HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Unhealthy carbs and sugar article

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/3/2012 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone:

I just thought I'd share the following article this morning with you. The doctor who puts out these emails is considered controversial but the information contained in his emails does give a person something to think about:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/11/03/too-much-carbs.aspx?e_cid=20121103_DNL_art_2

 

Posted 11/3/2012 12:34 PM (GMT 0)
Personally, I like much of what Dr. Mercola has to say, and question why some say he's controversial. I like the fact that he has a natural healing site.  I think he makes a good point here and I would agree. However, I think maybe he shouldn't have said 'lose your mind,' though we get the idea.  An overload of sugar and carbs can be nasty.
Thanks for sharing this!

Post Edited (Luvzminis) : 11/3/2012 12:53:33 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 11/3/2012 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
I do not care for Mercola.  He has been called out for unsubstantiated claims by the FDA, I think some of his advice is dangerous, and he is making a HUGE profit off people's illnesses.  How?  He always seems to have something to sell for whatever he is talking about.  I call these snake oil salesmen.  This is my humble opinion.

 

Here are a couple of links to back up what I'm saying.

 

http://www.quackwatch.com/11Ind/mercola.html

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/9-reasons-to-completely-ignore-joseph-mercola-and-natural-news/

 

 

Sherrine

Posted 11/4/2012 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
I think sometimes it's hard to know who to believe. I guess we have to just read and weigh the facts. Dr. Mercola does seem to be concerned about others' health, from what I have read.

 I have to wonder if the criticisms from other sources have been fair to Dr. Mercola, but I really don't know; it's hard to tell sometimes, and some groups may have their own agendas and not want other doctors to disagree.  But I honestly don't know if that's the case here. Anyway, this article is interesting, and I would have to side with Dr. Mercola here.  He appears to be concerned about fluoride in water supplies:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/09/25/oregon-water-fluoridation.aspx

 

Post Edited (Luvzminis) : 11/3/2012 7:58:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 11/4/2012 7:11 AM (GMT 0)
I've heard both good and bad about Dr. Mercola, but if the only thing against him is the FDA, I'd say that's a case if "the pot calling the kettle black"...just my opinion!

Dr. Mercola is not a doctor whose articles I read regularly, but I read the one at the link supplied above, and it jibes with what I've been reading other places (reputable sources).  Plus, I don't think there's any way for him to profit by sharing this advice...of course it's wise to double-check anyone's recommendations when the "recommender" stands to make a profit from the "solution"!

Regardless, thanks for posting this--it gives a starting point to look into the topic to see what others are saying on the subject.

 

Posted 11/4/2012 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
There are many health websites with ads. I ignore the ads. I'm glad this website is free of them.

I also only read some of his articles and I don't fully believe what he has to say but I do take it into consideration especially if I read the advice he gives in a more reputable website like webmd or mayoclinic.

Thanks for your replies everyone.
Posted 11/4/2012 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
Also found this interesting. I hadn't heard about this:

You are gettng into politics and that is against forum rules.  Thanks for understanding.

Sherrine 

Post Edited By Moderator (Sherrine) : 11/4/2012 12:26:05 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/4/2012 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
I am unsure about him. I have never once noticed a correlation between what I eat and how I feel, with the exception that several days of greasy foods may be giving me gall bladder attacks. I dont typically eat a lot of sugar, but will binge from time to time (like halloween, lol) but it never makes me feel worse or better, even days later. Carbs, not sure, I do eat a lot of them, but when i go low carb for a bit i dont feel any different. There are hosts of people that claim foods can trigger, but i find it hard to believe. I do know stress can trigger, i feel it when it happens, but never from food. Maybe we are all different that way.
Posted 11/4/2012 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your article! This is excellent for my research!
Posted 11/4/2012 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
I just have a major problem with a "doctor" who advises against vaccinations.  When I was a child, the polio vaccine had not come out yet.  I remember seeing a lot of children on crutches and children and adults in iron lungs on the news nearly nightly.  For those of you who have never heard of an iron lung, here is a link about them.

 

http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/01/what-america-looked-like-polio-children-paralyzed-in-iron-lungs/251098/

 

This illness was overtaking us.  Half a million people died each year from polio.  When I was in fourth grade the Salk polio vaccine came out and my parents rushed my brother and me to the doctor's office.  It was a series of five vaccinations.  Then a few years later, Sabin came out with the oral vaccine and that was passed out in the schools.  I took that, too.  Thank God for these scientists and pharmacutical companies that produced these products.  You don't hear about polio now, but you will if Mercola has his way.  

