By Dean L. Jones, C.P.M.
When taking a standard allergy test the amount of refined sugar consumed is not usually reviewed for allergic reactions. Even though high glycemic foods are the main producers of the inflammatory response to various parts of the body, as it experiences excessive sugar intake it places major demands on the digestive system that interferes with the absorption of crucial vitamins and minerals. This is especially true for eating refined sugar as it becomes a major inhibitor on the effectiveness of the immune system and the overall metabolism.
Since refined sugar depletes valuable neurotransmitters it is the basis for creating a quiet epidemic in America as millions of people suffer from allergies and sensitivities, particularly during the spring and summer months. Statistically over 60 million Americans now suffer from allergies, 11 million have a diagnosed food allergy, and countless more suffer from environmental or food sensitivities. This later problem occurs due to a certain amino acid or additive in food, where there are over 3,000 chemicals added to our food supply and more than 70,000 chemicals used for other purposes in North America alone.
The saddest part of this widespread problem is that allergy sufferers are assuming a drug(s) will be the remedy or cure for their respective allergy. Some people, even children, are prescribed drugs for years, and sadly their conditions never improve. Moreover, allergies and sensitivities are at the root of many health problems, including respiratory ailments, skin abnormalities, mood disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms.
In short, allergic reactions in the body come as though it is under attack, releasing antibodies and triggering inflammation, even though the stimulus of the attack (the allergen) is normally harmless. Often people feel better for a short time after they eat the foods to which they are sensitive or allergic. One explanation is that their bodies have grown used to this dysfunctional body chemistry and suffer withdrawal symptoms when deprived. But, if you want to evade your allergy symptoms you may want to remove sugar from your diet.
Giving up eating refined sugar for some might appear beyond your reach, but start slowly by weaning yourself off of eating sugary products like sodas, sports drinks, pastries and candies. Nevertheless, avoid using Splenda, fructose, or any other artificial sugar substitute, because they just add to the toxic load your body has to deal with and some of them are correlated with cancers. Once you stop eating sugar, which has dulled your sensitivity to natural sugars, fruit will taste wonderful again or maybe for the first time. There is nothing more delightful, full of vitamins, minerals, anti-cancer and anti-infection properties than a banana, an apple, a handful of grapes, or a fresh peach.
Dean L. Jones is a marketing strategist with the Southland Partnership Corporation, a public benefit organization. He has published a series of articles prompted by his discomfort with how food/beverages are marketed to the community.
