"Fructose is a Chronic Hepatotoxin - Alcohol without the Buzz"

Sugar - The Bitter Truth

"Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology explores the damage caused by sugary foods. He argues that fructose (too much) and fiber (not enough) appear to be cornerstones of the obesity epidemic through their effects on insulin. Series: UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public [7/2009] [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 16717]"

Take the time (1.29.28 hr) to watch this highly informational video informing us of the poison in our food: Fructose (High Fructose Corn Syrup). Click on the Sugar title.

Ok - for those of you who don't have 90 minutes to watch this lecture, (though I truly believe it's worth your while,) here are some of the highlights of the lecture:

A tanker full of High Fructose Corn Syrup.

• The body processes glucose (the main type of sugar occurring in plants and in blood,) and fructose (sugars found in fruit and honey,) very differently.
• Excessive fructose consumption triggers the production of fat due to a complex carbohydrate binding response.
• Fructose does not stimulate insulin production and therefore is an increases the risk for developing diabetes.
• Fructose is a chronic hepatotoxin meaning it is poisonous to the liver. Chronic means it is continuous or long lasting.
• The body reacts to fructose the same way it does alcohol, but since fructose is not metabolized in the brain, there's no alcoholic buzz.
• We know what chronic alcohol consumption does to the body and in particular the liver, excessive fructose consumption causes the same metabolic syndromes.

• Fructose is very cheap and therefore pervasive in our prepared food system. Check the labels of all your baked goods, chocolate milk, infant formula, yogurt, cereals, vitamins, sports drinks, sodas etc. The majority of national brands will be tainted with high fructose corn syrup. Is it no wonder we have an epidemic of obese six-month old babies and that the rate of children and adults developing type II diabetes is through the roof? 

• NOTE: Fruit juice, 100% or otherwise, is also a culprit. Fructose without it's natural fiber package (whole fruit,) is poison too.

The immediate solution? Stop buying products that contain fructose. Eat whole foods and cook your own meals. Increase your daily dietary fiber.

Want to take further action? 

• Contact food manufacturers and tell them that you do not want fructose or high fructose corn syrup in their products. Let them know you won't purchase their products anymore.

• Contact your representatives and demand regulation of fructose and that the FDA officially recognize the health hazards of fructose.

photo credits: Tom Arthur; Cjcj; Fritz; John Knox