 

People are now starting to not vaccinate their children or themselves.  Consequently, I just heard that whooping cough is coming back.  I have a family member who has an autistic child and they are not vaccinating either of their children now, even though numerous testing has proven that vaccines are not the cause of autism.  Wonder how they would feel if their children come down with a devastating illness that a simple vaccination could have prevented.  Golly, my father lost three baby sisters to diptheria.  You don't hear of that, either, but you just might if Mercola "speaks" to enough people.  

 

He says things that are not accurate, claims some of his products, like a coconut oil, can help heal cancer, etc.  I don't believe a word of it and he is making money doing this.  This is one major reason why I'm not a fan of his. 

 

Again, this is just my opinion based on what I've experienced in my life.  You have to use common sense in life.  

 

Sherrine 

Posted 11/5/2012 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hmm....I'm certainly no authority on Dr. Mercola, by any means.  But I have to wonder, after looking at a few of his articles on vaccinations, if he is more concerned about the side effects and long-term effects of vaccinations than the actual vaccinations themselves.  Recently, I heard another doctor speak about the increase in autism which may be related to vaccines, as just one example.  Perhaps what Dr. Mercola MAY be saying (I don't know for sure, though), is that we may need to rethink the number of, and some of the ingredients in vaccinations.  And maybe he means there may also be some newer vaccines that should be re-evaluated. From what I have heard, more and more information is coming out about vaccinations which the public was formerly unaware of.

That's just a guess, but it's one conclusion I have come to. Again, I'm not that familiar with Dr. Mercola, but from other articles I have read, it would seem he is trying to look out for others' health.  Anyway, just my two cents worth.

Post Edited (Luvzminis) : 11/5/2012 11:53:40 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/5/2012 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Regarding Dr. Mercola and his opinion on vaccines, I talked with my sister this morning, who is trying to decide if she should get her four children their upcoming scheduled vaccinations.  In her online research, she came across this article, which I thought I would share:

www.naturalnews.com/035787_vaccines_autism_monkeys.html

I wouldn't want to be a parent today and have to make this decision...it's a difficult one, and the stakes are high.

All of this being said, I'm not trying to convince anyone to be a fan of Dr. Mercola, as I'm not that familiar with him, but I'm just pointing out that he may have some basis in fact on this particular subject.

Posted 11/5/2012 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
I'm opposed to Dr. Mercola and others like him who make a profit off of psuedo-science and fear mongering. I do believe that some of the things he proposes are scientifically proven (like the necessity for vitamin D), but I also believe that he uses factual science as sort of a trojan horse to entice people into purchasing his unproven cures and remedies. I believe he preys on the vulnerable, which illness often makes us.

This is what the CDC has to say about vaccines and autism:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism/index.html
Posted 11/5/2012 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
kimliz59: I totally hear you and agree with you! My children are all grown, and I would not want to make the decision on vaccines, either. If you do an online search, there are various opinions on this subject, both pro and con.

 Just recently I heard a few doctors (outside the mainstream) on a radio show discussing some new findings on vaccines. From what they said, it seemed to indicate  little or nothing was being done by the 'mainstream' medical profession (for lack of  better words) to take studies further or investigate any connections to autism. It appears some deny any connection, but these doctors do believe there is a connection.

  I don't recall the names of the doctors I heard on the show, but there are sometimes repeat shows on the station.  If they  replay or come back on the show, I will post their names and any websites, if anyone wants to look into this further, and if it's allowed on this site.


 I don't know much at all about Dr. Mercola, and I agree with those who have said it does seem a little questionable that he has 'cures' and 'remedies,'  Maybe some will work and some won't--I really don't know.  

   I do find it interesting that other doctors (besides him) are getting on board with rethinking certain vaccines, so I feel I can't  disqualify Dr. Mercola. Maybe it would be worth taking the time to take a closer look at what he's saying. He may be on to something. 

That's really all I have to say about this topic.  I'll do a little "digging" into his website and columns and see what I can learn.

Best wishes to you and to all who posted here.

Post Edited (Luvzminis) : 11/5/2012 6:21:40 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/6/2012 10:09 PM (GMT 0)

Luvzminis, like I always say, there's only one truth, so it can't hurt to look into a variety of opinions on any subject to help find it!

