Dietary Carbohydrate on Fasting Levels of Human Growth Hormone and Cortisol." Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 169, 1982, pp. 3640.
S. Reiser. "Effects of Dietary Sugars on Metabolic Risk Factors Associated with Heart Disease." Nutritional Health 3,1985, pp. 203-216
R. Hodges, and T. Rebello. "Carbohydrates and Blood Pressure." Annals of Internal Medicine 98, 1983, pp. 838-841.Insulin, hypertension and antihypertensive drugs in elderly patients: the Rotterdam Study. Stolk RP , Hoes AW , Pols HA , Hofman A , de Jong PT , Lamberts SW , Grobbee DE Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical School, Rotterdam,The Netherlands. J Hypertens 1996 Feb;14(2):237-42
J. Simmons. "Is the Sand of Time Sugar?" Longevity, June 1990, pp. 49-53. F. Bunn, and P.J. Higgins. Significance." Science 213, July 10, 1981, pp. 222-224. Anthony Cerarni, Helen Vlassara, and Michael Brownlee. "Glucose and Aging." Scientific American, May 1987, p.90.
Nancy Appleton. Healthy Bones. (Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1991.)
Jenkins DJ , Jenkins ALNutrition principles and diabetes. A role for "lente carbohydrate"? Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Ontario,Canada. Diabetes Care 1995 Nov;18(11):1491-8"Sucrose Induces Diabetes in Cats." Federal Protocol 6, No. 97, 1974.
T. Cleave. The Saccharine Disease. (New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1974, pp. 132-133.)
Ibid.
Ruth L. Caccaro, and J. Stamle. "Relationship of Postload Plasma Glucose to Mortality with a Follow-Up." Diabetic Care 15, No. 10, October 1992.
Annette T. Lee, and Anthony Cerami. "Modifications of Proteins and Nucleic Acids by Reducing Sugars: Possible Role in Aging." Handbook of the Biology of Aging. (New York: Academic Press, 1990.)
Suresh I.S. Rattan, Anastasia Derventzi, and Brian Clark. "Protein Synthesis, Post-translational Modifications, and Aging." Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 663, 1992, pp. 48- 62.
V.M. Monnier. "Nonenzymatic Glycosylation, the Maillard Reaction and the Aging Process." Journal of Gerontology 45, No. 4, 1990, pp. 105-110.
R Pamplona, M.J. Bellmunt, M. Portero, and J. Prat "Mechanisms of Glycation in Atherogenesis." Medical Hypotheses 40, 1990, pp.174-181.
Ibid.
Nancy Appleton. Healthy Bones. (Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1991.)
Annette T. Lee, and Anthony Cerami. "The Role of Glycation in Aging." Annals of the New York Academy of Science 663, pp.63-70.
Frances Sheridan Goulart. "Are You Sugar Smart?" American Fitness, March-April 1991, pp. 34-38.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid. Kurt Greenberg. "An Update on the Yeast Connection." Health News and Review, Spring 1990, p. 10.
Frances Sheridan Goulart. "Are You Sugar Smart?" American Fitness, March-April 1991, pp. 34-38.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Landsberg L Insulin sensitivity in the pathogenesis of hypertension and hypertensive complications. Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. Clin Exp Hypertens 1996 Apr-May;18(3-4):337-46
Jonell Nash. "Health Contenders." Essence 23, January 1992, pp. 79-81. E. Grand. "Food Allergies and Migraine." Lancet 8126, No. 1, 1979, pp. 955-959.
Larry Christensen. "The Role of Caffeine and Sugar in Depression." The Nutrition Report 9, No. 3, March 1991, pp. 17-24.
Ibid.
Shelton Reiser, J. Hallfrisch, M. Fields, et al. "Effects of Sugars on Indices on Glucose Tolerance in Humans." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 43, 1986, pp. 151-159.
W. Kruis, G. Forstraier, C. Scheurlen, and F. Stellaard. "Effects of Diets Low and High in Refined Sugars on Gut Transit, Bile Acid Metabolism and Bacterial Fermentation." Gut 32, 1991, pp. 367-370.
John Yudkin. "Metabolic Changes Induced by Sugar in Relation to Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes." Nutrition and Health 5, No.1-2, 1987, pp. 5-8.
Ibid.
Craft S , Newcomer J , Kanne S , Dagogo-Jack S , Cryer P , Sheline Y , Luby J , Dagogo-Jack A, Alderson A Memory improvement following induced hyperinsulinemia in Alzheimer's disease. Department of Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA. Neurobiol Aging 1996 Jan-Feb;17(1):123-30
This information was edited from Dr. Nancy Appleton's book "Lick the Sugar Habit".
You can click here to go the actual web site where this information was obtained.
Excess sugar consumption can increase the body's blood sugar level dramatically. High blood sugar levels can cause vision problems, fatigue, headaches, heart & circulation problems, kidney failure, and problems with the nervous system. As for the later - a lot of people consume sugary snacks because they think it makes them feel better, emotionally. The problem is, once the blood sugar level becomes elevated - it begins to negatively affect the brain, acts as a depressant - it is a wolf in sheep's clothing!
It has been reported in the press lately, that over 15 million Americans suffer from diabetes - that is a lot of people. People who feel bad every day, who have to watch everything they eat - who are, sometimes - just a few heartbeats away from a seizure or a blackout. Who, have to inject themselves with painful needles every day. What a life - and sugar, is the primary reason.
