SUGAR SHOCK! Blog

Catch the Show, "Childhood Obesity: Danger Zone"

Hurrah for Al Roker, who, of course, is best known as The Today Show's weatherman and feature reporter.

America's favorite weather guy -- who's been outspoken out about his own battles with weight -- put his weight (not the kind you put on a scale) behind an important documentary about childhood obesity, which has quadrupled in 40 years.

Al Roker Productions is unveiling "Childhood Obesity: Danger Zone," which premieres Saturday, March 31 (9 p.m. EST) on the Food Network.

The show -- which I haven't had a chance to see yet (given my hectic schedule this week) -- also re-airs:

• April 01, 2007 12:00 AM ET/PT
• April 07, 2007 5:00 PM ET/PT
• April 08, 2007 6:00 PM ET/PT

The documentary "explores why more than 12 million children and teenagers have serious weight problems and the health risks they face. It profiles young people who have successfully turned things around," AP's writer David Bauder reports.

"If you run the numbers out, this would be the first generation that has a shorter life span than their parents," Roker told The Associated Press. "That's scary."

I'm eager to see the documentary, which, incidentally, does delve into the fact that children are eating more sugary junk food, which, as we well know, is made quite tempting by relentless television advertising. It also discusses the rise in fast-food restaurants, the upswing in kids playing video games, and the fact that schools have scaled back on physical education.

But it highlights some success stories, too, which should be heartening to contemplate.

I'm really pleased to see Al Roker tackle such an important issue. I am puzzled, though, as to why -- given the TV personality's own battles to keep his weight under control and his production company's bold, exemplary move to tackle a documentary about childhood obesity -- the same company previously chose to do a documentary about the founders of three big sugary food companies, Milton Hershey, Famous Amos, and Tom Carvel. Doesn't the new children's obesity documentary imply that these and other "Titans of Taste: Sweet Success" have played a part in the obesity epidemic?

Even so, my applause goes to Al Roker and his production company for dicussing such an important problem in America today -- childhood obesity.

Ban the Easter Bunny! 70 Non-Edible Goodies to Give Instead of Sugar-Filled Candies (Which Could, If Over-Consumed, Lead to Hypoglycemia or Type 2 Diabetes) - Article

Here's an article I wrote that I hope will help you to plan a more fun, healthy Easter.

Ban the Easter Bunny!

70 Non-Edible Goodies to Give Instead of Sugar-Filled Candies (Which Could, If Over-Consumed Lead to Hypoglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes)

By Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C.

Colorful candies: In recent years, that’s what Easter is all about.

Indeed, every year, the Easter bunny with the cute cotton tail comes bearing lots of pastel-colored candies for our nation’s kids. Sure enough, our unsuspecting children consume these candies in big quantities. And that spells sugar shock and blood sugar bedlam.

So I suggest that we just ban the Easter bunny! Of course, I’m joking, but let’s tame this cute, candy-toting creature for the sake of our children’s moods, health and waistlines.

Because, let’s face it, eating a bunch of candies and soft drinks—what most kids do—could turn your mild-mannered kids into “Sugar Brats.” In other words, they could become moody, spaced out, confrontational, depressed, quarrelsome, hyperactive, rowdy, raging and tantrum throwing.

And that’s not all. Over time, that typical American child, who consumes a lot of candies, cookies, cakes, chips, soda and other fast-acting, refined culprit carbs could become obese or overweight—and develop blood sugar problems such as hypoglycemia, insulin resistance or even type 2 diabetes.

So this Easter—the second biggest candy-eating holiday, falling just behind Halloween—take positive action. Don’t ply your kids with sweets to please them. Don’t set in motion a sugar habit that could lead to hypoglycemia, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Just ditch the marshmallow treats. Dump the jelly beans. Say no to those chocolate bunnies.

Instead, give your kids Easter fun by having them hunt for small, fun, non-edible treats, many of which you can place inside colorful, plastic eggs. Here are 70 non-edible ideas, most of them low priced, to usher in Easter joy:

1.    Tiny frisbees

2.    Slinky® or Slinky, Jr.

3.    Small bottle of bubbles

4.    Bunny-themed finger puppets

5.    Movie passes

6.    Video rental coupons

7.    Jump rope

8.    Kazoos

9.    Whistles

10. Play-Doh®

11. Silly Puddy® (or pastel-colored puddy in an egg-shaped container)

12. Baseball cards or other trading cards

13. Tiny, stuffed, squeaking chick

14. Small stuffed bunny

15. Action figures (Indians, cowboys or your kids’ favorite characters)

16. Pedometers

17. Marbles

18. Balloons

19. Plastic rings

20. Plastic bracelets

21. Small notebooks

22. Lip gloss

23. Sample perfume

24. Fun bookmarks

25. Crayons

26. Colored pencils

27. Colored chalk

28. Magic markers

29. Colorful erasers

30. Playing cards (See the Nick Jr. ones with Dora, The Explorer or other characters.)

31. Small tube of hand lotion (available in 99 cents section of some stores)

32. Dice

33. Squeeze balls or other balls

34. Toy cars or planes

35. Game of jacks

36. Hair scrunchies

37. Hair clips

38. Packet of flower or vegetable seeds

39. Decorative shoelaces

40. Small water pistols

41. Temporary tattoos

42. Yo-yos

43. Foreign coins

44. Stickers and Stencils

45. Novelty key chains (such as key chains that light up)

46. Fun-shaped magnets

47. Paperback book

48. Tiny gift books

49. Small bike lights

50. Friendship bracelets

51. Fun coupons designed just for your children. This is your chance to be imaginative and create special “gifts” or coupons. You could give coupons for a trip to the zoo, movies or mall; a morning of sleeping in; a day of not having to clean the room; or maybe even a night or day in which your child can come home an hour later than usual.

