It seems if I have something with lots of sugar before I go to sleep, I wake up with pain. Maybe it's just a coincidence, or my imagination -- but it there sure seems to be a connection.

Has anyone else out there ever experienced this?

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clancy

You've hit on a Truth w/ capitol T, IMHO (In My Humble Opinion!)

In 1974 I was diagnosed w/ Degenerative Arthritis and approaching Blindness.

Today, because I discovered that sugar (along with some other things I was ingesting) caused the problems, I am pain free, and my eyesight is good -- and I can outwork and outplay my children and grand children!

You are on the right track!

I encourage you to journal everything you eat, drink, and smell, and you will discover the other elements that make you hurt!

Be encouraged!

b

P.S. I note that you have responded to several other questions -- sounds as tho you are a good counselor. I saw no place to enclose my own bio -- I'm an investigative reporter and writer, and as a result of my own healing from debilitating arthritis and blindness, am quite interested in so-called "Alternative" well-being! It literally saved me from wheelchair and worse!

I need to clarify what I mean by "sugar."

ALL refined sugars: corn syrup, brown, white cane, beet, etc., fructose, sucrose, glucose (all the "ose"s) i.e., if it has been removed from it's natural element, it is a refined sugar. Also, watch out for honey that has NOT come direct from the hive. While it is unlawful to use "sugar" as extender in "natural honey," the "commercial" brands assuredly affect me as does refined sugar. I buy most of mine in bulk from the guy who robs the hives!

I am not a doctor, but formerly a very sick person who no longer subscribes to allopathic medicine (except for trauma injury, and other VERY limited malady) -- after 27 years of research, have more than 100 nutrition books in my library.


[This message has been edited by B. McRae (edited 07-07-2001).]

Regarding sugar, many things that people eat today act on the body just like, if not worse, than sugar. Cane sugar is a disaccharid consisting of a molecule of glucose and a molecule of fructose. It is the glucose that has the biggest impact on your serum glucose (bloodsugar) levels. And it is the rise in bloodsugar and resulting rise in insulin levels that I think plays a major role in joint pain (not to mention heart disease, diabetes, and cancer). Anyway, back to sugar. Starches like white bread (anything made from white flour), potatoes, and rice are nothing more than chains of glucose molecules that are easily broken down into the individual glucose molecules in your digestive system. These can and do raise your serum glucose (bloodsugar) faster and higher than an equivalent amount of table sugar. So, if sugar causes you trouble, more than likely these starches will also.

Here is an interesting web site that might be able to provide additional information on this www.mercola.com (http://www.mercola.com) Look up info on sugar or grains and check out his Articles on Wellness.

Alan

Clancy,

I hope that you are feeling better from the arthritic type of pain. Many years ago, before I linked my muscle pains to my dental amalgams, I first cut out all the sweets; that is things like candies, cookies, cakes, and ice cream. I started some improvement then, but did not significantly feel better until years later when I removed all of my dental amalgams. But that was a start, in my attempt (about 18 years ago) to achieve better health. I think it is a good idea to avoid all (processed) sugary foods. Each person has to "listen" to their body, and do what is best for them.

B. McRae,

I enjoyed reading your messages. I avoid refined sugars also. You can see what I wrote earlier on this healthboard post concerning my dental amalgams, but monitoring my diet has been important too. We probably think very much alike, concerning healthy lifestyle changes. I thought at one point in my life that I was doomed to be a wheelchair person too. I'm glad that you are doing so well. You are an inspiration to many.... Age does not have to make us "old".

Alan,

I think I poised this question to you before. Doesn't one's body respond differently to brown rice and other whole grains? Whole grains are like wheat berries, flax seed, and millet etc., in addition to brown rice (grains that have not been stripped of their outer layers). I think it is important to differentiate between processed and whole grains. I can't recall the exact importance of this, as it has been years since I researched this, but whole grains are now very much a part of my life. I enjoy reading your technical information.

Thanks,

Rhody

Keep on looking, and asking, and making your own decisions.

Please tell Rhoadie that I appreciate the kind words -- and recognition of "family resemblence) -- and always remember this wise advice:

"Nothing difficult is ever easy!"

Keep up the good work, and you, too, will find WEllness!

b

Originally posted by rhody:
Alan,

I think I poised this question to you before. Doesn't one's body respond differently to brown rice and other whole grains? Whole grains are like wheat berries, flax seed, and millet etc., in addition to brown rice (grains that have not been stripped of their outer layers). I think it is important to differentiate between processed and whole grains. I can't recall the exact importance of this, as it has been years since I researched this, but whole grains are now very much a part of my life. I enjoy reading your technical information.

Thanks,

Rhody

The fiber found on whole grains does slow the digestive process down some which results in a less steep rise in bloodsugar and insulin. Because of this, white bread has a higher glycemic index than whole wheat bread, but you still have to be concerned with the total glycemic load. If you are eating a lot of whole grains, your insulin levels will be elevated throughout the day, you just won't have the sharp spikes that would occur with more refined carbs.

Another concern with whole grains is the phytate content. Here is what the following article has to say in part "The high phytate content of whole grain cereals can impair mineral metabolism i.e. iron, calcium, and other anti-nutrients have the potential to interact with the gastrointestinal tract and perhaps the immune system as well. ....Wheat seems to be associated with many auto-immune diseases. ...Ironically, whole grain cereals (which are thought to be more healthful than refined cereals because of their greater nutrient and fiber content) have a greater potential to disrupt mineral metabolism because of their higher phytate and anti-nutrient content."
http://www.mercola.com/article/Diet/carbohydrates/paleolithic_diet.htm

Alan