A.G.E.S, Sugar and
the Aging Process
By Kathi Bratberg, RN, MS Holistic Nutrition
What are A.G.E.S. and why are they a problem? Glad you asked! The following information could significantly improve your long-term health.
A.G.E.S. stands for Advanced Glycation End Products. They are a complex group of compounds produced in the body from the interaction of sugar and amino acids (protein). Translated, this means all of the sugar we are eating is causing incredible inflammation and damage to our bodies. This is showing up as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, autoimmune diseases, cancer and overall aging (think wrinkles and sagging skin, obesity, hormone imbalances).
Do you know that Americans consume 180 pounds of sugar per person per year- that translates to ½ a pound per day? Yikes - that is a lot. For those of you that don't eat sugar - keep up the good work!
It is not just sugar that is causing the problem- it is all the other processed, high carb foods such as breads, pizza, pasta, pastries, cookies, rolls, bagels, soda and candy. This stuff is so prevalent in our food supply and so hard to give up because it is very addicting. Artificial sugars have their own share of problems, so we do not recommend these either. Our favorite sweetener is Stevia.
Another problem is that Americans eat a lot of fructose, mostly in the form of high fructose corn syrup.
This unnatural sweetener has to be broken down in the liver and ends up being stored as fat (VLDL and triglycerides), and we really don't want that in our arteries! Fructose also increases uric acid levels, leading to more low-level inflammation. Fructose also tricks your body. It can turn off your appetite control system so you eat more and gain weight with the consequences of obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and stroke. (The only fructose you should consume is the small amount you get from low glycemic fruits).
It is time to take back our health. We all have control over what we put in our mouth and how we spend our food dollars. By not buying poor quality foods, we have just voted for better products!
Healthy Foods to Eat:
Focus on whole, preferably organic, nutrient dense foods:
1. Grass fed meats
2. Pasture eggs
3. All vegetables- especially green leafy and cruciferous, onion and garlic family
4. Low glycemic fruits-especially berries, beans and legumes
Grains
Grains are a concern today with all of the Genetic Modification and hybridization. We only recommend minimal amounts of non-gluten, whole grains, such as:
1. Quinoa
2. Wild rice
3. Teff
4. Gluten free oats
Fats
Healthy fats are important for energy and healthy cell membranes. These include:
1.Unrefined coconut oil
2. Pasture butter
3. Extra virgin olive oil
4. Avocado
5. Raw nuts and seeds (avoid peanut butter)
Other tenants of good health to help reduce inflammation are exercise, optimize your Vitamin D levels (have them tested then take supplements), avoid toxic chemicals in personal care and cleaning products as much as you can, and don't smoke.
My wish for you is good health.
-Kathi Bratberg RN, MS Holistic Nutrition
A.G.E.S. stands for Advanced Glycation End Products. They are a complex group of compounds produced in the body from the interaction of sugar and amino acids (protein). Translated, this means all of the sugar we are eating is causing incredible inflammation and damage to our bodies. This is showing up as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's, autoimmune diseases, cancer and overall aging (think wrinkles and sagging skin, obesity, hormone imbalances).
Do you know that Americans consume 180 pounds of sugar per person per year- that translates to ½ a pound per day? Yikes - that is a lot. For those of you that don't eat sugar - keep up the good work!
It is not just sugar that is causing the problem- it is all the other processed, high carb foods such as breads, pizza, pasta, pastries, cookies, rolls, bagels, soda and candy. This stuff is so prevalent in our food supply and so hard to give up because it is very addicting. Artificial sugars have their own share of problems, so we do not recommend these either. Our favorite sweetener is Stevia.
Another problem is that Americans eat a lot of fructose, mostly in the form of high fructose corn syrup.
It is time to take back our health. We all have control over what we put in our mouth and how we spend our food dollars. By not buying poor quality foods, we have just voted for better products!
Healthy Foods to Eat:
Focus on whole, preferably organic, nutrient dense foods:
1. Grass fed meats
2. Pasture eggs
3. All vegetables- especially green leafy and cruciferous, onion and garlic family
4. Low glycemic fruits-especially berries, beans and legumes
Grains
Grains are a concern today with all of the Genetic Modification and hybridization. We only recommend minimal amounts of non-gluten, whole grains, such as:
1. Quinoa
2. Wild rice
3. Teff
4. Gluten free oats
Fats
Healthy fats are important for energy and healthy cell membranes. These include:
1.Unrefined coconut oil
2. Pasture butter
3. Extra virgin olive oil
4. Avocado
5. Raw nuts and seeds (avoid peanut butter)
Other tenants of good health to help reduce inflammation are exercise, optimize your Vitamin D levels (have them tested then take supplements), avoid toxic chemicals in personal care and cleaning products as much as you can, and don't smoke.
My wish for you is good health.
-Kathi Bratberg RN, MS Holistic Nutrition
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