52. Mini Tape 4-pack (Scotch Tape(®)

53. Toothbrush with a cartoon character on top (This is your chance to spoof the way Easter is now celebrated with candies that could rot your teeth!)

54. Small coloring books

55. Plastic snakes, dinosaurs, fish and other creatures

56. Collapsible cup

57. Puzzles

58. Bean bags

59. Glow-in-the-dark insects, balls, earrings

60. Bendable toys

61.  Bath bubbles (small packet)

62. Play sunglasses

63. Floating bath toys

64. Lighted spin tops

65. Game of paddle ball

66. Pen with bunny ears

67. Plastic watches

68. Magic Grow™ Grow Capsules (which turn into shapes)

69. Wacky Water™ Snake

70. Notes To-Go pocket game

If you still want to put a little food into your children’s Easter baskets, you can select healthy treats such as:

1. Baby carrots (After all, bunnies like to nibble on them.)
2. Small apples
3. Almonds
4. Sunflower seeds
5. Pistachios
6. Pumpkin seeds
7. Soy nuts
8. Raisins
9. Colored hard-boiled eggs

Parents, even if you’re nervous about bumping those blood-sugar bouncing candies entirely from your kids’ Easter baskets, then at least begin to introduce some non-edible alternatives this year. Then, you could phase out candies and bring on healthier, non-edible treats next year or the year afterwards.

Think about it: Don’t you feel like a better parent—one who’s much more loving, caring and forward-thinking—by arranging for a fun Easter time for your kids that won’t trigger obesity and blood sugar problems such as hypoglycemia and type 2 diabetes?

I’m willing to bet that planning for Easter will be a lot more fun than usual.

Connie Bennett is a former sugar addict and author of SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkley Books), with Stephen Sinatra, M.D. Kicking sugar and refined carbs in 1998 banished her unpredictable “brain fog,” headaches and heart palpitations. Instead, she became more energetic, cheerful and focused. Connie is now a Sugar-Liberation Expert, who dishes the sour scoop about sweets and helps thousands to break free of their debilitating sugar habits. She is founder of the 21-Day, Stop SUGAR SHOCK!  Diet™; a free, online, international KickSugar support group; and the popular www.SugarShockBlog.com. Connie is a certified holistic health counselor and an experienced journalist, who has contributed to eDiets.com, The Los Angeles Times, and many more media outlets. To find out if you were brainwashed to become a sugar addict, take the fun, simple SUGAR SHOCK! Quiz at www.SugarShockBlog.com. © Copyright, 2007, Connie Bennett, www.SugarShockBlog.com

If you'd like to reprint this article, please provide appropriate credit and write to me first.

Kids Still Bombarded With Junk Food Ads on TV

This a follow-up to yesterday's item about the Kaiser Family Foundation's study on how kids are bombarded with TV ads that peddle junk food.

As I've stated here before, such massive marketing to kids is one that offends me greatly, because our innocent, defenseless children are basically being almost brainwashed to eat their culprit carb foods. Not only could all this junk food lead to obesity, but it could trigger many other health and emotional problems.

Kids eating lots of junk food could have difficulty concentrating, get headaches, be excessively exhausted, anxious, depressed, moody, and even get bad grades.

Anyhow, see this thoughtful, thorough New York Times article from Elizabeth Olson today about the new study.

She writes:

"For years, health officials have warned that bombarding children with junk food commercials has contributed to the problem of childhood obesity. Food conglomerates, eager to fend off federal regulation, have made various commitments to improve, including a pledge in December to meet goals for promoting fitness and healthier foods.

"The Kaiser Family Foundation{cq} released a study yesterday that it said provides a way to measure the companies’ progress. The foundation, a nonprofit group that focuses on health care issues, found that 50 percent of ad time on children’s shows is devoted to food. Among the ads aimed at children and teenagers, 72 percent are for candy, snacks, sugary cereals or fast food."

The repoter continues:

"These advertisements `are largely for products that children should be eating less of, not more of, if we’re going to get a handle on childhood obesity,' said Victoria J. Rideout, director of the foundation’s program for the study of entertainment media and health.

Of the food ads that the study examined, 34 percent were for candy and snacks, 28 percent for cereal and 10 percent for fast food. Ms. Rideout said that almost 100 percent of the cereals were sugared."

Do take time to read Elizabeth Olson's entire New York Times story. It's a great overview about the situation and the food industry's defensive, "I've changed!" reaction.

TV Ads for Sugary Taunt & Tempt Our Unsuspecting Kids: More Than 40% of Commercials Push Candies, Snacks & Junk Food

Pity our poor, TV-watching kids. Just about every time they turn on the tube to watch their favorite shows, they're accosted by ads pushing one sugary food after another.

If they're not tormented by commercials trumpeting the scrumptious flavors of certain candies, then they're being nudged to become a fan of the newest sugary cereal.

And if they don't see ads for candies or cereals, then they're teased into submission to chomp some processed-carb crap snacks.

That's my rather casual summation on the largest study ever done of food advertised to children on TV.

