Health

We come into this world with a propensity for sweet foods. I know I sure did! Humans can detect four basic flavors – salt, sour, bitter and sweet, but it’s the sweet that we seek out. Scientists reason it’s because we evolved eating fruit from the trees. The sugar in the fruit provided energy for our brain and helped us store fat. Two necessary survival abilities for the human body.

Richard Johnson, a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado and author of “The Sugar Fix” explains during human evolution there was a time of global cooling. Eating fructose was a way for the body to store fat, so starvation was not likely and therefore upped the chance of survival for the species. Basically any food that people were likely to eat would mean the likelihood of surviving and passing on their genes.

Seeking out and eating sweet foods was a survival instinct. Our bodies were trained biologically to seek out the sweet stuff!

Where Does Sugar Come From?

Simple, white sugar comes from the dried juice of beets and the sugar cane plant.  Sugar in America comes from sugar beets.  The final product of sugar from sugar cane and sugar beets is the same. Unfortunately, sugar beets are also almost all genetically modified or GMO. Another good reason to stay away from it.

You’ve probably heard many names for sugar: Cane sugar, brown sugar, powdered confectioners sugar, organic cane juice, fine sugar, raw sugar and turbinado sugar. Don’t be fooled, it’s effects on the body are the same.

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Sugar?

Sugar, or sucrose is made up of a fructose and glucose molecule.  Remember our ancestors needed fructose to survive by storing fat and the glucose for fuel for their brain and body.

When you eat sugar, an enzyme is immediately released in your mouth to help partially break down the sugar. Sugar spends a very short amount of time in the stomach, not fully broken down yet, and enters the small intestine where the majority of digestion takes place. Enzymes in the small intestines break the sugars into monosaccharides, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy.  That’s a very simple explanation. You know there are many reasons for bowel problems but the question is Can Tomatoes Cause Bowel Problems? 4 Research-based Facts will surprise you.

Glucose – is absorbed into the bloodstream and insulin is secreted from the pancreas to attach to glucose and transfer it into the cells for energy use. You get blood sugar spikes from glucose and diabetics have to be very careful of their sugar glucose intake.

Fructose – Insulin has no effect on fructose! Fructose is not controlled by insulin nor can fructose be used or turned into energy for any part of the body. Fructose can only be processed in the liver. Fructose can only be turned into fat by the liver. Remember our ancestors survived on the ability of their body to increase fat after eating sweet plant foods? However excess simple fructose – as in soda with High Fructose Corn Syrup, raises the risk of fatty liver disease, obesity and especially fat accumulates around the torso leading to heart disease.

Quick note about fruit sugar (Fructose) – The fructose in fruit is bound to fiber, other carbohydrates and protein all which have to be digested or broken down in the stomach and intestines before it can be used by the body. Getting a fructose ‘hit’ on the body is negligible and why fruit is healthy and desirable for diabetics under a good eating plan.

Now that we have an understanding of what simple sugar is, what it is made of and how it’s metabolized, we can address how sugar and leaky gut are connected!

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome is still much of a mystery to mainstream doctors. There is plenty of research on its existence, but still not well known about. There are symptoms that accompany leaky gut including bloating, gas, cramps, food sensitivities, aches and pains, brain fog, and other digestive illnesses.  Leaky gut is also thought to aggravate or be the precursor to autoimmune diseases.

The lining of the stomach is permeable with small holes or ‘tight junctures’ that allow microscopic nutrients and molecules to pass through and into the bloodstream. That is completely normal and how digestion works to get nutrients and other molecules needed for the body to use.

The problem that occurs with leaky gut is when the lining of the stomach gets inflamed and the tight junctures now become not-so-tight. They open up and allow molecules and other substances in that should not get into the bloodstream. This causes widespread problems ranging from allergies to autoimmune diseases.

What Causes Inflammation in the Gut?

• NSAIDS
• Candida
• Food Additives
• Alcohol
• SUGAR

Sugar feeds candida, yeast and bad bacteria.  Bad bacteria creates toxins that damage the lining of the stomach, opening up the tight junctures and allowing more molecules to get through and into the bloodstream.  A diet high in simple sugar causes the body to work harder to process it by manufacturing enzymes and using nutrients to digest causing a deficient state.