I found a very informative web page that lists over 70 ways that sugar is harmful to the body. I'm going to post all of the information from that page on this blog, in case that web site ever disappears. Remember, I did not write the following information - I'm just making it available to you:
78 WAYS SUGAR CAN RUIN YOUR HEALTH
In addition to throwing off the body's homeostasis, excess sugar may result in a number of other significant consequences. The following is a listing of some of sugar's metabolic consequences from a variety of medical journals and other scientific publications.
1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar can upset the body's mineral balance.
3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children.
4. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
5. Sugar can adversely affect children's school grades.
6. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
7. Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.
8. Sugar can cause kidney damage.
9. Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).
10. Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
11. Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.
12. Sugar can cause copper deficiency.
13. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
14. Sugar may lead to cancer of the breast, ovaries, prostate, and rectum.
15. Sugar can cause colon cancer, with an increased risk in women.
16. Sugar can be a risk factor in gall bladder cancer.
17. Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.
18. Sugar can weaken eyesight.
19. Sugar raises the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which can narrow blood vessels.
20. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
21. Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
22. Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.
23. Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
24. Sugar can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and grey hair.
25. Sugar can lead to alcoholism.
26. Sugar can promote tooth decay.
27. Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
28. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
29. Sugar can cause a raw, inflamed intestinal tract in persons with gastric or duodenal ulcers.
30. Sugar can cause arthritis.
31. Sugar can cause asthma.
32. Sugar can cause candidiasis (yeast infection).
33. Sugar can lead to the formation of gallstones.
34. Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
35. Sugar can cause ischemic heart disease.
36. Sugar can cause appendicitis.
37. Sugar can exacerbate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
38. Sugar can indirectly cause hemorrhoids.
39. Sugar can cause varicose veins.
40. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraception users.
41. Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
42. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
43. Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.
44. Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
45. Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
46. Sugar can decrease growth hormone.
47. Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
48. Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure.
49. Sugar can change the structure of protein causing interference with protein absorption.
50. Sugar causes food allergies.
51. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
52. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
53. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
54. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
55. Sugar can impair the structure of DNA.
56. Sugar can cause cataracts.
57. Sugar can cause emphysema.
58. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
59. Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.
60. Sugar lowers the enzymes' ability to function.
61. Sugar can cause loss of tissue elasticity and function.
62. Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.
63. Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.
64. Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.
65. Sugar can overstress the pancreas, causing damage.
66. Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention.
67. Sugar can cause constipation.
68. Sugar can cause myopia (nearsightedness).
69. Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
70. Sugar can cause hypertension.
71. Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
72. Sugar can cause an increase in delat, alpha and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind's ability to think clearly.
73. Sugar can cause depression.
74. Sugar can increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets.
75. Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.
76. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.
77. Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of blood clots.
78. Sugar can increase the risk of Alzheimer Disease.
REFERENCES
A. Sanchez, et al. "Role of Sugars in Human Neutrophilic Phagocytosis."American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 1973, pp. 1180-1184.
F. Couizy, C. Keen, M.E.Gershwin, and F.P. Mareschi.Nutritional Implications of the Interaction between Minerals. Progressive Food and Nutrition Science 17, 1933, 65-87.
J. Goldman, et al. "Behavioral Effects of Sucrose on Preschool Children," Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. 14 1986 565-577.
D. Behar, J. Rapoport, Berg C., Adams, and M. Cornblat. "Sugar Testing with Children Considered Behaviorally Sugar Reactive. Nutritional Behavior 1 1984 277-288
Alexander Schausss. Diet, Crime and Delinquecny (Berkeley, CA: Parker House 1981)
S. Scanto and John Yudkin. "The Effect of Dietary Sucronse on Blood Lipids, Serum, Insulin, Platelet Adhesiveness and Body Weith in Human Volunteers. Postgraduate Medicine Jmournal 45: 1969 602-607
W. Rinsdor, E. Cheraskin, and R. Ramsay. "Sucrose Neutrophlic Phagocystosis and Resistance to Disease. Dental Survey 52. 12 1976 46-48.
J. Yudkin, S. Kang, and K. Bruckdorfer. "Effects of High Dietary Sugar." British Journal of Medicine 281, November 22, 1980,p. 1396.
Ibid.
Lewis GF , Steiner G Acute effects of insulin in the control of VLDL production in humans. Implications for theinsulin-resistant state. Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada. Diabetes Care 1996 Apr;19(4):390-3 R. Pamplona, M.J. Bellmunt, M. Portero, and J. Prat. "Mechanisms of Glycation in Atherogenesis." Medical Hypotheses 40, 1990, pp. 174-181.
A. Kozlovsky, et al. "Effects of Diets High in Simple Sugars on Urinary Chromium Losses." Metabolism 35, June 1986, pp. 515-518.
M. Fields, et al. "Effect of Copper Deficiency on Metabolism and Mortality in Rats Fed Sucrose or Starch Diets." Journal of Clinical Nutrition 113, 1983, pp. 1335-1345.
"Sugar and Prostate Cancer." Health Express, October, 1982, p. 41.
R.M. Bostick, J.D. Potter, L.H. Kushi, et al. "Sugar, Meat, and Fat Intake, and Non-dietary Risk Factors for Colon Cancer Incidence in Iowa Women." Cancer Causes and Controls 5, 1994, pp. 38-52.
Clara Moerman, et al. "Dietary Sugar Intake in the Etiology of Biliary Tract Cancer." lnternational Journal of Epidemiology 22, No.2, 1993, pp.207-214.
J. Kelsay, et al. "Diets High in Glucose or Sucrose and Young Women." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 27, 1974, pp. 926-936.
J. Lemann. "Evidence That Glucose Ingestion Inhibits Net Renal Tubular Reabsorption of Calcium and Magnesium." Journal of Clinical Nutrition 70, 1967, pp. 236-245.