The much-needed, landmark study, entitled "Food for Thought: Television Food Advertising to Children in the United States, was just released from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

More specifically, the study -- whose lead author is Walter Gantz, chairman of the Department of Communications at Indiana University -- found that:

• Children aged 8 to 12 (they call them "tweens") see the most food ads on TV, an average of 21 ads a day, or more than 7,600 a year.
• Teens see slightly fewer ads, about 17 a day, or more than 6,000 a year.
• And children ages 2 to 7 see about 12 food ads a day, or 4,400 a year."

Not suprisingly, the study found that food was the top product advertised. Sure enough, of the food ads that target children or teens:

• 34% are for candy and snacks.
• 28% are for cereal.
• 10% are for fast foods.

And we wonder why our kids are becoming moody, depressed, tired, irritable and fat?

Then, the Kaiser Foundation study found that:

• A mere 4% are for dairy products and
• 1% for fruit juices.

And get this: Of the 8,854 ads reviewed in the study, not one sinle ad targeting children or teens urged them to eat fruits or vegetables.

Duh! Small wonder that why our nation's kids aren't getting enough nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

But this "tween" category -- aged 8 to 12 -- appears to be the most vulnerable to these influence-generating ads.

The Kaiser Family Foundation issued the following statement:

"Children of all ages see thousands of food ads a year, but tweens see more than any other age group,” said Vicky Rideout, vice president and director of the Program for the Study of Entertainment Media and Health at the Kaiser Family Foundation. “Since tweens are at an age where they’re just becoming independent consumers, understanding what type of advertising they are exposed to is especially important.”

You can find all kinds of info about the study, and you can even download an audio file here.

FYI, Walter Gantz the lead author and chairman of the Department of Communications at Indiana University.

I highly recommend that you also check out AP writer Kevin Freking's take on the study.

Also, make sure to read Nanci Hellmich's excellent summation of the study in USA Today. She also cites another major study, released December 2005 from the Institute of Medicine, which found that more than $10 billion each year is spent to market foods and beverages to children, "mostly," as she put it, "for products not considered nutritious." (I discussed the landmark study earlier.)

In particular, check out the quotes Nanci Hellmich got from Margo Wootan of the Center for the Science in the Public Interest and Daniel Jaffe of the Association of National Advertisers.

It'll be interesting to see what the industry now does -- other than become defensive -- now that this landmark study was released.

Again, I urge you to listen to the audio file here.

Buzz Builds About Batteries That Run on Sugar

Since quickly posting my item yesterday about sugar-fueled batteries (I was home very sick), a few more mentions have popped up on the Internet about this development such as in a United Press International story and a Times Online in the U.K piece.

To briefly recap, researchers -- headed up by Shelley D. Minteer, Ph.D., an assistant professor of chemistry at Saint Louis University -- have invented the sugar-powered battery, which is made from biodegradable materials.

What's more, Dr. Minteer and her colleagues envision the battery being able to be refuelled from whatever sweet liquids are handy. In fact, they've already tried sugared water, flat soft drinks, glucose, sweetened drink mixes and tree saps.

Just imagine: In the not-too-distant future -- like five years from now -- you'll want to quickly charge up your iPod, laptop or mobile phone. Well, just grab a sugary drink and pour it into the battery.

Scientists contend that these new batteries may be able to operate for three to four times longer than your conventional lithium ion batteries, which are typically used in laptops, cell phones, MP3 palyers and many other charge, and other portable electronic devices.

"By bridging biology and chemistry, we can build a better battery that's also cleaner for the environment," Dr. Minteer said in a prepared statement.

So how does sugar do it? Essentially, Dr. Minteer and her colleagues adapted enzymes from nature that can strip charges from sugar to generate electricity in fuel cells.

Now that I'm learning more about this sugar-fueled battery, it sounds even more attractive. Better to put the sugary stuff in your portable electronic gizmos than your body!

I'm On the Radio Playfully Recommending That We Ban the Easter Bunny!

While I'm home trying to knock out a flu bug, I'm also gearing up for radio interviews galore.

Trust me, tonight at 8:30 p.m., you won't know that I'm home sick when I'll have fun with Pete, John, Ross and Mike, who will interview me on "The Garage" on Manta Raydio, which airs near Daytona, Florida. (Wow! Four guys and me. That'll be a kick!)

Then tomorrow morning, March 28, at the way-too-early-for me interview time of 6:30 am EST (since I should be sleeping more to get rid of these sniffles and achy head, etc.), I'll be joking on WSKSon the Keeler Show in the Syracuse/Utica, New York area. Then, at 11 am or so, they'll air something (a repeat of our interview) on the NBC affiliate WKTV.

Also on March 28 (after napping off this cold for a few hours, I hope), from 11:10 to11:20 am EST, I'll be on "Jessie and Shotgun in the Morning," which airs on KWLI-FM (Denver).

Thank goodness my acupuncturist is on his way over soon to help me knock out this flu bug. 

Just How Sweet Are Sugar-Powered Fuel Cells?

My blogging colleague Mark over at the often-fascinating site, Calorie Lab, wanted my thoughts about this article, "Sugar-Powered Fuel Cells Are Totally Sweet."

Hmm. Sugar to run fuel cells -- not burn out our bodies? You've got my attention!

Actually, one of my very first reactions to this article about Sugar-Powered Fuel Cells had to do with the funding source. Isn't this intriguing that the Department of Defense backed this study? Hmm, what does that say?

