56 responses so far ↓

• 1 Marilyn // Dec 31, 2008 at 6:55 am

  Yes! We are interested. Recently my husband & I were examining the “Belly Fat” diet endorsed by Jorge Cruise and he advocates eating only 15 g of sugar per day! Unfortunately this eliminates eating most fruits-which is tough. I was wondering your thoughts on this.

• 2 Heidi // Dec 31, 2008 at 7:20 am

  I am 54 years old and due to some health issues a few years ago I started studying nutrition. I came across a program that made total sense to me that uses a nutrient dense diet (Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman). I changed my eating habits, never having to go hungry, and lost 40 pounds without trying. I eat lots of fruit which now satisfies my sweet tooth. I can’t imagine giving up fruit when it is so full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Of course, I eat lots of other nutrient dense foods - vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. My health issues are gone and I have more energy than I have had in years. I feel young again! And it’s not a diet - it’s a way of eating that is delicious. Like I said, I never feel hungry. When I was on any diet I always felt hungry.

• 3 Annette // Dec 31, 2008 at 8:11 am

  I would love to have more information on this topic. My husband has Type 2 diabetes and I have a frequent friendship with Dove dark chocolates - improvements needed here!

• 4 Diana // Dec 31, 2008 at 11:08 am

  I have avoided sugar for a couple of years and can certainly vouch for the positive changes I have felt. I am always looking for information about avoiding sugar. Please include me when you send your findings.

• 5 Lennea Gasser // Dec 31, 2008 at 4:16 pm

  Yes! I could use more information to help my steady weight gain as I age and chronic pain and inflammation. I have definitely noticed more body aches when I load up on sugar during the holidays!

• 6 Melissa // Dec 31, 2008 at 9:43 pm

  I’m very interested. I have tried giving up sugar before, and it’s very difficult to do. Any information on how to get healthy would be greatly appreciated. That is my goal for this year, not to just lose weight but to have a healthy body too.

• 7 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 2, 2009 at 5:23 am

  Marilyn, The diet endorsed by Jorge Cruise has some excellent parts to it. 1) emphasize vegetables, whole grains, water 2) minimize processed foods, fruit (because of higher sugar content) 3) takes away the unfounded fear of good fats. Philosophies that are different that mine–1) eat every 3 hours, whether hungry or not; I prefer people eat when the body needs and is getting ready to receive nutrients–Eat when hungry, don’t eat when not hungry, and stop eating when satisfied (not full) 2) he permits a dessert once a day with refined sugar, which may work if you are not addicted to sugar 3) I advocate supplements that I can’t find that he encourages.
  Annette, We will soon release our full program for health and energy, which of course includes food and eating recommendations, movement, proper thinking, and unhealthy things that get in the way of feeling and looking great

• 8 Anne Bradshaw // Jan 2, 2009 at 11:01 am

  I totally agree about sugar. I recovered much faster from a severe cold and cough than did my husband who kept eating Christmas goodies through his!

  I love these healthy tips, Dr. Gardner, and hope you don’t mind if I post some of them on my blog–with all credits and links to you, of course. Actually, I already did post one a few days ago. Hope that was okay with you.

  The more people who read about your healthy ideas the better, I think.

• 9 AmyF // Jan 2, 2009 at 11:23 am

  More information on the subject is a great idea. I know we need some help, and there are probably a lot more people out there who feel the same way. Thank you. Thank you.

• 10 Cindy // Jan 2, 2009 at 11:23 am

  Yes, our family has a great neat to improve our health. We have children who desperately need alternative health options through nutrition. Please include us in your findings.