H. Ed Taub, ed. "Sugar Weakens Eyesight." VM Newsletter 5, May 1986.
Richard Wurtman. University of California, Berkeley, Newsletter 6, No. 3, December 1989, pp.4-5.
William Dufty. Sugar Blues. (New York: Warner Books, 1975.)
Ibid.
J. Lewis. "Health Briefings." Fort Worth Star Telegram, June 11, 1990.
Katz RJ , Ratner RE , Cohen RM , Eisenhower E , Verme D Are insulin and proinsulin independent risk markers for premature coronary artery disease ? Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20037, USA. Diabetes 1996 Jun;45(6):736-41
Annette T. Lee, and Anthony Cerami. "The Role of Glycation in Aging." Annals of the New York Academy of Science 663, pp. 6370. D.G. Dyer, et al. "Accumulation of Maillard Reaction Products in Skin Collagen in Diabetes and Aging." Journal of Clinical Investigation 91, No. 6, June 1993, pp. 421-422.
E. Abrahamson, and A. Peget. Body, Mind and Sugar. (New York: Avon, 1977.)
W. Glinsmann, H. Irausquin, and K. Youngmee. Report from FDA's Sugar Task Force, 1986: Evaluation of Health Aspects of Sugars Contained in Carbohydrate Sweeteners. (Washington, DC: Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 1986, p. 39.)
H. Keen, B. Thomas, R. Jarrett, and J. Fuller. "Nutrient Intake, Adiposity, and Diabetes." British Medical Journal 6164, No. 1, March 10, 1979, pp. 655-658.
T. Cleave. Sweet and Dangerous. (New York: Bantam Books, 1974, pp. 28-43.) B.G. Persson, et al. "Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease." Epidemiology 3, No. 1, January 1992, pp. 47-51.
T. Cleave. Sweet and Dangerous. (New York: Bantam Books, 1974, pp. 157-159.)
L. Darlington, Ramsey, and Mansfield. "Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study of Dietary Manipulation Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis." Lancet 8475, No. 1, February 6,1986, pp.236-238.
Lawrence Powers. "Sensitivity: You React to What You Eat." Los Angeles Times, February 12, 1985.
W. Crook. The Yeast Connection. (Jackson, TN: Professional Books, 1984.)
K. Heaton. "The Sweet Road to Gallstones." British Medical Journal 288, April 14, 1984, pp. 1103-1104.
N.J. Blacklock. "Sucrose and Idiopathic Renal Stone." Nutrition and Health 5, No. 1-2, 1987, pp. 9-17.
J. Yudkin. "Dietary Fat and Dietary Sugar." Lancet, August 29, 1964, pp. 478-479.
T. Cleave. The Saccharine Disease. (New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1974, p. 125.)
S. Erlander. "The Cause and Cure of Multiple Sclerosis." The Disease to End Disease 1, No. 3, March 3, 1979, pp. 59-63.
T. Cleave. The Saccharine Disease. (New Canann, CT: Keats Publishing, 1974, p. 45.)
T. Cleave, and G. Campbell. Diabetes, Coronary Thrombosis and the Saccharine Disease. (Bristol, England: John Wright and Sons, 1960.)
K. Behall. "Influence of Estrogen Content of Oral Contraceptives and Consumption of Sucrose on Blood Parameters." DiseaseAbstracts International B. 43, 1982, p. 1437.
W. Glinsmann, H. Irausquin, and K. Youngmee. Report from FDA's Sugar Task Force, 1986: Evaluation of Health Aspects of Sugars Contained in Carbohydrate Sweeteners. (Washington, DC: Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 1986, p. 39.)
Nancy Appleton. Lick the Sugar Habit Bones. (Garden City Park, NY: "Reaction of Monosaccharides Avery Publishing Group, 1989, with Protein: Possible Evolupp. 36-38.)
Schrezenmeir J III.Hyperinsulinemia, hyperproinsulinemia and insulin resistance in the metabolic syndrome. Medical Clinic, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. Experientia 1996 May 15;52(5):426-32
H. Beck-Nelson., O. Pedersen, and Sorensen Schwartz. "Effects of Diet on the Cellular Insulin Binding and the Insulin Sensitivity in Young Healthy Subjects." Diabetes 15, 1978, pp. 289-296.
H. Keen, B. Thomas, R. Jarrett, and J. Fuller. "Nutritional Factors in Diabetes Mellitus." J. Yudkin, ed. Applied Science, 1977, pp. 89-108.
L. Gardner, and S. Reiser. "Effects of Dietary Carbohydrate on Fasting Levels of Human Growth Hormone and Cortisol." Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine 169, 1982, pp. 3640.
S. Reiser. "Effects of Dietary Sugars on Metabolic Risk Factors Associated with Heart Disease." Nutritional Health 3,1985, pp. 203-216
R. Hodges, and T. Rebello. "Carbohydrates and Blood Pressure." Annals of Internal Medicine 98, 1983, pp. 838-841.Insulin, hypertension and antihypertensive drugs in elderly patients: the Rotterdam Study. Stolk RP , Hoes AW , Pols HA , Hofman A , de Jong PT , Lamberts SW , Grobbee DE Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical School, Rotterdam,The Netherlands. J Hypertens 1996 Feb;14(2):237-42
J. Simmons. "Is the Sand of Time Sugar?" Longevity, June 1990, pp. 49-53. F. Bunn, and P.J. Higgins. Significance." Science 213, July 10, 1981, pp. 222-224. Anthony Cerarni, Helen Vlassara, and Michael Brownlee. "Glucose and Aging." Scientific American, May 1987, p.90.