Anyhow, of course, in some universities, they've already been researching the use of sugar to run cars -- and it's even operational in some areas so it certainly makes sense that sugar could be used for fuel cells, too. If they're biodegradable to boot, that's a plus.

But I still have pressing concerns. First off, if you can power gadgets and gizmos with sugar, what does putting the stuff into your body do? Of course, we know -- too many sweets and simple carbs could lead to a host of emotional and physical ailments.

Secondly, what would obtaining and processing all that sugar do to the environment? You have to bear in mind that somehow the sugar canes need to be grown and then chopped down. (Who would do that? Would low paid laborers do the work, and would they be living in conditions reminiscent of slavery? In fact, one recent report on Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN focused on just this very problem, as I pointed out here recently.)

And would processing sugar in large quantities harm the environment? Seriously, how much sugar is out there to get these fuel cells going.

In fact, one expert had much the same worries. "It's a finite system; once the sugar runs out, so do the the batteries," says Russ Bianchi, managing director of Adept Solutions, Inc, a global product development firm based in Soquel, California.

When I have some time, I'm eager to learn more though. Is there a way to make environmentally safe fuel cells out of sugar and keep the sugar industry afoot in the meantime? Just a thought.

Unsweetened Cocoa Delivers Better Benefits Than Sugary Cocoa

I'm really excited to learn about a small study, which found that you can derive even more benefits from chocolate without having to down sugar at the same time.

You see, we keep hearing about all the benefits of dark chocolate or cacao, which contain a large amount of antioxidants or flavinoids -- perhaps even more so than green tea, red wine or blueberries -- but usually no one focuses on how adding sugar into the equation can offset any benefits you obtain.

But now Yale University researchers conducted a small study, which revealed that unsweetened cocoa improves blood vessels (helps with your heart function) better than sugary cocoa for overweight patients. (For those of you who understand medical lingo, it improved "endothelial function.")

The findings, which were reported at the American College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans, according to MedPageToday.com, Valentine Yanchou Njike, of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, and fellow researchers looked at 45 people for six weeks, and they found that giving 8 ounces (227 grams) of unsweetened cocoa worked better than 8 ounces of sweetened cocoa or 8 ounces of a placebo, after fasting 8 to 12 hours.

Now, as I often mention here, when you're looking at research study results, you always need to know the funding source. So, in this case, as MedPageToday.com's staff writer Crystal Phendit points out, it was Hershey's (as in the chocolate company), along with the CDC. That said, if the results are true, they are promising. (Couldn't a larger study be done without being funded by a chocolate company with a vested interest in the outcome?)

Anyhow, the 39 subjects who completed the study had the following results:

• Unsweetened cocoa improved the function of blood vessels by 2.4%.
• Sweetened cocoa improved blood vessel function by 1.5%.
• The placebo decreased function by 0.8%.

Thanks to MedPageToday.com and itwire.com, for alerting me to fascinating research.

By the way, make sure to turn here to listen to the video on MedPageToday.com with Robert S. Rosenson, M.D. of Northwestern University. (Yeah, my grad school.)

Well, I'm off to have some quinoa with a little bit of sprinkled cacao on it -- without sugar, of course.

FYI, MedPageToday is thorough. Staff writer Crystal PhendIt not only cites the funding sources upfront, but she explains that ""...the study was small and would need to be confirmed by larger studies assessing clinical outcomes before chocolate could be recommended for cardiovascular risk reduction.". In addition, it pointed out that the study was "published as an abstract and presented orally at a conference. These data and conclusions should be considered to be preliminary as they have not yet been reviewed and published in a peer-reviewed publication."

Way Off Topic: Did You Hear About the Mouse "Taunting" the Man & Taking Off With His Dentures?

This is about as off topic as you can get for what's supposed to be a blog about sugar news and tidbits.

Did you hear about the Maine man, whose resident mouse "taunted" him and scurried off with his dentures? Seriously, folks.

Thanks to MSNBC, I heard about this news story, which amuses me -- sorry Bill Exner of Waterville, Maine, I mean you no harm. It sure sounds like it must be challenging to hang onto your dentures with that pesky mouse around!

By the way, have you thought of putting these dentures in a case with a lid and then gluing the case to the surface of your nightstand? The rodent won't get to them that way. Or maybe you could just leave the darn dentures in your mouth?

Also, I'm just wondering, did I miss something? Why do you let this rodent stick around? Can't you take it to the nearby zoo if you don't want to hurt it?

Oh wait, incidentally, how can a mouse taunt you?

Now, sugary foods can taunt you and tempt you and torture you, right, sugar addicts out there?

OK, so much for my acting silly this afternoon.

More Readers Write In

Here are a couple more remarks from readers of SUGAR SHOCK!

From Charletta, a long-time member of my free, online KickSugar group:

"I finished your book and it was fantastic. You did a great job, girl!!!"

Then Trudy wrote to say:

"Yes, I did get the shopping list...many thanks! And I have my copy and two more copies of Sugar Shock for family members. Blessings on you for having the courage to take a stand on this sugar epidemic."

Wow! What kind words.

Readers, I love hearing from you. Write away!

Fructose-Sweeetened Drinks Tied to Metabolic Syndrome

It's really hard to keep up with all the studies that connect fructose with one health problem after another. Yet another study was just published that links fructose-sweetened beverages to metabolic syndrome.

This study -- from researchers at the University of Barcelona -- who published their findings in the journal Hepatology -- showed that rats ingesting fructose-sweetened drinks showed signs of metabolic syndrome, MedicalNewsToday.com reported.

