lemon 

Drink a glass of the below every day for a week and make it a habit - skip the coconut water if the water is hydrating enough 

Lemon, filtered water, cayenne pepper, coconut water (if desired hydration)

Sugar vs Substitutes: What Makes the Grade?

Cane sugar, cane sugar juice, dehydrated cane syrup etc. - D - often found in "natural", "healthy" treats

Pros: Derivatives of the above retain a few trace minerals that may help the body metabolize the sugar better

Cons: Still very high Glycemic index, causes excessive insulin release, promotes insulin resistance and diabetes

High Fructose Corn Syrup - F - often found in pop, processed foods

Pros: None

Cons: Promotes obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and diabetes

Agave Nectar - F - often found in "natural", "healthy" treats

Pros: Good marketing

Cons: Contains more fructose than high fructose corn syrup, therefore can promote obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and diabetes

Stevia - B - natural extract from the plant Stevia rebaudiana

Pros: natural, intensely sweet, doesn't elevate blood sugar, increases insulin sensitivity

Cons: Does cause insulin release which can disrupt hormone balance however that may be offset by the improved insulin sensitivity, slightly bitter aftertaste

Aspartame - F - artificial sweetener

Pros: None

Cons: Can cause various neurological problems in susceptible people, despite no increase in blood sugar it increases insulin levels which can aggravate hypoglycemia, lead to excessive appetite, hormone imbalances, infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS

Molasses - C - is the dark liquid byproduct of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar. It is made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup.

Pros: somewhat natural, an excellent source of manganese, copper and iron and a good source of calcium, magnesium and potassium

Cons: not good for blood sugar, insulin levels, hormone balance

Maple Syrup - C - is the amber liquid from evaporating most of the water off the sap of the maple tree

Pros: Excellent source of manganese, good source of zinc

Cons: not good for blood sugar, insulin levels, hormone balance

Splenda/ Sucralose - F - artificially made by replacing three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule with three chlorine atoms

Pros: Low calorie sweetener

Cons: Side effects may include bloating, rash, decreased coordination, dulled senses, headaches, insomnia, irritability, stomach cramps, despite no increase in blood sugar it increases insulin levels which can aggravate hypoglycemia, lead to excessive appetite, hormone imbalances, infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS

Xylitol - B+ - naturally occurring sugar alcohol

Pros: has antibacterial and antifungal properties, lower calorie, safe, has been shown to improve bone density in rats, tastes good, measures like sugar

Cons: can have somewhat of a laxative effect and if consumed in large quantities may cause bloating and abdominal pain

No Sugar or Sugar Substitutes - A+++

By Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc, ND. To book an appointment with  please call 416.481.0222 or email Maria at Maria@ForcesofNature.ca