Nancy Appleton. Healthy Bones. (Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1991.)
Jenkins DJ , Jenkins ALNutrition principles and diabetes. A role for "lente carbohydrate"? Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Ontario,Canada. Diabetes Care 1995 Nov;18(11):1491-8"Sucrose Induces Diabetes in Cats." Federal Protocol 6, No. 97, 1974.
T. Cleave. The Saccharine Disease. (New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1974, pp. 132-133.)
Ibid.
Ruth L. Caccaro, and J. Stamle. "Relationship of Postload Plasma Glucose to Mortality with a Follow-Up." Diabetic Care 15, No. 10, October 1992.
Annette T. Lee, and Anthony Cerami. "Modifications of Proteins and Nucleic Acids by Reducing Sugars: Possible Role in Aging." Handbook of the Biology of Aging. (New York: Academic Press, 1990.)
Suresh I.S. Rattan, Anastasia Derventzi, and Brian Clark. "Protein Synthesis, Post-translational Modifications, and Aging." Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 663, 1992, pp. 48- 62.
V.M. Monnier. "Nonenzymatic Glycosylation, the Maillard Reaction and the Aging Process." Journal of Gerontology 45, No. 4, 1990, pp. 105-110.
R Pamplona, M.J. Bellmunt, M. Portero, and J. Prat "Mechanisms of Glycation in Atherogenesis." Medical Hypotheses 40, 1990, pp.174-181.
Ibid.
Nancy Appleton. Healthy Bones. (Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1991.)
Annette T. Lee, and Anthony Cerami. "The Role of Glycation in Aging." Annals of the New York Academy of Science 663, pp.63-70.
Frances Sheridan Goulart. "Are You Sugar Smart?" American Fitness, March-April 1991, pp. 34-38.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid. Kurt Greenberg. "An Update on the Yeast Connection." Health News and Review, Spring 1990, p. 10.
Frances Sheridan Goulart. "Are You Sugar Smart?" American Fitness, March-April 1991, pp. 34-38.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Landsberg L Insulin sensitivity in the pathogenesis of hypertension and hypertensive complications. Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. Clin Exp Hypertens 1996 Apr-May;18(3-4):337-46
Jonell Nash. "Health Contenders." Essence 23, January 1992, pp. 79-81. E. Grand. "Food Allergies and Migraine." Lancet 8126, No. 1, 1979, pp. 955-959.
Larry Christensen. "The Role of Caffeine and Sugar in Depression." The Nutrition Report 9, No. 3, March 1991, pp. 17-24.
Ibid.
Shelton Reiser, J. Hallfrisch, M. Fields, et al. "Effects of Sugars on Indices on Glucose Tolerance in Humans." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 43, 1986, pp. 151-159.
W. Kruis, G. Forstraier, C. Scheurlen, and F. Stellaard. "Effects of Diets Low and High in Refined Sugars on Gut Transit, Bile Acid Metabolism and Bacterial Fermentation." Gut 32, 1991, pp. 367-370.
John Yudkin. "Metabolic Changes Induced by Sugar in Relation to Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes." Nutrition and Health 5, No.1-2, 1987, pp. 5-8.
Ibid.
Craft S , Newcomer J , Kanne S , Dagogo-Jack S , Cryer P , Sheline Y , Luby J , Dagogo-Jack A, Alderson A Memory improvement following induced hyperinsulinemia in Alzheimer's disease. Department of Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA. Neurobiol Aging 1996 Jan-Feb;17(1):123-30
This information was edited from Dr. Nancy Appleton's book "Lick the Sugar Habit".
You can click here to go the actual web site where this information was obtained.
Sugar:
I mentioned earlier that I considered myself very close to being a diabetic - just four weeks ago. My assumption has been confirmed as of late. This past four weeks, I have avoided all sugar and all empty carbohydrates (they are converted to sugar in the body I'm told) - I have felt great! My vision cleared (kept getting blurred), the headaches and fatigue stopped, my stomach quit hurting.
That was, until last night.
I decided to eat a serving of baked beans last night, they had been flavored with brown sugar. Within 30 minutes after eating, I was feeling quite uneasy. I began to feel very tired, my energy level dropped - it took all that I had to go work out at the gym, and it was not a good work-out. By the time I got home, my stomach was hurting and I could feel my blood sugar level dropping quickly - I was getting dizzy, my head hurt and I had the tremors. I tried eating some high protien food (white meat chicken and some cheese) - helped a little. I drank some peppermint tea to try and settle my stomach - it also, helped a little. All in all - I had a very miserable night. Didn't get to sleep until about 3 a.m. - my body was in an uproar!
I'm truly going to have to convince myself that sugar is poison - at least to my system. It's just not worth playing around with my health like that. I have felt way to good this past month to blow it like this. It is 10 a.m. the following day - and I'm still not feeling well, all this - from eating a serving of baked beans with brown sugar! I'm going to do my 2 mile walk at lunch time - no matter how I feel, maybe the exercise will help work the "poison" out of my system!
I mentioned earlier that I considered myself very close to being a diabetic - just four weeks ago. My assumption has been confirmed as of late. This past four weeks, I have avoided all sugar and all empty carbohydrates (they are converted to sugar in the body I'm told) - I have felt great! My vision cleared (kept getting blurred), the headaches and fatigue stopped, my stomach quit hurting.
That was, until last night.