What's more, the researchers evidently found clues to explain the molecular mechanism through which the fructose in drinks could alter lipid energy metabolism and cause fatty liver and metabolic syndrome.

I've reported here on a number of occasions previously that scientists find it curious that as obesity in developed countries has risen, so has the increase in the consumption of beverages sweetened with fructose.

Anyhow, according to the University of Barcelona scientists, the fructose used to sweeten drinks alters the lipid metabolism in the liver and and represents a calorie overload to which the body's metabolism is unable to adapt.

"The most novel finding is that this molecular mechanism is related to an impairment in the leptin signal," says the study's lead author, Juan Carlos Laguna, who's with the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

"Leptin is a hormone that plays a key role in the body's energy control; among its peripheral actions, it accelerates fat oxidation in the liver and reduces its synthesis," continues Laguna, who's also director of the research group.

Hmm. It's hard to ignore the mounting evidence against fructose-sweetened beverages such as soda and fruit drinks.

McDonald's Takes Super Sizing To New

In this climate of runaway obesity, why would McDonald's even think of rolling out an even bigger burger than their biggest yet? Ah yes, the bottom line beckons and the competion like Hardee's and Carl's Jr. threatens. 

Actually, McDonald's Third Pounder -- which is being tested in California -- appears to be competing with half-pounders from the two other fast food chains (just cited), which are owned by CKE Restaurants.

Ah, what a different perspective I have.

CNBC reporter Jane Wells wants to know "What took so long? When it comes to so-called premium burgers, McDonald’s is following the herd."

And I'm keen to learn when will it be bigger news to offer smaller, tastier, more nutritious burgers? Or am I just dreaming?

Nicole Richie’s Hypoglycemia Diagnosis is All Too Common, Author Says: Hypoglycemia Expert Connie Bennett Gives 9 Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar

FYI, I just posted this press release, which you'll be able to soon see at various websites.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nicole Richie’s Hypoglycemia Diagnosis is All Too Common, Author Says

Hypoglycemia Expert Connie Bennett Gives 9 Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar

NEW YORK, N.Y., March 22, 2007—Nicole Richie’s recent diagnosis of "hypoglycemia" isn't surprising to health experts familiar with signs of the condition.

Nicole Richie — who suffered from much-publicized fainting spells, as well as moments of weakness, wooziness and dizziness, while on the set of the reality show, “The Simple Life” — recently learned that she has hypoglycemia and is “taking steps to manage it,” according to her representative.

“The symptoms that Nicole Richie reportedly experienced — faintness, lightheadedness, weak spells, dizziness, and difficulty walking or speaking clearly — are among many tell-tale symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is also known as low blood sugar,” says hypoglycemia and sugar addiction expert Connie Bennett.

“Nicole Richie is among some 74 million to 174 million Americans with hypoglycemia, who are often mystified as to why they’re enduring such ailments as vertigo, mental confusion, depression, exhaustion, Jekyll-Hyde mood swings, anger outbursts and fatigue,” adds Bennett, author of SUGAR SHOCK!: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life—And How You Can Get Back on Track (Berkley Books, 2007), with Stephen Sinatra, M.D.

“Sadly, hypoglycemia is one of the least understood and most maligned health conditions — even by members of the mainstream medical community. Most people don’t know that their symptoms are manifesting because their blood glucose drops abnormally low, and often eating too much sugar, becoming very stressed, skipping meals or over-exercising triggered those ailments,” Bennett continues.

“Nicole Richie must be so relieved to get answers that finally explain her dizziness, weak spells and faintness. I just hope that her doctor also advised her to avoid sugar, soda, sweet desserts and refined carbohydrates,” adds the author, whose doctor gave her these very instructions in 1998 when he diagnosed her reactive hypoglycemia.

Bennett says that you can prevent such mystifying hypoglycemia symptoms such as fainting, weak spells and vertigo by:

• Eating moderate portions of high-quality foods every three to four hours (or about five to six times a day).

• Completely cutting out sugar and refined carbs such as white bread, most crackers, white rice and white pasta.

• Getting ample protein, slow-acting carbohydrates (such as vegetables and low-sugar fruits) and healthy fats.

• Never skipping meals, especially breakfast.

• Exercising regularly, if possible. (Light snacks before and aftewards may also be helpful.)

• Working with a qualified nutritionist or health care professional.

Bennett—a certified holistic health counselor, former sugar addict and self-described “Ex-Sugar Shrew!”—gives Nicole Richie fans and other people 9 of many warning signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. (These symptoms also could mean that you're in sugar shock or have a sugar addiction.)

1. Feeling unexplained faintness, dizziness or weak spells (such as those experienced by Nicole Richie).

2. Experiencing such baffling symptoms as staggering, lack of coordination, abnormal weight (loss or gain) and mental confusion or “brain fog” (which Nicole Richie also reportedly suffered).

3. Suddenly becoming wiped out and spacey. (Usually, people with hypoglycemia or low blood sugar wrongly grab quick, sugary snacks or drinks, which only make matters worse.)

4. Flipping from wired to tired, at a moment’s notice.

5. Getting abnormal, almost insatiable cravings for candy, soda and other sweets or fast-acting, refined carbs such as chips, white flour bread or white rice.

