From: Rik <rik@theriver.com>

To: benzo@onelist.com <benzo@onelist.com>

Date: Tuesday, October 05, 1999 8:28 AM

Subject: [benzo] Sugar Blues

From: Rik

There is always discussions here about sugar cravings so I thought I would

provide a brief discussion for the newbies.

Part of the stress hormone package is the release of insulin ( and who is

not more stressed than someone in withdrawals). This is intended to compel us

to eat pure sugar for immediate fight-or-flight activity. High levels of

insulin equals hunger and sugar cravings.

Our constant levels of muscle tension and brain activity also burn up huge

quantities of glycogen (blood sugar) and raises the insulin levels.

When the insulin gets too high the body is forced to liberate glycogen from

the liver and other tissues. BUT in the process it has to create Adrenalin to

obtain this release. Adrenalin stimulates the withdrawal which burns up more

glycogen which makes the insulin levels go up which makes you crave sugar which

makes you nuts with the bursts of Adrenalin. WHEW!!

The only remedy is aerobic exercise and diet. High in unsaturated fats,

protein and moderate complex carbohydrates. Limited foods high on the glycemic

index ( you can find this on the web). Potatoes are equal to 5 to 15 teaspoons

of sugar. Artificial sweeteners trick the body into thinking it just got sugar

and the insulin levels rise rapidly. Alcohol is metabolized into pure sugar

with an ethanol kicker that really screws up the system. Candy, cookies, ice

cream you might as well just mainline Adrenalin into your vibrating brain.

A couple of good books:

The Carbohydrate Addicts Cook Book

Sugar Blues

Most people on one of these diets report feeling significantly better in

two days. Next time you get a sugar craving dont think goodies, think: I need

to change my diet and get some exercise!!!!

Rik