I decided to eat a serving of baked beans last night, they had been flavored with brown sugar. Within 30 minutes after eating, I was feeling quite uneasy. I began to feel very tired, my energy level dropped - it took all that I had to go work out at the gym, and it was not a good work-out. By the time I got home, my stomach was hurting and I could feel my blood sugar level dropping quickly - I was getting dizzy, my head hurt and I had the tremors. I tried eating some high protien food (white meat chicken and some cheese) - helped a little. I drank some peppermint tea to try and settle my stomach - it also, helped a little. All in all - I had a very miserable night. Didn't get to sleep until about 3 a.m. - my body was in an uproar!
I'm truly going to have to convince myself that sugar is poison - at least to my system. It's just not worth playing around with my health like that. I have felt way to good this past month to blow it like this. It is 10 a.m. the following day - and I'm still not feeling well, all this - from eating a serving of baked beans with brown sugar! I'm going to do my 2 mile walk at lunch time - no matter how I feel, maybe the exercise will help work the "poison" out of my system!
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Additional benefits of Calcium:
Not only does Calcium help reduce leg cramping, it has been found to help reduce the chances of colon cancer and heart disease; lower blood pressure; prevent osteoporosis later in life; and, it's been found to help in weight control. If you just jump over to Google - the best search engine on the Web, and do a search on calcium, you'll quickly see that there are thousands of references to it - positive references. When you purchase a calcium supplement - make sure that it also contains magnesium, the magnesium helps with absorbtion and basically helps the calcium give you maximum benefits.
Don't just take my word on the beneifits of calcium though, do some research; ask your local health food store owner, check with some of your friends - see if they take calcium supplements, and if so - listen to their testimony about its benefits.
Not only does Calcium help reduce leg cramping, it has been found to help reduce the chances of colon cancer and heart disease; lower blood pressure; prevent osteoporosis later in life; and, it's been found to help in weight control. If you just jump over to Google - the best search engine on the Web, and do a search on calcium, you'll quickly see that there are thousands of references to it - positive references. When you purchase a calcium supplement - make sure that it also contains magnesium, the magnesium helps with absorbtion and basically helps the calcium give you maximum benefits.
Don't just take my word on the beneifits of calcium though, do some research; ask your local health food store owner, check with some of your friends - see if they take calcium supplements, and if so - listen to their testimony about its benefits.
Calcium supplementation:
I was never much on taking vitimans and supplements - never did in my childhood in fact. As an adult, I would occcasionally take a multi-vitiman, but would quickly get out of the habit. I had never heard of Calcium supplements until I married my wife Susan. As soon as she learned that I suffered from leg cramps/spasms at night - she insisted that I take calcium pills at night before going to bed. I'd say that almost immediately, the frequency of cramping episodes was reduced by 50 percent. The other 50 percent was controllable by diet and exercise - and so, if I watched what I ate (especially prior to going to bed) and would get some regular exercise - almost all episodes of leg cramps disappeared. It's the later, that I so frequently neglected - that caused so many problems for me. Now that I'm exercising daily, consuming no sugar and no caffiene and very little fried foods - I'd say I haven't had any leg cramps in the past month!
For those of you who don't know what these leg cramps are - they are very painful and very annoying. There is nothing like falling asleep and then an hour later waking up to severe pain in your calve muscles, your legs twitching and jerking involuntarily. IF you are very, very tired - it's sorta' like being in a dream that you can't wake up from. You feel the pain, you know your body is spasming, but you can't full wake-up. It's also very bad for your spouse - not real easy to sleep when your partner is "dancing" all over the bed! On the occasions that I could get myself up - I'd just walk up and down the hall, basically trying to tire my legs out and stop the cramps - or, I'd sit in my rocker-recliner and rock fast and hard - working the calve muscles. Sometimes it would take 30 minutes for my legs muscles to stop cramping and sometimes it would take as long as an hour. That's a pretty misearable hour at 1:00 or 2:00 in morning.
I've also determined that the propensity for leg cramps must be hereditary - my father, and my two younger brothers all suffer from the same malady. They are much more stubborn about supplementation, diet, and exercise though.
I was never much on taking vitimans and supplements - never did in my childhood in fact. As an adult, I would occcasionally take a multi-vitiman, but would quickly get out of the habit. I had never heard of Calcium supplements until I married my wife Susan. As soon as she learned that I suffered from leg cramps/spasms at night - she insisted that I take calcium pills at night before going to bed. I'd say that almost immediately, the frequency of cramping episodes was reduced by 50 percent. The other 50 percent was controllable by diet and exercise - and so, if I watched what I ate (especially prior to going to bed) and would get some regular exercise - almost all episodes of leg cramps disappeared. It's the later, that I so frequently neglected - that caused so many problems for me. Now that I'm exercising daily, consuming no sugar and no caffiene and very little fried foods - I'd say I haven't had any leg cramps in the past month!
For those of you who don't know what these leg cramps are - they are very painful and very annoying. There is nothing like falling asleep and then an hour later waking up to severe pain in your calve muscles, your legs twitching and jerking involuntarily. IF you are very, very tired - it's sorta' like being in a dream that you can't wake up from. You feel the pain, you know your body is spasming, but you can't full wake-up. It's also very bad for your spouse - not real easy to sleep when your partner is "dancing" all over the bed! On the occasions that I could get myself up - I'd just walk up and down the hall, basically trying to tire my legs out and stop the cramps - or, I'd sit in my rocker-recliner and rock fast and hard - working the calve muscles. Sometimes it would take 30 minutes for my legs muscles to stop cramping and sometimes it would take as long as an hour. That's a pretty misearable hour at 1:00 or 2:00 in morning.
I've also determined that the propensity for leg cramps must be hereditary - my father, and my two younger brothers all suffer from the same malady. They are much more stubborn about supplementation, diet, and exercise though.