Back to the original topic of this thread (that of sugar/bad carbs causing problems), let me say that I am a sugarholic, and I know it's so bad for me, but I've tried reducing/eliminating the sweets in my diet with very limited success at best. 

Years ago I got a book called "Lick the Sugar Habit", and I came across it the other day when I was going through some old books.  I re-read the parts I had highlighted when I first read it, and it refreshed my memory on just how bad sugar is for us, namely that it upsets the delicate mineral balance in our bodies which has far-reaching negative effects on our health.

Despite the title, most of the book is dedicated to the vast array of health problems caused by sugar, with not much discussion on how to stop eating it.    So, last night I got onto my favorite bookseller's website, and after searching, came across two books which I hope will be helpful:  "Overcoming Sugar Addiction:  How I kicked My Sugar Habit and Created a Joyful Sugar Free Life" and "Make Shift Happen:  Change How You Look by Changing How You Think".

 

Both of these books had 30+ five-star reviews, so hopefully they help.  If anyone's interested, post on this thread, and when I'm finished with the books, I'll let you know if I thought either of them were worthwhile reads.

Anyway, there is a growing body of evidence that high-carb/sugar diets are the worst for people, and that things like butter and animal fat are healthy, provided the animals eat the foods they were designed to eat (grass-fed cattle, free-range chickens, etc.).  This pains me, as I am a long-time (twenty-five years plus!) vegetarian, and I'm not sure I can go back to eating animal flesh, although I do eat eggs and dairy.

But I digress...almost medfree, thanks for starting this thread--it's resulted in some interesting posts!   :-)   

  

Posted 11/6/2012 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the replies, everyone.

Kimliz, even though I rarely eat refined sugar if I happen to eat something like the bread pudding I shared with my fiance at a restaurant the other day covered with some warm rum sauce, I crave madly more of the bad stuff. A couple months ago I had a hamburger and I needed more!

When you haven't eaten it for a while, you don't crave it so much. I eat Ezekial Bread rather than white or whole wheat bread. I don't eat desserts. We love to eat fresh fruit a couple times a day.

Good luck to you.
Posted 11/8/2012 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Almost medfree,

I love fruit, too...and vegetables and all kinds of things that are good for me, thank Heaven!  It's just that I like the bad-for-me things (like sweets) too. nono

Recently I tried Lara Bars (tons of flavors--carrot cake, cherry pie, chocolate chip cookie dough), and I like them because they are gluten-free, they placate my sweet tooth, and the ingredients are simple and few.  The only problem is that they're expensive, but I guess I can't have everything! :-)

I'm really getting geared up to cut down on the sweets and to find more things like the Lara bars which satisfy, but aren't full of refined sugar.  I'm looking forward to getting the books I ordered, too--I hope I find some good tips and tools there.

I like Ezekial bread, too, but I've been trying to stay away from gluten.  I know Ezekial bread is sprouted, so it's not as grain-filled as most bread, so it is a good choice.  I've been eating Udi's multigrain occasionally, as it's gluten-free (I'm not a celiac--I just think it healthier to minimize gluten in my diet) and it makes good toast.

I know what you mean about having just a little bit of sweet food making you crave a LOT more--that's the way I am, too.  rolleyes    Darned ol' sweet tooth anyway!

 

Posted 11/8/2012 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kim,

Are those Lara bars the "Larabars uber"? If they are I purchase the roasted nut roll variety. Seven grams of sugar which isn't too bad. And yes they are expensive. I have only one a day when I need a bit more energy.

I'm pretty much turned off by sweets because I know how I'll feel later. Awful. Do you eat fresh dates? They're so sweet and good for you. I buy a big container in the fresh fruit section of my supermarket.

I've heard that there is something put into some of those unhealthy foods like white bread that makes us crave more. I can't recall what it is right now. Maybe someone else is familiar with this?

I stay away from gluten, not because I was tested to have celiac, but because I feel better staying away from it. I'm going to look into that Udi bread. Where do you buy it? I haven't heard of it.
Posted 11/8/2012 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, almost medfree~

I am out of Lara bars, but am picking up more later today, so will let you know if they are the "uber" ones or not, but I don't recall seeing that on the label.