6. Suffering from ferocious headaches, the shakes or heart palpitations.

7. Displaying unpredictable cranky behavior, temper outbursts or crying spells.

8. Having excessive fatigue—so much so that extra sleep even doesn’t seem to help much.

9. Hearing unconvinced loved ones or doctors falsely assuming that your symptoms are “all in your head.” (Bennett wonders if Nicole Richie went through this frustrating experience, as do many hypoglycemia sufferers.)

Nicole Richie -- as well as millions of people with hypoglycemia, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and sugar addiction -- can make important lifestyle and dietary changes that could bring level moods, better concentration, more consistent energy, improved relationships, and maybe even increased libido, says Bennett, whose book, SUGAR SHOCK! includes revealing information about the dangers of hypoglycemia and the tragedy of misdiagnosis.

SUGAR SHOCK! also includes a chapter, entitled, “It Might Not Be `All in Your Head’: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know Or Believe About Hypoglycemia.” You can read an excerpt from the book here, entitled “Hypoglycemia: A Hidden Hell.”

SUGAR SHOCK! [ISBN 0425213579] is available at online retailers such as Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com and bookstores throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Again, you can read the excerpt here for "Hypoglycemia: A Hidden Hell."

Read more about Bennett' reaction to Nicole Richie's diagnosis here.

Britney Spears Checks Out of Rehab, But Is She Still Clamoring After Coke, Lollipops & Hard Candies?

Britney Spears -- who was reportedly downing lots of Cokes, sucking on lots of lollipops and eating sweets in a big way while in rehab -- was released by the Promises Malibu Treatment Center.

Allegedly, this occured after "successfully completing their program,” her rep said in a statement.

My big questions are these:

• What does "successfully completing" mean?
• Is she still going for sugary things in a big way?
• And was this recent Star report about her sugar-seeking behavior true? (See what I wrote earlier.)

Thanks to Examiner.com, for alerting me to this.

FYI, as I mentioned previously, there is hope for sugar addicts, even if you're using the sugar as a temporary fix to get you over substance abuse.

So here's my message to Britney Spears and others, I'd like to encourage you: You can have a much sweeter, more happy, healthy, sane life without all those nutrient-lacking quickie carbs. Those sweets might give you a quick high, but inevitably you're going to crash and maybe even do bizarre things like beat a car with an umbrella.

But put wholesome foods in your body and you can thrive. So take heart, all sugar sufferers!

Nicole Richie's Hypoglycemia Diagnosis is All Too Common: 9 Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar

Nichole Richie's recent diagnosis of "hypoglycemia" isn't surprising to those of us health experts familiar with signs of the low-blood sugar condition.

The actress/TV personality — who suffered from much-publicized fainting spells, as well as moments of weakness, wooziness and dizziness, while on the set of the reality show, “The Simple Life” — recently learned that she has hypoglycemia and is “taking steps to manage it,” according to her representative.

The symptoms that Nicole Richie reportedly experienced — faintness, lightheadedness, weak spells, dizziness, and difficulty walking or speaking clearly — are among many tell-tale symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is also known as low blood sugar.

In fact, Nicole Richie is among some 74 million to 174 million Americans with hypoglycemia, who are often mystified as to why they’re enduring such ailments as vertigo, mental confusion, depression, exhaustion, Jekyll-Hyde mood swings, anger outbursts and fatigue.

Sadly, hypoglycemia is one of the least understood and most maligned health conditions — even by members of the mainstream medical community.

Most people don’t know that their symptoms are manifesting because their blood glucose drops abnormally low, and often eating too much sugar, becoming very stressed, skipping meals or over-exercising triggered those ailments.

Nicole Richie must be so relieved to get answers that finally explain her dizziness, weak spells and faintness. I just hope that her doctor also advised her to avoid sugar, soda, sweet desserts and refined carbohydrates. (That was the smart, life-saving advice my doctor gave me in 1998, when he diagnosed my reactive hypoglycemia.)

But you don't have you suffer unnecessarily from hypoglycemia. You can prevent such mystifying low-blood sugar symptoms such as fainting, weak spells and vertigo by:

• Eating moderate portions of high-quality foods every three to four hours (or about five to six times a day).

• Completely cutting out sugar and refined carbs such as white bread, most crackers, white rice and white pasta.

Nichole Richie's recent diagnosis of "hypoglycemia" isn't surprising to those of us health experts familiar with signs of the low-blood sugar condition.

The actress/TV personality — who suffered from much-publicized fainting spells, as well as moments of weakness, wooziness and dizziness, while on the set of the reality show, “The Simple Life” — recently learned that she has hypoglycemia and is “taking steps to manage it,” according to her representative.

The symptoms that Nicole Richie reportedly experienced — faintness, lightheadedness, weak spells, dizziness, and difficulty walking or speaking clearly — are among many tell-tale symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is also known as low blood sugar.

In fact, Nicole Richie is among some 74 million to 174 million Americans with hypoglycemia, who are often mystified as to why they’re enduring such ailments as vertigo, mental confusion, depression, exhaustion, Jekyll-Hyde mood swings, anger outbursts and fatigue.

Sadly, hypoglycemia is one of the least understood and most maligned health conditions — even by members of the mainstream medical community.

Most people don’t know that their symptoms are manifesting because their blood glucose drops abnormally low, and often eating too much sugar, becoming very stressed, skipping meals or over-exercising triggered those ailments.

Nicole Richie must be so relieved to get answers that finally explain her dizziness, weak spells and faintness. I just hope that her doctor also advised her to avoid sugar, soda, sweet desserts and refined carbohydrates. (That was the smart, life-saving advice my doctor gave me in 1998, when he diagnosed my reactive hypoglycemia.)