Choices:
What I chose to do today - will always have an impact on tomorrow, next week, next month - even 10 years from now. If, I will just think before I act - if I will just weigh each decision based on it's significance to the future - I'd probably make a lot better decisions! What I eat today, will affect my health in the long term - every calorie, every preservative, every empty carbohydrate that I willingly consume, will work against me eventually. I tell myself "I'm not old, I don't have to worry about what I eat" - I'm just kidding myself. Eating the wrong things actually accelarate the aging process. Occasionally, I miss the junk food, the sugary deserts, the can of "pop" - the fried food - but, once I start reminding myself about how I felt just a month ago, it doesn't take long for me to stop craving the destructive junk.
Haven't weighed myself in awhile but I feel thinner every day, people are starting to notice the changes in my body, my pants are getting so loose that even my belt is not doing a very good job of holding them up. I cannot believe the amount of energy that I have everyday now - I'm not the same person from a month ago. I now get more done in one day than I did in a week - I'm sleeping so much better. Instead of two naps a day (lunch and after dinner), I go full steam from about 7 a.m. till Midnight - occasionally, I'll sit and close my eyes for about 15 - 20 minutes after dinner - especially if I know there are a quite a few things I want to get accomplished that evening before I retire to bed - bascially, to get my second wind.
When I hit the pillow at Midnight - I'm asleep in less than a minute and I sleep very soundly until it's time to get up in the morning. Just up until a month ago, my sleep was very fitfull (had been for years), trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, bad dreams and leg cramps. I'd wake up feeling as or more tired than I was when I went to bed, sometimes it felt like someone had beat me with a stick in my sleep.
What I chose to do today - will always have an impact on tomorrow, next week, next month - even 10 years from now. If, I will just think before I act - if I will just weigh each decision based on it's significance to the future - I'd probably make a lot better decisions! What I eat today, will affect my health in the long term - every calorie, every preservative, every empty carbohydrate that I willingly consume, will work against me eventually. I tell myself "I'm not old, I don't have to worry about what I eat" - I'm just kidding myself. Eating the wrong things actually accelarate the aging process. Occasionally, I miss the junk food, the sugary deserts, the can of "pop" - the fried food - but, once I start reminding myself about how I felt just a month ago, it doesn't take long for me to stop craving the destructive junk.
Haven't weighed myself in awhile but I feel thinner every day, people are starting to notice the changes in my body, my pants are getting so loose that even my belt is not doing a very good job of holding them up. I cannot believe the amount of energy that I have everyday now - I'm not the same person from a month ago. I now get more done in one day than I did in a week - I'm sleeping so much better. Instead of two naps a day (lunch and after dinner), I go full steam from about 7 a.m. till Midnight - occasionally, I'll sit and close my eyes for about 15 - 20 minutes after dinner - especially if I know there are a quite a few things I want to get accomplished that evening before I retire to bed - bascially, to get my second wind.
When I hit the pillow at Midnight - I'm asleep in less than a minute and I sleep very soundly until it's time to get up in the morning. Just up until a month ago, my sleep was very fitfull (had been for years), trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, bad dreams and leg cramps. I'd wake up feeling as or more tired than I was when I went to bed, sometimes it felt like someone had beat me with a stick in my sleep.
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Time Management Addendum:
I decided to break down the hours of a typical (24 hour) weekday and to see how they are used. For me it looks like this:
7 hours of sleep
9 hours of work (includes commuting)
1 hour for eating meals (20 minutes each)
1 hour for exercising
1 hour for working around the house
1 hour for hygiene related issues
Total hours: 20
That leaves me with 4 hours a day to work toward accomplishing my goals, that's 20 hours in five days, and that's 80 hours in a month (the equivalant of two full work weeks!) - I should have no excuses for not getting things accomplished - and we aren't even including the weekend! I can relax on the weekends - watch a little television or go to the movies, visit with friends on the telephone or in person, go shopping - for me, it's best to utilize my weekday hours to stay focused and determined.
I decided to break down the hours of a typical (24 hour) weekday and to see how they are used. For me it looks like this:
7 hours of sleep
9 hours of work (includes commuting)
1 hour for eating meals (20 minutes each)
1 hour for exercising
1 hour for working around the house
1 hour for hygiene related issues
Total hours: 20
That leaves me with 4 hours a day to work toward accomplishing my goals, that's 20 hours in five days, and that's 80 hours in a month (the equivalant of two full work weeks!) - I should have no excuses for not getting things accomplished - and we aren't even including the weekend! I can relax on the weekends - watch a little television or go to the movies, visit with friends on the telephone or in person, go shopping - for me, it's best to utilize my weekday hours to stay focused and determined.
Time Managment:
I used to waste a lot of time. It was never my fault though - of course. Everything and everyone else was responsible for my inability to get things done. Well, I've been "re-educated" now - the first step, is to assume full responisibility for how I manage my time. To take full responsibility for what I allow others to get me to do - and not do. I can say "no" or "no thanks" - or "how about after I've completed such and such, then I'll do that" - I'm going to try to not let others dictate to me how and when I will get things done. It takes the determination of a bulldog - but it's possible, I've exercised that notion a great deal this past week or so. What I've discovered, looking deeply into myself is - that in many cases, the task at hand is something I don't really want to do - so, I let myself be easily distracted from accomplishing that task by being willingly distracted. Then I blame the other person or circumstances - works out pretty well, then I don't feel so quilty about not getting things done.
That just isn't right.