I get the Udi's bread at my local Cub Foods, but I know a lot of places sell it.  At this store, it's in the freezer section.  I live in a very rural area, so I'm glad they carry it.  I recently did an online search for "the best-tasting gluten-free bread" and Udi's multigrain was listed as #1.  (They also make a "white" version, but I haven't tried that.)  Also, I've only ever eaten it toasted, so I don't know how it compares to regular untoasted bread.

I have to say I have never tasted, nor have I seen, fresh dates, but if I do, I'll certainly try them...I always wondered why I could only find the dried variety.  Once a month, my sister go to a much larger town about an hour away to get grocery items we can't find locally, and we're going later today, so I'll look for those.  Thanks for the tip!  tongue

I've heard, too about something put into "bad" food to make us crave more...wonder if it's true?

Well, I'll let you know later if I find the fresh dates--thanks again!

 

Posted 11/8/2012 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
I'm jumping over from the Diabetes Forum because of the subject of carbs and sugar.  Carbohydrates such a sugar, rice, fruit juice, most fruits, potatoes and food made from flour will raise blood sugar in diabetics and even non-diabetics though probably not to the same degree as in diabetics.  If you are not diabetic, you may not have to worry about your blood sugar but you would be concerned about the calories from this food.  Plain white bread is a fast-acting carb similar to sugar, so a better choice is bread whose first ingredient is whole grain/whole berry.  (Whole wheat is not the same according to what I've read somewhere.) 

When you read the nutrition labels of packaged food, it helps if there is a lot of fiber because this usually stops blood sugar from spiking too high too fast.  Oatmeal has been advertised as really healthy, but if you've eaten a bowl of oatmeal, especially flavored with maple syrup, and you felt like you wanted a nap afterwards, it's because your blood sugar took a dive.  Honey and any other natural syrup is still a carb and will still affect your blood sugar.  As for dates, they are very sweet but not the best nutrition.  http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/7348/2

Check out other food's nutrition there.  I think it's very helpful.  And, no, they don't put anything into white bread to make you want more.  It's just the way the carbs work on our metabolism.

I hope that before you see your doctor for your next appointment that you have a fasting blood sugar test to see how you metabolize carbs. 

Personally I don't think the nutrition bars or energy bars are necessary if you're eating a healthy diet of fresh vegetables, some fruit, and some protein.  These bars (not all of them!) are good for athletes who are using up the calories though.

Posted 11/8/2012 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Kim,

I mis-spoke. The dates that I buy in the produce section are dried but they taste fresher than the dates in the raisin isle. I'm going to look for that bread. Thanks.

Thanks for the information Lanie. I'm going to look into that fasting blood sugar test.
Posted 11/9/2012 11:50 AM (GMT 0)
Almost medfree, I think I know the dates you're referring to--they're loose in a box in the produce section, and they're big, Medjool dates?  Those things are awesome!! 

The Lara bars I get are not the uber ones, but I may try them sometime.

Lanie, thanks for all of the info...I've been a type 1 diabetic for seventeen years, and diabetes is SO much more than avoiding "sugar", isn't it?!  rolleyes

Posted 11/9/2012 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
With Dr. Mercola completely aside.....

I do totally believe that eating a ton processed sugar, and maybe even worse, waaay too many carbs, is bad for you in so many ways, I'd be quite surprised if it "did not" affect ones cognitive abilities negatively.

So, after cutting out a freaking TON of processed sugars, and starchy carbs from my diet, I might not be any smarter..... But what the hey, at least I feel smarter :) LOL
In all seriousness, I've also knocked my Fibro almost completely out, and my IBS doesn't affect me whatsoever. How much of this has to do directly with my low carb, low sugar diet, I'm not really sure. But I'm not planning on any major changes, anytime soon, either.

Fish
Posted 11/9/2012 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Fish, I think you're completely right--all of the carbs in the average person's diet can't help but have negative affects on many aspects of our health, so it's not surprising that your fibro and IBS symptoms are greatly reduced.  You should feel smarter! smilewinkgrin
Posted 11/10/2012 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
Kim, the dates that I buy are in a round plastic container, not sure what kind they are. I think they're yummy too. I don't know what it's like to have diabetes. Do you have to change your entire diet? Stay away from unhealthy carbs?

Fishchris, I think I posted this link to a great website on brain food. You're so right. I'll share it again:

http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/slideshow-brain-foods-that-help-you-concentrate
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12