• 11 Cara Patterson // Jan 2, 2009 at 11:52 am

  This sounds wonderful and I will look forward to the program. A couple of years ago we went through Metagenics’ Firstline Therapy training, which emphasizes stable blood sugar levels and low glycemic eating. They also have some excellent supplements utilizing Selective Kinase Response Modulators to work with insulin resistance. That has been somewhat helpful, but I have further to go. At present, we have started using a technique using laser frequencies to reset the body’s response to allergens (www.bioallergenix.com) Early results are encouraging and we are hoping this will be a great help with gluten issues, autoimmune problems, etc. I will let you know. Mostly, thank you for your wonderful efforts in dispensing much needed health information. It is a great blessing. I would like permission to print some of these articles for use in a class at church. Prying the Relief Society from sugar will be no small task!

• 12 Gene Pearce // Jan 2, 2009 at 2:04 pm

  I have a constant battle with Candida (thrush). As long as I keep my carb level below 50 grams a day it stays under control. HOWEVER, it is almost impossible to do this because everything I can afford to buy has carbs in it unless I eat just meat. Do you propose that we cut our carb level down lower than that?

• 13 Anne // Jan 2, 2009 at 7:00 pm

  I am certainly interested in a plan that will help you achieve your optimal body health, naturally and healthfully, without drugs, surgery, or excessive dieting.

• 14 Linda // Jan 4, 2009 at 3:17 pm

  When I tell people that I have a sugar addiction, they get a look on their face that says, “yeah right” so I’m happy to hear that I’m not the only one who knows that sugar is truly addicting. I’m interested in any info on how to overcome problems with eating sugar. Thanks.

• 15 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 4, 2009 at 4:38 pm

  Heidi, Thank you for sharing a successful program for you. It should help others.
  Lennea, The list of problems with sugar is monumental–you have identified a few of them. Weight gain does not occur with age, it occurs when we take in ‘food’ that is nutrient depleted for long periods of time. Totally remove sweets for 2 weeks and see how much better you feel. If you do not start losing weight, get an insulin level and blood sugar level in the AM before breakfast and see if you are insulin resistant. If your insulin level is above 5, it will take longer before the weight will start to come off, and may even need to drop other carbohydrate intake. Let me know how it goes.
  Melissa, Sugar is an addictive substance, and is as hard to get rid of as cocaine. It starts with a decision, then resist and never, never have another bite, or the addiction returns. If you are not addicted, an occasional indulgence will not be too harmful to your body. However, there are no nutrients in sweets, and all sugar is toxic to the body.

• 16 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 4, 2009 at 4:58 pm

  Anne, Cara, The more we share these ideas with the world, the better off we will all be. If your friends want more healthy information, send them to this site.
  Cara, Bioenergenix sounds like a frequency generator that uses frequencies to neutralize the harmful effects of allergenic substances and reprograms the body to not react in a negative way. There are many such devices, and this sounds like a good one.
  Gene, If you have Candida, that start of treatment is with the diet. No sugar, No fruit (it is necessary) and No yeast in your diet. High doses of probiotics are necessary to replace the good bacteria that were killed with recurrent antibiotic use (which is the most common cause of Candida). These doses need to be in the 5-10 billion or more range. Three-Lac is an expensive but very effective probiotic available on the internet. Other things may be useful in the battle–Pau d’Arco, caprylic acid, and garlic, all available without prescription. Sometimes presciption need to be used-Nystatin and diflucan are the two I use the most.

• 17 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 4, 2009 at 5:07 pm

  Linda, (and anyone that thinks they might be addicted to sugar),If you are addicted, there is no way to ‘overcome’ while eating sugar. There is only sugar avoidance. As soon as you eat the first bite of sugar after a week off sugar, the addiction is back. It is because of the message that is being sent to the brain (where the addictive receptors reside) is sent with the sweet exposure on the tongue itself, and sweeteners (although not sugar) may trigger the same receptors and keep the addiction alive. Hence, substituting sweeteners is not the solution to sweet addiction. Fruit should be the sweetest thing we place in our mouths.

• 18 Janice // Jan 5, 2009 at 7:20 am

  I am insulin resistant and I’m having a hard time with sugar right now. It is very addictive and hard for me to wean off of. Anything to help would be appreciated.

