Sugar

Sugar is sucrose, which is composed of 50% glucose and 50% fructose.

Every stressor in the body signals a need for more energy. The cells prefer glucose as a fuel source.

Fructose is rapidly metabolized by the liver and can be used to replenish liver glycogen without the use of insulin.

The amount of inactive thyroid (T4) converted to active thyroid (T3) is determined by the amount of glycogen in the liver (stored glucose in the liver).

Red blood cells, the kidney medulla, and the testicles are the only organs that require glucose. Even though ketones can be used by up to 70% of your brain, the rest requires glucose, and even when in full-blown ketosis, your body continues to produce glucose because you literally cannot live without it.

You can either feed your body or stress it to produce what it requires. When you don't eat carbohydrates, your body relies on the adrenals to release cortisol and adrenaline in order to break down your tissues and raise your blood sugar. Cortisol slows metabolism, lowering the number of calories burned at rest.

Sugar binges occur when sugar is restricted. I thought I was addicted to sugar, but after realizing I needed around 300 grams of carbs per day to function, I no longer crave sweets or binge eat.

When people cut out "sugar," they often feel better because they're also cutting out things like candy, donuts, cake, and drinks containing high fructose corn syrup.

cane sugar, when consumed in isolation, can be harmful, but when combined with a nutrient-dense diet, it can be beneficial. Sugar is often said to deplete vitamins and minerals, but it actually causes your body to use them more quickly as your metabolism speeds up.

If you know you're not getting enough vitamins and minerals, choosing more nutritive sugars like raw honey, real maple syrup, and blackstrap molasses may be a good idea.

Sugar is not the issue; rather, the inability to use it is. Stress, mineral deficiencies, pufa's, lack of sleep, sedentary lifestyle, and incorrect food pairings all contribute to an inability to use glucose effectively.

Don't let ideology cloud your judgment about what's best for your physiology.