HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES: 28-Gram Daily Maximum Of Added-Sugar Intake Per Person?

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHOICES: 28-GRAM DAILY MAXIMUM OF ADDED-SUGAR INTAKE PER PERSON?

CBS News had an interview this morning with a diet expert who was discussing the differences between sugar and high fructose corn syrup. It seems that experts are trying to discover the reasons for the recent increases in obesity and diabetes, and corn syrup is their number one suspect. Recently, American food corporations have begun to reduce their usage of high fructose corn syrup and are substituting other forms of sugar which have not received as much negative publicity as corn syrup. 28 grams has been fixed as the current maximum daily amount of added sugar in any form and for any diet, a level beyond which obesity and diabetes are possible and even likely. Current U.S. levels are nearing 4 times that rate of sugar consumption, causing widespread fears of dire consequences amongst leading health authorities. Experience seems to validate this figure based on current estimates, and certainly there needs to be a benchmark number established so that future studies will have a comparison reference point. We know that there was little obesity at the turn of the 20th Century, when far lower amounts of sugar were consumed and a higher level of exercise and physical work in that predominantly agrarian society were normal. Returns to those same levels of sugar consumption and physical activity have been rare in the past century, with notable exceptions being in the cases of those who pursue a much more physical and health-conscious life style. It has also been pointed out that at least there was no obesity in concentration camps during wartime, although there were other more serious health concerns, for obvious reasons. All other circumstances being equal, apparently levels of sugar consumption and exercise have a great deal to do with health and obesity issues. Walking continues to be the most highly recommended form of exercise, due to its adaptability to various lifestyle regimens and its historically low negative-impact rate. Other forms of aerobic exercise such as swimming, cycling, jogging, running, dancing, calisthenics, weight-lifting and various other workout regimens help to round out the list of other recommended exercise programs. Those who are just beginning to reverse their bad eating and exercise habits must proceed cautiously, particularly in the beginning, to avoid setbacks and delays to their progress. Consistency is the best friend of those who practice improvements of any kind, and will reward those who are most diligent. Slowly and gradually increasing the level and difficulty of exercise programs is far better than drastic changes, and of course, the older you are when you begin to make these lifestyle changes makes this even more imperative. Depression is a frequent cause and result of negative physical lifestyles, but can be reversed and eliminated by positive changes in diet and exercise programs. Examination of one’s diet should be the first step when seeking reasons for depression, and exercise is often referred to as “the poor man’s anti-depressant” because so many have reported the reduction and elimination of anti-depression medications as a result of exercise. As always, a holistic approach to health must include healthy diet and exercise choices accompanied by improved attitudes toward one’s fellow man, surroundings, and Creator. Vibrant and creative lifestyles can be found at all levels and ages of society, regardless of circumstances, so make the most of this life which we have been given!

Mark Overt Skilbred