Focus - writing down the things that need done, assigning priorities, and then going at them with full "gusto"! Since I'm working out now - I have a lot more energy, so I utilize that energy to keep moving - to keep moving toward my goals. I eat a lot less, so that frees up a lot of time that I can use to accomplish things, let's see - watching television, one of the biggest time wasters in the universe! I've now freed up at least 2 hours a day that I can now use toward reaching my immediate goals (a manuscript prepared for publishing, moving and setting up my new studio, preparing a property to sell, working out, etc.).
Another thing that I've noticed - it is real easy to get caught up in someone else's whirlwind. By whirlwind I mean the chaos and disorder in their lives. You ever notice that some people - they seem to be moving constantly, always doing something - and yet, really accomplishing absolutely nothing. They are worn out and the end of the day and yet nothing significant has been done. I call it running around in circles - sometimes that circle gets so big it starts sucking others into it! I have a number of these people in my life, they are always calling and asking me to do something at the spur of the moment - as if it is the most important thing in their life at that very moment (it is in their mind) - and yet, the thing needing done is really quite insignificant - and, when faced with the enevitability that they won't get help with that item - it suddenly is not important anymore - or these folks figure out how to accomplish it all by themselves. The secret here - for me (us), is to be able to discern the difference between a valid need for assistance and a need that is not important.
This concept also works both ways. There have been times in my life when I've asked someone for help with something - and there really wasn't an absolute need for them to help me. Laziness - probably the biggest reason for unreasonably asking someone else to drop whatever they are doing, whatever is important to them and to help me. I don't want to research a good solution, I don't wan't to expend the extra energy, I don't want to spend the money to pay a professional to complete the job or the repair - so I ask someone else to do it, mainly a "friend". But, what kind of friend am I - if I ask them to do something that I should be doing. I resent it when the same thing is done to me by my friends or relatives - I must remember that in the future.
I've always been a people pleaser - just my personality type, and it's caused a lot of major problems for me in the past. I may know the right way to do something - or when not to do something, but because of my "people pleasing" nature - I'm prone to do things someone else's way when they "suggest" it. That's a big mistake - first of all, I need to think for myself. Secondly, so what if I don't get it right the first time - I've learned something right? Thirdly, I've learned that there a 100 ways to get the same task accomplished - why should I let someone else dictate to me the "best" way - how do they know that it's the BEST way? Are they an expert in the field (not anywhere close in most cases). Most of the time, the answers I get are "Well, that's the way I've always done it" or "My parents always did it that way" or "That's the way they showed us in school". Maybe the other persons method is the best way - but it doesn't have to be done that way - no concrete rule that says "thou shalt do it their way!". I've noticed, some people get extremely agitated when you don't follow their procedures (I'm not talking job responsiblities here - I'm talking our own personal lives and issues), they can't see past their own noses and they take offense when we don't just jump and do things the way they think we should do them. Yet, just try telling these folks how they should do something - it's like throwing water on a cat, a very negative reaction.
Ever notice, that the folks who don't hesitate to bark orders and who question every move that you make - are a lot less willing to undergo the same such tratment from others? Ever notice how people, when they ask you why you are doing something a certain way - are not simply wanting to know why - they are actually pointing out to you that they don't agree with how you are doing it? But don't mention that to them - they will rarely agree with that notion.
I used to waste a lot of time. It was never my fault though - of course. Everything and everyone else was responsible for my inability to get things done. Well, I've been "re-educated" now - the first step, is to assume full responisibility for how I manage my time. To take full responsibility for what I allow others to get me to do - and not do. I can say "no" or "no thanks" - or "how about after I've completed such and such, then I'll do that" - I'm going to try to not let others dictate to me how and when I will get things done. It takes the determination of a bulldog - but it's possible, I've exercised that notion a great deal this past week or so. What I've discovered, looking deeply into myself is - that in many cases, the task at hand is something I don't really want to do - so, I let myself be easily distracted from accomplishing that task by being willingly distracted. Then I blame the other person or circumstances - works out pretty well, then I don't feel so quilty about not getting things done.
That just isn't right.
Focus - writing down the things that need done, assigning priorities, and then going at them with full "gusto"! Since I'm working out now - I have a lot more energy, so I utilize that energy to keep moving - to keep moving toward my goals. I eat a lot less, so that frees up a lot of time that I can use to accomplish things, let's see - watching television, one of the biggest time wasters in the universe! I've now freed up at least 2 hours a day that I can now use toward reaching my immediate goals (a manuscript prepared for publishing, moving and setting up my new studio, preparing a property to sell, working out, etc.).
Another thing that I've noticed - it is real easy to get caught up in someone else's whirlwind. By whirlwind I mean the chaos and disorder in their lives. You ever notice that some people - they seem to be moving constantly, always doing something - and yet, really accomplishing absolutely nothing. They are worn out and the end of the day and yet nothing significant has been done. I call it running around in circles - sometimes that circle gets so big it starts sucking others into it! I have a number of these people in my life, they are always calling and asking me to do something at the spur of the moment - as if it is the most important thing in their life at that very moment (it is in their mind) - and yet, the thing needing done is really quite insignificant - and, when faced with the enevitability that they won't get help with that item - it suddenly is not important anymore - or these folks figure out how to accomplish it all by themselves. The secret here - for me (us), is to be able to discern the difference between a valid need for assistance and a need that is not important.
This concept also works both ways. There have been times in my life when I've asked someone for help with something - and there really wasn't an absolute need for them to help me. Laziness - probably the biggest reason for unreasonably asking someone else to drop whatever they are doing, whatever is important to them and to help me. I don't want to research a good solution, I don't wan't to expend the extra energy, I don't want to spend the money to pay a professional to complete the job or the repair - so I ask someone else to do it, mainly a "friend". But, what kind of friend am I - if I ask them to do something that I should be doing. I resent it when the same thing is done to me by my friends or relatives - I must remember that in the future.
