Tis the Season for Lighting up Your Nucleus Accumbens
It is estimated that Americans consume 22 teaspoons of sugar a day. Studies have shown that sugary, processed foods trigger a special region in the brain called the nucleus accumbens. This is the pleasure center which when activated can lead to addictions. In other words, once this pathway is stimulated, the intoxication […]
“Wheat Belly” Book Review by Nan Sprouse, RN, MSN, FNP-BC
“Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” -Let It Snow lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Wintertime in Tennessee is a great excuse to download or buy a new book and then get lost between its covers. My favorite for 2012 is “Wheat Belly” by Dr. William Davis. This is a fascinating and fun read describing how the amber waves of grain of our grandparents are barely recognizable as today’s genetically modified dwarf grain. This leads to potential digestive disorders, increased inflammation, and ultimately malabsorption of nutrients.
Did you know that wheat products elevate blood sugar more than Snickers candy bars or ice cream? As blood sugar (glucose) rises, more insulin is released from the pancreas. This allows entry of glucose into the cells of the body, converting glucose to fat. The higher the blood glucose after eating, the greater the insulin level leading to more fat being deposited, especially in the abdomen. The bigger your wheat belly, the poorer your response is to insulin, in turn leading to insulin resistance which can trigger diabetes.