But you don't have you suffer unnecessarily from hypoglycemia. You can prevent such mystifying low-blood sugar symptoms such as fainting, weak spells and vertigo by:

• Eating moderate portions of high-quality foods every three to four hours (or about five to six times a day).

• Completely cutting out sugar and refined carbs such as white bread, most crackers, white rice and white pasta.

Nicole Richie Is Diagnosed With Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Nicole Richie -- who has had much-publicized fainting spells on the set of the reality show, "The Simple Life" -- has been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, according to her representative. So reported MTV.com, People, ABC4.com and other media sources.

The "hypoglycemia" verdict certainly isn't surprising news about the celebrity, who less than a month ago was hospitalized after feeling faint and dizzy after a late night working and skipping breakfast.

And, another such incident, reported in the New York Daily News, said that she was “taken to her trailer immediately” after collapsing and later “had trouble walking and speaking clearly”. (The show’s co-creator Jon Murray dubbed her problems "a dehydration thing." And other times she was reportedly feeling "a little woozy."

Ed Isabella/Splash News

Well, no offense meant to anyone helping Nicole Richie, but duh! For weeks now, she's been feeling and demonstrating the most blazingly blatant signs of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.

Faintness, unexplained tiredness, weak spells, dizziness and even exhaustion are among the many symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, as I reveal in my book SUGAR SHOCK!

Learn more about this condition by reading this complimentary excerpt, "Hypoglycemia: A Hidden Hell," which is taken from the chapter, "It Might Not Be `All In Your Head': What Your Doctor Doesn't Know or Believe about Hypoglycemia."

Thank goodness the attention will now shift from Nicole Richie's history of drug abuse and weight issues and instead zero in on how to manage her low blood sugar.

This all sounds promising. It appears that after unecessary suffering, Nicole finally found a savvy doctor, who, let's hope, can help her to put an end to her fainting spells and difficulty gaining weight. (She checked into a treatment facility in October to address that problem.)

Her rep sounds encouraged. "In her ongoing effort to focus on her well-being, Nicole has recently been diagnosed with hypoglycemia. (She) is taking steps to manage it," a spokesperson told People magazine.

My only concern is this: Is Nicole Richie going to get good nutritional advice, too? There are a lot of medical professionals out there who just don't know how to best treat hypoglycemia. I'm curious: Just what are these "steps to manage it" that she's taking?

Well, if Nicole Richie eats right and takes better care of herself, it looks like she'll be able to easily film the new season of her hit reality show, in which she and pal Paris Hilton have been counseling children at a health camp.

Incidentally, Nicole Richie is in very good company. Some 74 million to 147 million Americans have some kind of blood sugar issues, which often arise from having difficulty processing sweets and refined carbs.

Soon, I'll offer some tips to Nicole Richie and others who have reactive hypoglycemia or suspect that they may have these issues.

More Wonderful Readers Write In Saying They're Helped

Wow!

I'm just so honored, awed and thrilled that SUGAR SHOCK! is evidently helping readers all across America -- and even in other parts of the world.

I could not begin to tell you how much this just warms my heart.

Readers out there, I just absolutely love it when you write to me to give feedback, ask questions and tell me if or how SUGAR SHOCK! has helped. So keep writing!

Here's are sections from the most heartwarming, inspiring, poignant e-mail from Natalie, who signed up for my Stop SUGAR SHOCK!™ Shopping List. Just listen to her successes but also her sad tale!

"Yes, I received your amazing list!! Thank you!

"I have been sugar free and processed food free (white flour and packaged stuff) for 7 weeks and starting on my 8th! I lost 20 pounds in the process!!

"I bought your book a few weeks ago and read it in two days!! Couldn't take my hands off of it! And thanking the LORD that I was as `healthy' as I am! But I know that the road was narrowing as my nutrition STINKS!

"My best friend ate himself to death, literally, last year so it has been a HUGE wake up call to me! At 38, I am too young to die and I want to leave my kids with a solid nutritional foundation!

"So I began my journey on Jan.29th of this year! It has been really tough!! REALLY tough!!! But I know that it is worth it and that it will be one more thing to add to the miraculous healing that God can do, when you let Him!!

"I only wish that I had had half the info I know now, because maybe I could have saved my friend!! His death won't be in vain!! I am using my grief to propel me to keep on going and to inspire others as well!!!..."

"Have a blessed day! Natalie"

Natalie, I'm writing to you privately to thank you for your lovely e-mail, congratulate you, wish you the best and convey my deep condolences about your friend.

Now, here's another lovely e-mail from Natalie. It had the subject heading: " An improbable situation."

"Never thought I would be able to talk about life without sugar for more than 3 days. I am in the process of getting rid of sugar from my diet, and am proud (and SHOCKED) to say that I have been refined sugar-free for 16 days.

"My personal record before this was 8 days (a rarity, most of the time it was 2 or 3 days!) Truly, honestly, I have Sugar Shock! to thank for helping me finally kick the habit.

"In reading about how sugar sets up a subclinical infammation that can cause so many diseases like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, etc, it really helped me to gain perspective on my habit.

"It didn't happen right away, but I had a few binge episodes after reading this (the last one being the day after Christmas), and just imagined what was going on inside my body the whole time.