I've always been a people pleaser - just my personality type, and it's caused a lot of major problems for me in the past. I may know the right way to do something - or when not to do something, but because of my "people pleasing" nature - I'm prone to do things someone else's way when they "suggest" it. That's a big mistake - first of all, I need to think for myself. Secondly, so what if I don't get it right the first time - I've learned something right? Thirdly, I've learned that there a 100 ways to get the same task accomplished - why should I let someone else dictate to me the "best" way - how do they know that it's the BEST way? Are they an expert in the field (not anywhere close in most cases). Most of the time, the answers I get are "Well, that's the way I've always done it" or "My parents always did it that way" or "That's the way they showed us in school". Maybe the other persons method is the best way - but it doesn't have to be done that way - no concrete rule that says "thou shalt do it their way!". I've noticed, some people get extremely agitated when you don't follow their procedures (I'm not talking job responsiblities here - I'm talking our own personal lives and issues), they can't see past their own noses and they take offense when we don't just jump and do things the way they think we should do them. Yet, just try telling these folks how they should do something - it's like throwing water on a cat, a very negative reaction.
Ever notice, that the folks who don't hesitate to bark orders and who question every move that you make - are a lot less willing to undergo the same such tratment from others? Ever notice how people, when they ask you why you are doing something a certain way - are not simply wanting to know why - they are actually pointing out to you that they don't agree with how you are doing it? But don't mention that to them - they will rarely agree with that notion.
Monday, July 28, 2003
Useful Tool:
I am very leary of fitness products that claim to perform miracles - I tend to just avoid them. There is a product though, that I researched, purchased, and have tested and I'm quite impressed with it. The device is called Abtronic - it utilizies DC current to stimulate the muscles and cause them to contract. I bought the Abtronic specifically to use on my stomach muscles and it's been quite effective (losing 4 inches on my stomach in 3 weeks is VERY effective I'd say).
http://store.yahoo.com/tvproducts4less/esabt-6.html is the link that you can go to and read all about the product, and even purchase one for yourself.
There are people out there that say this product will not work BUT, let me ask you - why do physcial therapist use products such as this to restore muscles in injured patients? Bruce Lee - who was one of the most physically fit men in the world, used electronic stimulation to exercise his muscles when he was unable to get to the gym. That's basically what I am doing - at noon, three days a week - I go for a 2 mile fast walk at lunch time. I just walk in the neighborhood around where I work. When I get back, I put on the Abtronic (under my shirt) and I get back to work at my desk. I'll use the Abtronic for about 30 - 40 minutes (it runs about 10 minutes and automatically shuts off). There are a number of training programs on this device, so the pattern of stimulation can be changed frequently. I'll start with the Abtronic low on my stomach and then slowly move it up higher each time and then back down. One of the main reasons that I know that it's affective is - later in the afternoons, I can feel some soreness in my abdominal muscles - from all of the contractions!
I am very leary of fitness products that claim to perform miracles - I tend to just avoid them. There is a product though, that I researched, purchased, and have tested and I'm quite impressed with it. The device is called Abtronic - it utilizies DC current to stimulate the muscles and cause them to contract. I bought the Abtronic specifically to use on my stomach muscles and it's been quite effective (losing 4 inches on my stomach in 3 weeks is VERY effective I'd say).
http://store.yahoo.com/tvproducts4less/esabt-6.html is the link that you can go to and read all about the product, and even purchase one for yourself.
There are people out there that say this product will not work BUT, let me ask you - why do physcial therapist use products such as this to restore muscles in injured patients? Bruce Lee - who was one of the most physically fit men in the world, used electronic stimulation to exercise his muscles when he was unable to get to the gym. That's basically what I am doing - at noon, three days a week - I go for a 2 mile fast walk at lunch time. I just walk in the neighborhood around where I work. When I get back, I put on the Abtronic (under my shirt) and I get back to work at my desk. I'll use the Abtronic for about 30 - 40 minutes (it runs about 10 minutes and automatically shuts off). There are a number of training programs on this device, so the pattern of stimulation can be changed frequently. I'll start with the Abtronic low on my stomach and then slowly move it up higher each time and then back down. One of the main reasons that I know that it's affective is - later in the afternoons, I can feel some soreness in my abdominal muscles - from all of the contractions!
Status report:
I feel great! That's a pretty good report isn't it? There have not been but a handful of days in the past year, that I've been able to say that and really mean it! I'm sleeping so very well, I have more energy than I know what to do with, my productivity is still increasing. I did so much physical work this past Saturday - probably as much as I could do in 3 Saturdays - just a month ago. My clothes continue to get looser, my endurance is continuing to increase - I feel like I have some reserves now. The folks around me are telling me that they admire my determination and will-power and some of them are starting to develop fitness and dieting plans for themselves - that encourages me to continue on and to not give up.
I feel great! That's a pretty good report isn't it? There have not been but a handful of days in the past year, that I've been able to say that and really mean it! I'm sleeping so very well, I have more energy than I know what to do with, my productivity is still increasing. I did so much physical work this past Saturday - probably as much as I could do in 3 Saturdays - just a month ago. My clothes continue to get looser, my endurance is continuing to increase - I feel like I have some reserves now. The folks around me are telling me that they admire my determination and will-power and some of them are starting to develop fitness and dieting plans for themselves - that encourages me to continue on and to not give up.