• 19 Todd // Jan 5, 2009 at 8:10 am

  Count me in on your new plan. I am finally admitting to myself that I have an addiction to sugar and that it is a problem. I can use all the help I can get to overcome it. Thanks.

• 20 Joyce South // Jan 5, 2009 at 8:24 am

  I love sugar, but it doesn’t love me. I have been tested a few times for a blood sugar problem but it never shows up in the tests, which I am very grateful for. But even though the doctor’s tell me that I do NOT have a blood sugar problem, I know that I do because of the way I feel and the extreme restless sleep that I get when I eat it. I wish I could say that I stay away from it, but I have learned to control the sugar rather than it controlling me.
  I am a Massage Therapist,but I only do Cranio Sacral Therapy. As I work with people, almost everyday I am talking to them about reasons they don’t feel good. One of the biggest reasons is too much sugar and not enough fruits and vegetables. They tell me that they have been tested for sugar imbalances and because they don’t have any that show up in the blood sugar tests, they think that they can eat all the sugar they want. My advice is to cut back slowly by replacing it with fruits, and to eat a little protein more often, which seems to curb the sugar desire.
  I am always interested in MORE information to pass on to others. Thanks Stan for all of your great information. Joyce South

• 21 Bonnie // Jan 5, 2009 at 8:26 am

  I just feel good about kicking the sugar habit. My kids are way addicted. Help! Actually I guess I am as well. Would be great to have more energy

• 22 Jeanne // Jan 5, 2009 at 8:29 am

  I am looking forward to your insights on a healthy diet. I read so many conflicting things about proteins, oils, etc. It’s hard to know what really is right for our bodies. Because of your Daily Health Secret, I have gotten Jack LaLanne’s book from the library. He is pretty amazing and motivating. I need the motivation to make some positve changes in my diet and exercise.

• 23 Ana Meyer // Jan 5, 2009 at 9:26 am

  I know I am addicted to sugar and I am interested in learning about your healthy alternative weight loss program. I have started numerous diets in the last 10 years. I lose weight, but gain it back plus more! In the last 10 yrs. I have gone from 160 lbs. to 200 lbs. I need help! I had just decided today that I was going to start Weight Watchers again for the fourth time.

• 24 Jenny Svendsen // Jan 5, 2009 at 11:02 am

  Yes, I would love to learn of your program, I know that sugar plays havoc with our bodies, and I feel so much better, when I don’t eat sugar. Thanks for your good works.

• 25 Rexanne // Jan 5, 2009 at 12:29 pm

  I have long believed that sugar is addicting. I am very interested in your program so I can get myself out of the sugar cycle.

• 26 Yvonne // Jan 5, 2009 at 1:02 pm

  Hi!!!
  I have a problem with some sugar. I love my peanut M&M’s!!! I really don’t like anything that is very sweet, but I do like to eat cake, candy, cookies, and ice cream. I have gotten to the point that I think I need something sweet every time I eat a meal. I never had to have something sweet like I do now. Now, I have a weight problem, and weight was never a problem in the past. Please, help me to learn more of your program!!!

• 27 Judy Jensen // Jan 5, 2009 at 2:34 pm

  I need help with my sugar addiction. I would love to learn about your program…nothing else has seemed to work for me. I have fibromyalgia and it seems to be better when I don’t eat sugar but I am addicted. Help!!

• 28 Merrill Deaton // Jan 5, 2009 at 11:27 pm

  I would like to learn more about Sugar and how the body reacts to it. I am 73 years old and have been walking and now running. Have lost several pounds, and now the high blood presure medication I take, has been reduced and changed. However, I am a chocoholic. I really like chocolate. I also have included more fruits in my diet. Concerning the brain reaction to sugar. I have a question about a supplement know as Procera AVH, the Doctor that developed this supplement, has also written a book titled “2020 Brain Power.” I would like to know your thoughts about taking supplements to improve brain activity. Does the amount of sugar in chocolate candy have the same harmful effects on the brain as regular sugar candies? It is also my understanding that chocolate does not allow the calcium in milk to be absorbed by the body. Is this true?