Sugar is hard on the body causing inflammation, nutrient deficiencies and problems with candida that can all result in Leaky Gut SyndromeThe good news is that you can heal! You may also want to know Do Tomatoes Cause Inflammation in the Gut? Interesting Facts That May Shock You!

The Four R’s Are Your Steps To Healing.

1. REMOVE
2. REPLACE
3. REPAIR
4. REBALANCE

Remove those foods that are known to cause Leaky gut: Sugar, grains, processed foods contribute to inflammation in the gut.

Replace with healing foods and supplements like fermented foods, probiotic rich foods like yogurt, cleansing vegetables like dark leafy greens.

Repair the gut with foods and supplements that heal. Bone broth and vitamin D as well as l glutamine have been shown to heal the lining of the stomach. Quercitin is another supplement that has been shown to heal the lining and improve the tight junctures of the stomach.

Rebalance Probiotics rebalance the gut by providing healthy strains of probiotics into the gut helping rebalance the ratio of good to bad bacteria.

Helping the body to heal by taking sugar out of the diet is a big and important step to feeling better.

In conclusion, excess simple sugar in the diet causes inflammation in the body and the gut resulting in Leaky Gut Syndrome.  Leaky Gut Syndrome can be healed by following a protocol and sticking with it until symptoms subside.

Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that the human body requires for various processes, such as the synthesis of DNA, energy production, and the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Although this Vitamin is easily found in various animal-based food items, deficiency of Vitamin B12 is quite common due to lack of dietary intake, malabsorption, and certain medical conditions.Deficiency often occurs in people of older ages.

Normal B12 Levels

A level above 300 pg/mL is considered normal, while a level of vitamin B12 dosage between 200 and 300 pg/mL is considered borderline, and levels below 200 pg/mL are considered a deficiency.

The ability of the human body to absorb B12 from food declines with age; hence deficiency is common in older people. Still, that doesn’t mean children and younger people can’t develop B12 deficiency. Most of the time, lack of B12 is misdiagnosed due to insufficient lab testing or may be due to the symptoms observed are not specific to Vitamin B12 deficiency alone.

What to do if you suspect Vitamin B12 deficiency?

If you feel that you might have a B12 deficiency, you need to visit a health care professional at the earliest to discuss your symptoms and have the diagnostic tests done by them.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Let’s cover the nine most often seen symptoms related to the deficiency of Vitamin B12 and how this is diagnosed and treated.

Fatigue and tiredness

Your body needs Vitamin B12 to function actively; having low levels of B12 will ultimately result in decreased production of Red blood cells, which can disturb oxygen delivery through the body resulting in tiredness.

Moreover, deficiency in B12 can also cause megaloblastic Anemia; this condition regards the formation of large-sized immature and abnormal Red blood cells and impaired synthesis of DNA. When your body lacks healthy Red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues, you probably will feel weak and tired.

Dull skin

Pale or yellow skin is yet another sign that indicates B12 deficiency. Anemia related to B12 deficiency causes this paleness to your skin. Its deficiency may also cause a condition known as jaundice which changes the color of your eyes to yellow, and your skin also turns yellowish. This coloration is due to high bilirubin levels; a waste product formed when Red blood cells gradually break down.

Headaches

Deficiency of B12 levels can also lead to side effects related to neurology, including severe irregular headaches. Headache is the most common symptom related to Vitamin B12 deficiency in both kids and adults.

Depression

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the functioning of your central nervous system, and a lack of this Vitamin can surely disturb your mental health; its deficiency increases the risk of developing depression.

Its deficiency can increase the level of homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, which may contribute to depression by gradually elevating oxidative stress, damaging DNA, and causing cell death in the body.

GIT Issues

Diarrhea, Constipation, nausea, vomiting, and bloating gas can be due to a lack of B12 levels in the body. Both adults and children may get affected by these issues.

