Sugar-The Poison

**Durgan** · 02-01-2012, 02:46 PM

Sugar should be controlled like alcohol: report | News | National Post Sugar should be controlled like alcohol: report
Sugar is so toxic it should be controlled like alcohol, according to new report that goes so far as to suggest setting an age limit of 17 years to buy soda pop.

It points to sugar as a culprit behind many of the world’s major killers — heart disease, cancer and diabetes — that are now a greater health burden than infectious disease.

A little sugar “is not a problem, but a lot kills — slowly,” says the report to be published Thursday in Nature, a top research journal.

Over the eons sugar was available to our ancestors as fruit for only a few months a year at harvest time, or as honey “which was guarded by bees,” says the report by Dr. Robert Lustig, a noted childhood obesity expert at the University of California, and two U.S. colleagues specializing in health policy...

**nodmicks** · 02-01-2012, 08:34 PM

I personally rarely eat sugar . However, I think we are smart enough to make our own decisions about what goes in our mouths.

**dancemommy** · 02-01-2012, 09:35 PM

I don't think it is something the government should police. However, I do think it is addictive and harmful. That doesn't mean that I won't allow my children to have any. I just know that times in my life when I weaned myself completely off of sugar were the healthiest times. It is HARD to get it completely out of your system. Once you do, you don't crave it. But it is hard to get to that point. We don't do a lot of sugar in our house. I don't buy soda, etc. But if we are at a restaurant or something we do allow the kids sometimes to get one. We do have dessert once or twice a week.

**Trishagirl** · 02-01-2012, 09:52 PM

I agree totally! I see so many apply buying cases & cases of pop its no wonder how come diabetes is rampant in our country. I don't drink pop & neither does dh. I drink water or green tea cold & hot. Green tea has many health benefits. We only use a small amount of organic sugar in tea.

**annymoll** · 02-01-2012, 09:57 PM

I feel sorry for the children who do not have parents that are smart enough to limit sugar. One look at a mouthful of rotten baby teeth and bottles full of Mountain Dew tell a sad story. If children are parental possessions and parents are responsible for their health, then they must be held accountable.I cannot imagine the pain of rotten teeth, especially for a small child who depended on a negligent or ignorant parent.

**Durgan** · 02-02-2012, 05:42 AM

I don't have sugar in the house. It is a hard addiction to overcome. I do have molasses for cooking about a pint a month. No honey, syrup or jam, and no deserts except fruit. I am suspicious of the condiments but only use catchup in small amounts.

It was a relief to see studies regarding sugar. I knew this long ago, but nice to have my views substantiated.

I often go to Bulk Barn and half the space is taken up with sugar products.

In the UK most of the peoples teeth are destroyed by the age of 25, due to everyone sucking on hard candy from an early age.

Average consumption is around 150 pounds per year PER PERSON in NA. Half the kids in some schools are on Ritalin due to hyperactivity, induced by sugar consumption. Teachers love zombies.

**Durgan** · 02-02-2012, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by nodmicks

I personally rarely eat sugar . However, I think we are smart enough to make our own decisions about what goes in our mouths.

The vast majority of the human race only respond to being prodded. They have a brain but refuse to use it particularly if the result of a change does not have an immediate gratifying effect,sort of like a baby responding to a need, meaning they have never reached adulthood with the ability to think and act.

Hence government have to take action for the common good. Annoying, Yes, but to ignore is probably being remiss in their duty.

Two links that clearly substantiate my rather draconian view of the human race.
Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Data and Statistics: U.S. Obesity Trends | DNPAO | CDC
Obesity statistics - Countries Compared - NationMaster

**LynnLC** · 02-02-2012, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Durgan

The vast majority of the human race only respond to being prodded. They have a brain but refuse to use it particularly if the result of a change does not have an immediate gratifying effect,sort of like a baby responding to a need, meaning they have never reached adulthood with the ability to think and act.

Hence government have to take action for the common good. Annoying, Yes, but to ignore is probably being remiss in their duty.

Two links that clearly substantiate my rather draconian view of the human race.
Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Data and Statistics: U.S. Obesity Trends | DNPAO | CDC
Obesity statistics - Countries Compared - NationMaster

Ummm....no thanks.

**Nishu** · 02-02-2012, 01:24 PM

Lol, well. I think we all know how I feel about government regulation of anything. I dislike it. However, I will say that Durgan has a point. Sugar is icky, it makes us overweight and unhealthy, it causes horrible medical problems.