• 29 Robyn Osborn // Jan 6, 2009 at 2:25 am

  Too much sugar is a problem at our house and I can see how it affects behavior. My husband and I tried the “Diet for Idots which allowed for very little sugar. I’m interested in learning about your plan for a more healthy life.

• 30 JoLynn // Jan 6, 2009 at 3:22 pm

  Please help me to learn to lose weight. Help me break through the sugar addiction.

• 31 Jeff Steele // Jan 7, 2009 at 7:16 am

  Dr. Gardner, I have been enjoying your daily health secrets for a few months now. I have read plenty about problems with sugar, from Sugar Blues by William Dufty, to Sugar Shock by Connie Bennett, and would love to get more info that can help me to kick the habit. My wife and I are currently reading Dr. Schwarzbein’s Principle and Program, and her advice and recipees seem to be well founded in her personal research and experiences.

  I believe I may be addicted to sugar, or may at least have the physical and physiological makeup to become addicted. I really believe that most people in our country are pre-diabetic (per Sugar Blues author William Dufty), and I DO NOT WANT TO BECOME A DIABETIC!!! I desire to have a long and healthy life and lifestyle, and I am interested in your new program. I know I want to quit sugar, eat healthy foods, and exercise to keep healthy, but it is hard to continue. I just want to find a practical program that can help us and others find our way from our often hectic lifestyles to an optimum healthy lifestyle. Thanks for your help.

• 32 Carol Mencl // Jan 7, 2009 at 7:17 am

  Please put me on your list. I have made goals to loose weight this year.

• 33 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 7, 2009 at 3:45 pm

  Janice, You are so right–sugar is addictive. Not everyone who eats sugar is addicted to it, but like alcohol, if anyone eats enough of it long enough, almost everyone will get addicted. Some people have found that chromium or gymnema have helped; others have used acupuncture for great benefit. The bottom line–like the alcoholic, once you get off of it, stay off of it. The first bite brings it all back. Get rid of all sugar in your house; substitute fruit whenever you have a sugar craving; find something beneficial to do to distract you in the moment. We are formulating a program that may be beneficial for you. We’ll keep you informed on the blog.

• 34 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 7, 2009 at 3:51 pm

  Joyce, Standard medicine defines a sugar problem as a blood glucose level above 100? or 110? or diabetes at 126 or 140. Ideal sugar levels should be in the 70s and 80s to be healthy. The insulin level needs to be 5 or below in the fasting state–a level that is only rarely obtained in standard medicine. As you have pointed out, sugar is a toxin to you, at any amount. The only sweet we need to ingest is fruit. If proteins or fats or anything healthy curbs the craving, go for it. Thank you for your insight.

• 35 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 7, 2009 at 4:00 pm

  Jeanne, I agree with you–fats and oils are a difficult subject to get a handle on. Stay away from trans fatty acids and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, and you have solved the biggest problem with fats. Saturated fats are not as bad as they are made out to be, and they should be used in all cooking. Flax oil is probably the best omega 3 and omega 6 oil, as it has the important parent compounds of each. That is the Reader’s Digest version of the Reader’s Digest version.

• 36 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 7, 2009 at 4:51 pm

  Bonnie, Now is the time to get sugar out of the house–don’t pass on to the next generation the ’sins’ of this generation. Your energy will be improved off the sugar, guaranteed!
  Ana, Diets don’t work–most people who diet gain all the weight back again plus 1-2 (or more) pounds. We will be putting forward a program that will focus on the sugar and carbohydrate addictions that are making people gain weight. Watch for it.
  Judy, Sugar is pro-inflammatory, and fibromyalgia is an inflammatory condition. Get off the sugar, caffeine, trans fatty acids and aspartame, as they are all pro-inflammatory. See above answers that has some ideas on how to get of the sugar addiction.