Mental Impairment

Due to the deficiency of Vitamin B12, one might feel difficulty concentrating on different things. Its dearth negatively affects the central nervous system; people with this problem find it difficult to solve and complete the tasks assigned.

Older age people are highly at risk for these side effects as the risk of B12 deficiency increases with age.

Glossitis

Inflammation and pain of the tongue and mouth are considered glossitis which can be caused by B12 deficiency; glossitis can appear alongside with stomatitis and are pretty common in people with B12 deficiency-related Anemia, yet can also occur without anemia and can be an early sign of B12 deficiency.

Paresthesia

It is a medical condition that refers to a burning or pin and needles sensation in some parts of the body, like in hands and feet.

Other signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency

Including these above-mentioned symptoms, there are numerous other signs that you might observe when lacking Vitamin B12; some of them are:

• Muscle cramp
• Muscle weakness
• Impaired coordination
• Erectile dysfunction
• Vision disturbances

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is essential, and its deficiency can lead to many severe problems; you may observe some early and late signs and symptoms if your body lacks this specific Vitamin.

The fact that you haven’t yet added a serum to your cosmetic arsenal is likely because it is, by far, the most baffling item.

Face serum has several uses and can improve many skin issues. The new beauty mainstay has up to 70% active components (compared to typical skincare products, which comprise 5- 10%), including skin acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and more, that penetrate deeply into your skin therefore address skin concerns really, very fast.

There are other advantages to using the serum. It’s like magic: your skin will look perfect with almost any effort. Having flawless, radiant skin is within your reach, so why not take advantage of it? True, but no one else does. Here is why using serum is integral to any effective skincare routine.

It’s like drinking eight cups of water at once.

Today, no beauty routine is complete without a daily serum application. For example, the hydrating serum is an excellent alternative if you want the dewiest skin possible but can’t bring yourself to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. The dryness of your skin is combated, and your complexion is revitalised with a serum, which is incredibly moisturising. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisturising element included in many serums. It works by binding water to the skin, preventing it from losing its natural moisture balance. This hydrating beauty essential is a must-have for anyone with dehydrated skin. Every night, after cleansing, use a moisturising serum like Simple Booster Serum 3% Hyaluronic Acid + B5 and then moisturise. Your skin will be radiant and healthy when you wake up. This serum, which contains hyaluronic acid + B at a concentration of 3%, has been shown to increase the skin’s natural moisturising properties, enhance the skin’s texture, soothe and relax the skin, and offer hydration for up to 72 hours.

No Discolourations

Acne scars, red spots, pigmentation, and dark bags under the eyes may all be quite discouraging and stand in the way of your quest for beautiful skin. Use a serum containing skin-lightening elements like plant concentrates, vitamins, and the like to heal your scars and blemishes and reveal brighter, more beautiful skin if nothing else has worked. Compared to other skincare products, serums speed up the healing process of scars and blemishes by repairing and regenerating damaged cells. Use the Simple Booster Serum with 10% niacinamide nightly to improve the appearance of your skin. It contains 10% niacinamide, which helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and brighten your skin tone overall.

Reduces oil production and breakouts with a quick zap

Many people with oily skin avoid using serums because they worry about making their faces oilier. Face serums have a bad rap for making oily skin oilier and contributing to the development of acne, but fortunately, this is not the case. Even people with oily skin might benefit from using face serum as part of their regular skincare routine. Oily skin may be controlled and prevented with a serum with proven oil-fighting components like tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and strawberry extract. Anti-acne serums are available to combat both acne and oily skin. Also, they are less likely to cause acne since they are oil-free and have a watery consistency rather than an oily one.

It is a profoundly penetrating action down to the pores.

Large, noticeable pores are a significant drawback of oily skin. Use a facial serum to help minimise the appearance of pores. Serums explicitly formulated for the face have been shown to reduce pore size and speed up cell turnover, both of which contribute to a more refined appearance of the skin overall. Their antioxidant and exfoliating acid content also aid in clearing pores of debris and sebum buildup—this aids in preventing the development of both blackheads and whiteheads.