To take it in another direction though, why do we outlaw weed and not sugar? I think the argument is that people should have the right to decide what they put in their bodies, to consume products at their own risk... so do those who oppose regulating sugar use that same logic on other substances? Probably not. I'm only guessing.

So no, I don't agree that sugar should be regulated like alcohol, but when it gets right down to it, I don't think alcohol should be regulated like alcohol either.

**Durgan** · 02-02-2012, 01:49 PM

I picked this up from a UK forum.

Sugar is like smoking, a useless and unhealthy addiction. I haven't eaten refined sugar (except very occasional ice cream and pickles) for over 40 years. No cakes, no biscuits, no sweets, chocolates or processed foods, as far as I could help it.

Do I miss any of them - no, in fact anything containing sugar now tastes positively disgusting. For those who still take sugar in their tea or coffee, give it up for 3 weeks and then try it with sugar again, I am convinced you will positively hate it.
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I utterly dislike social engineering by governments with few exceptions, and any government intervention has better be thoroughly explained.

**xtena** · 02-02-2012, 04:15 PM

No thanks. Our government is becoming more and more like a nanny state already. I am an adult, thank you very much and I will decide what to eat, or not eat, and what to feed, or not feed, my children on my own.

**nodmicks** · 02-02-2012, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by Durgan

The vast majority of the human race only respond to being prodded. They have a brain but refuse to use it particularly if the result of a change does not have an immediate gratifying effect,sort of like a baby responding to a need, meaning they have never reached adulthood with the ability to think and act.

Hence government have to take action for the common good. Annoying, Yes, but to ignore is probably being remiss in their duty.

Two links that clearly substantiate my rather draconian view of the human race.
Obesity and Overweight for Professionals: Data and Statistics: U.S. Obesity Trends | DNPAO | CDC
Obesity statistics - Countries Compared - NationMaster

I don't think it is the governments business to take action on what we put in our bodies period. I don't care if it is sugar, dirt , booze whatever. I am glad I am in a country I could have a darn cupcake if I wanted to and I don't even eat grain or sugar to make them ~or cupcakes

I is good to be free

The gov is so in cahoots in the USA with gmo foods, gmo grains and the sugar industry that is is ridiculous. In my opinion if they eliminated the lobbyists and special intrests we wouldn't have had some bizarre edition of what is healthy shoved down our throats for the sake of big biz and gov. The sugar industry wouldnt be so huge and they couldn't make it so cheaply without the subsidies and kickbacks. IT is all in the name of $$$.

MANY many years ago sugar used to be kept under lock and key as it was so valuable. Back in the days before the big biz that produces it was government subsidized. Who is the gov to step in now? I mean they subsidize the sugar industry.

The gov's ideas of healthy, your idea of healthy and anyone's will be different. What works so very well for me or you or whoever may not be right for someone else. I don't think there is a perfect answer. I personally don't want anyone's idea of healthy shoved down my throat. Who is the gov or anyone else to say my hand raised grass fed beef is bad?

If humans only respond to being prodded how on earth did we get so advance?

I do think it is sad that for many young people this is a daily diet instead of a special treat.

Oh my sorry this got a bit longer and more ranty than expected.

**nodmicks** · 02-02-2012, 04:28 PM

Durgan back to add. You would likely really like the book "Sugar Shock" btw. It is a very good book.

**Durgan** · 02-02-2012, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by nodmicks

Durgan back to add. You would likely really like the book "Sugar Shock" btw. It is a very good book.

I would read Sugar Shock if it was around, but I feel I know from experience its harmful effects.

I am like that guy in the UK, I don't have sugar around. Sort of like a redeemed alcoholic. I use to eat 2 pounds of white sugar per week. This is the granulated stuff not that hidden in food.

I honestly consider sugar one of the most harmful products in our society and really believe the message should be hammered home to all and sundry.

I am listening to the radio now, and there is going to be a discussion tonight about sugar.

**nodmicks** · 02-02-2012, 07:58 PM

I believe it is bad also but never want to be controlled personally in any way. It really is a super book even if it is HUGE! I learned a lot of things I didn't know. The author also had a blog and newsletter I get in my email.

I am grateful I have not had a sugar habit. I have a very strong preference for tart. Though on a rare occasion I am sick as I dog I really enjoy a can of Coke.

We all have our points we believe strongly in. Mine is genetically modified grains and foods. I have no desire to make anyone believe my way is the right way just because it is right for me and my family unless they specifically ask.