• 37 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 7, 2009 at 4:56 pm

  Jeff, You are reading excellent books and material about the sugar addiction. Enough sugar long enough will lead to diabetes, although every person has genetic make-ups that make him (her) more or less susceptible. Sugar is a toxin for everyone, regardless of whether they have or are getting diabetes. Thanks for your interest in our new program.

• 38 Martha // Jan 8, 2009 at 3:30 pm

  I am definitely interested in your program. Sugar is sooo tasty yet makes me feel soooo awful after indulging. Thanks for the upcoming information.

• 39 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 10, 2009 at 10:18 am

  Merrill, The active ingredient in Procera AVH is Vinpocetine, which is healthy for the brain, and may help with memory and brain function. To improve brain function, I recommend that you first clean up your diet (including sugar, which is a pro-inflammatory trigger), take 25-50 mg of a B complex vitamin, a good multivitamin and essential fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6. Flax seed oil is a good combination of both oils. After that, there are a number of products that may increase brain function, but in my experience, patients have a hard time telling if it helps them. These products include vinpocetine, glycerophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, gingko biloba, and the list goes on. These products are safe, so if you want to try them, do so. Let me know if they help you.

• 40 Martha // Jan 13, 2009 at 11:41 am

  Please hurry with your health program - I am sooooo ready to get started.

• 41 Carole Goodwin // Jan 15, 2009 at 10:08 pm

  Does sugar in the diet play a part in acid refux (GERD)? My doctor has me on Protonix, for over 2 years now, because the acid problem is serious enough to cause a chronic cough and hoarseness. How can I get off the medication–or should I? I’m looking forward very much to your program. I have loved your daily health tips–it’s the first thing I click on my email. Thank you for your encouragement and interest in our health! You are making a positive difference in my health already.

• 42 Christine // Jan 16, 2009 at 2:46 am

  I have found that my body really does NOT like white flour and sugar. When I go off of them I don’t have any problem with gas and bloating or heartburn. I would REALLY like a good plan I can stay on and get to a good weight I can maintain and have the energy to LIVE!!

• 43 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jan 22, 2009 at 7:22 pm

  Carole, Sugar (and all carbohydrates) play a huge role in GERD. Protonix is an acid blocker, so reduces the production of acid in the stomach. Acid in the stomach breaks down protein, which cannot be broken anywhere else in the intestinal tract. This causes maldigestion, leading to diminished absorption of those nutrients. I would recommend that you get off all sugar, reduce all carbs, and try to get off Protonix. Let me know how it works.
  Christine, You have discovered a great secret–don’t touch white flour and sugar (and too many carbs), and gas, bloating, hearburn and a myriad of problems disappear. Keep up the good work.l

• 44 Kay // Jan 28, 2009 at 3:10 pm

  I’m always interested in what may help energy levels, and weight loss.

• 45 Ray // Feb 2, 2009 at 11:32 am

  Over the last several years I have struggled with my weight since a back injury which severly limits my exercise ability. Any thing you suggest will be helpful.

• 46 Heather // Feb 2, 2009 at 1:35 pm

  Please, tell me more.

• 47 Dianne // Feb 5, 2009 at 8:40 am

  I’m in a cycle I can’t seem to break: lack of money, lack of sleep and too many carbs to make up for it all. I’ve cut cheap fast foods, but I’m struggling with lack of energy. I can’t change my sleep schedule but when I do sleep it’s not sound. How does one give up all the sugar on very low food budget? Brown rice/bread is great but I have white rice/bread in store. I’m 57 and drowning in obesity. I await your help. I enjoy your daily advice…it’s starting to stick!

