Last week my mom found an article linking high fructose corn syrup with tumor cells. Apparently, unlike cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup causes tumor cells to proliferate. The study was done by UCLA, which specifically focused on pancreatic tumors, and pancreatic cancer, but the findings are still extremely influential to my health.
I'm doing everything I can to prolong my life, and conquer this diagnosis. After reading the findings in the UCLA study, Danny and I have completely changed our diet (as have my parents). We've removed all high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from our diet, which oddly is in a lot of foods - like bread, crackers, candy, soda, ketchup - most condiments, jams & jellies, juice, chocolate chips, tortillas, jeez - everything. Now, Danny and I are checking all of our labels.
I figure if I know that HFCS feeds tumor cells, and I don't remove it from my diet I'm basically committing suicide.
Who would have thought that my red licorice was killing me. Literally.
I should note that it is widely known (although apparently not previously known by me) that glucose like high fructose corn syrup feeds tumor cells. The difference between the sugars is that HFCS causes the tumor cells to multiply. The more I learn the more I realize I have a lot more research to do. In the meantime I'm limiting my sugar as a precaution. I guess it's time to schedule an appointment with a naturopath (good idea Melissa!!).
Yeah, your mom turned us onto the fact that Coke in bottles that is imported from Mexico (found at Costcos), is made with cane sugar not HFCS. Who woulda thunk it? Perhaps a nutritionist over a naturopath or both. Lynne Mercer's daughter is a licensed nutritionist. xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteDarn! Throw out my birthday present! At least you can use the shakin weight ;). Yeah,we sell those Coke's at Market Place, and have definitely seen an increase of people switching to them.
ReplyDeleteThis got me reading labels today. I was surprised, but my yogurt and granola bars both passed the test. Thanks!
ReplyDelete"So Cal" Kelly
It's awful how much it's in. I started trying to cut it out a year or so ago and it still surprises me what they put it in. Maybe in small quantities it's ok, but it's in just about everything we eat and that alone can't be good.
ReplyDeleteTo the warning on HFCS, I would add a caution about the alternative sweetener agave nectar. In my desire to regain weight lost in my own illness, I tried it, in lower quantities than suggested. I know it may be particular to me, but for two days (beginning about a day after I had it) I had tachycardia (rapid heart beat) of up to 160 beats per minute. It would seem to calm down after I ate something really balanced : complex carbs, olive or coconut oil, veggies, protein. Then it would flare up again. I drank lots of water and waited it through, and have not had a repeat episode. The reason I suspected the agave was that it was the only different food I had eaten, and my only other episode with tachycardia and/or palpitations was in the 1970s, when I was first in touch with the need to control my blood sugar. SO, I looked up agave on the internet and found quite a bit to discourage me from ever using it again, as if I would!
ReplyDeleteLife seems to be a big learning curve. Do your own research, draw your own conclusions, and just do your best.
By the way, Jess, I am SO impressed that you finished that marathon! I can scarcely walk to and from the barn to do my chores these days, and climbing the stairs is a challenge. So you go, girl! I'll ride in your hip pocket : )
Love,
Dee Dee
There is a great magazine that also has an associated website called CLEAN EATING. The web address is http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/minisite/ce_index.htm. They have some GREAT recipies as well as tips and suggestions about finding the healthiest products out there.
ReplyDeleteLove Ya,
Kristi