"That took the `fun' out of it for me. I also have tremendous support in my boyfriend, so that has been a huge help. For a while I was not eating cookies and cakes but instead consuming probably upwards of 1500 calories in dried fruits! Wow! When I realized that dried fruits in that quantity were likely damaging as well, I had to give up dried fruits also.

"Not everyone is that way, but I sure am. Anything sweet is a potential danger. I consume no artificial sweeteners as I think that would make the process more difficult, not to mention that they are chemicals and toxic to the body as well.

"But now that I am not focusing on sugary foods at all, I am feeling so much better. My self-confidence has sky-rocketed, as I remembered that I, and only I, can do this and am in control of my life. I wish you all the same feeling...good luck in your journey. All the best, A"

Aren't these simply the most amazing letters? These are only a couple of the remarkable ones I get every day.

Readers, please do keep writing to me! I welcome your thoughts, queries and concerns. (Please bear in mind that if you do have questions, I may not be able to answer right away, but if they're among those most Frequently Asked Questions, I'll put them on the "Must- Research-and-Answer Soon List.")

Listen to Us on Oprah & Friends Radio Today (Wednesday)

Needless to say, this is an exciting day.

Today, the much-revered Dr. Mehmet Oz interviewed Stephen (Dr. Sinatra, contributing editor for SUGAR SHOCK! and me) for "Oprah & Friends Radio."

As most of you know (unless you've been hiding under a rock), Dr. Oz is co-author with Dr. Mike Roizen of the mega-bestselling books, YOU: On A Diet and YOU: The Owner's Manual, both of which I raved about here previously.

You can learn more about today's show by visiting Oprah.com.

While you're at the Oprah & Friends website, make sure to read what Dr. Oz says about sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

It's easy to listen to the show. Just can sign up for a free 3-day trial of XM Radio Online today.

Catch Us On "Oprah & Friends Radio" Wednesday, March 21

Just a quick reminder. Tune in to "Oprah & Friends Radio" tomorrow, Wed., March 21st, at 7 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. EST.

You'll be able to hear Dr. Stephen Sinatra, contributing author for SUGAR SHOCK!, and I appear on XM 156 with the well-known Dr. Mehmet Oz, who interviews us.

Dr. Mike Roizen -- Dr. Oz's co-author of the mega-bestsellers YOU: On A Diet and YOU: The Owner's Manual -- also is on in the interview, asking questions. 

If you don't get have a way to listen to Oprah & Friends Radio, you can try XM radio online for free for the next three days. That way you can explore 170 channels of programming.

Hope you tune in!

Just a quick reminder. Tune in to "Oprah & Friends Radio" tomorrow, Wed., March 21st, at 7 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. EST.

You'll be able to hear Dr. Stephen Sinatra, contributing author for SUGAR SHOCK!, and I appear on XM 156 with the well-known Dr. Mehmet Oz, who interviews us.

Dr. Mike Roizen -- Dr. Oz's co-author of the mega-bestsellers YOU: On A Diet and YOU: The Owner's Manual -- also is on in the interview, asking questions. 

If you don't get have a way to listen to Oprah & Friends Radio, you can try XM radio online for free for the next three days. That way you can explore 170 channels of programming.

Hope you tune in!

David Wells Boots Out the Culprit Carbs & Gets Diabetes Savvy

Apparently, earlier this month, San Diego Padres pitcher David Wells "Boomer") found out that he has type 2 diabetes.

Wells, dubbed by the official site of Major League Baseball News, as "one of baseball's most successful active pitchers and one of the game's most colorful characters," is now determined to get his disease under control by making some lifestyle changes.

Indeed, evidently the athlete is taking his diabetes to heart: He's begun to shun those potentially dangerous fast-acting carbs and even beer so that he can gain better health and avoid drastic complications of the disease.

“From the time I found out, I made changes. No more starches and sugar. No more rice, pasta, potatoes and white bread. No more fast food. I've cut out alcohol,” the told the San Diego Union-Tribune's staff writer Bill Center.

Oh this is good news. We desperately need public figures in the world of sports and entertainment to speak out and set a good example rather than appear in commercials for soda or other culprit carbs.

You see, when athletes and celebrities (their idols) pay attention to their diet and to the dangers of diabetes -- and tell the world about it, others may follow suit.

Actually, as the San Diego Union Tribune's reporter Bill Center remarks, Boomer hasn't exactly given up drinking.  Apparently, he was given the OK to "have a glass of wine now and then,” but he acknowledges that he has to "watch what I'm doing. I'm not drinking."

Actually, it's sad that it took a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes to serve as a wake-up call to get the athlete to change his junk-food-eating ways. Even so, it sounds like his doctor or other health experts quickly gave the athlete a much-needed education about type 2 diabetes.

But it sounds like Wells got confused, because he told San Diego Union-Tribune's Bill Center, "I don't want this going to Type 1 diabetes."

Huh? That's not correct, is it? Just to be accurate, I turned to Fred Pescatore, M.D., a New York physician who treats a lot of diabetics, for clarification as to whether or not type 2 diabetes, largely a lifestyle disease, could lead to type 1 diabetes, which is an auto-immune illness.

Dr. Pescatore confirmed my suspicions. "Actually, the athlete is incorrect in his assumption," he told me. "Type 2 does not go to type 1, but a type 2 diabetic can require insulin if the diabetes is not in control," explains Dr. Pescatore, author of the Hamptons Diet.

"Maybe the error arose, because the baseball player may have confused needing insulin with being a type 1 diabetic. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetics can require insulin, depending on the severity of the disease."