• 48 Marti // Feb 6, 2009 at 12:42 pm

  I am just under 70, active, sugar addicted and diabetic. My cholesterol and triglycerides are all higher than my doctor wants them. I had so many side affects from the prescription drugs that I am no longer on them. I take Red Yeast Rice, krill oil, chromium, vanadium, cinnamon plus the normal vitamins. Now I need your program to lower all the numbers and get me on track .!!! I have about 25 pounds to lose.

• 49 Dr. Stan Gardner // Feb 7, 2009 at 6:28 am

  Ray, In the absence of exercise, it is more difficult to lose weight. My first 2 rules of eating will be essential 1) Eat only when hungry 2) Stop eating when not hungry, or satisfied, and don’t keep eating until you are full. Chew your food well, which slows down the intake, and don’t be a member of the ‘clean your plate’ club.
  Dianne, No easy solution exists for low-budget healthy dining-however, ‘real’ food can be consumed in smaller quantities and will be much more satisfying. Possible suggestions-grow your own garden, barter for services with store or co-op, in the past food in the store that was good but couldn’t be sold would be given away or sold inexpensively. Just always be on the look-out, and respond to those nudges.
  Marti, You are doing the right things. Lower carbohydrate intake (especially sugar) is probably the most important step you can take. Try to keep your total carb intake between 60-100 grams (like the South Beach Diet).

• 50 Sharon // Feb 23, 2009 at 9:26 am

  Looking forward to more and more information. A daily help is wonderful. With a long family background of diabetes and older when my child was born I need to get back to work so that I can be around for my grandchildren. I am now insulin resistant. Yikes. Husband won’t get tested but I suspect he is worse than I am!! It is hard to keep going in a positive way when all around is sugar! sugar! sugar!

• 51 Vitamin Water Marketing and Sugar (?!) // Feb 28, 2009 at 5:38 pm

  [...] See the reports on sugar elsewhere on this site: (”Sugar: The Great Food Deceiver”) and (”Sugar: Deceptive Stuff”). Why pay extra for sugar water with “vitamins,” when pure, clear water with healthy [...]

• 52 Jolene // Mar 5, 2009 at 8:09 pm

  Thanks for the info and please include my husband and myself on your mailing list. We are always interested in healthy approaches. He is insulin resistant and has high blood pressure. I think I am addicted to sugar.

• 53 Jenny // Mar 9, 2009 at 1:52 pm

  I am so tired of the sugar push on our youth. Every where we go “nice” people want to give our kids candy. At school for doing a good job. At the bank to stop them from fighting in the back seat. From strangers at the store, in the hospital and, I love this one, at the dentist. Our kids also get candy at church (the disrespect of giving candy without parents permission?…I won’t go there) you get the drift. I personally do not buy or give my children candy and I work hard to provide them with a healthy diet…but the glittery, sweet alternative is highly competitive. I would love more information on your health program.

• 54 Stephanie // Mar 9, 2009 at 2:14 pm

  Please keep us posted about your program. This is just what my husband and I have been searching to find. We are so addicted to sugar.

• 55 Bonnie // Mar 12, 2009 at 11:04 pm

  Help! We’re drowning in sugar! And I’m getting really tired of the rolls and blobs I’m carrying around on my body. Almost every day I make a new resolve to leave sugar alone, but I always break the resolve. What can you do as an alternative when that strong craving overtakes you? Are there other things that will satisfy that horrible craving without eating sugar? I am definitely looking forward to “learning about healthy alternative weight loss, through developing a strong, healthy body and using my body’s natural healing skills.”
  Thank you in advance.

• 56 Nadine // Mar 18, 2009 at 12:34 am

  Just found your article about sugar as the great deceiver in the Meridian Magazine, and have spent hours reading through your website and comments. I look forward to hearing about your program as I have read “my same story” over and over again in the comments above. I have a sweet tooth, have been gaining an average of 2 lbs. a year for the past 15 years…been on and off weight watchers…hypoglycemic and genetically high cholesterol. I’m ready for some serious changes. Thank you in adavance.

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