Why are so many people fat, fried and fatigued in this country? We all have different body types, (or according to Ayurveda “doshas”), so the answer is usually different for different people. However, any of the dosha types can be overweight, depressed and tired if they burn their adrenals out. We live in a climate of high stress, multi-tasking and super achieving. In order to fuel this life style, we fuel our bodies with sugar and caffeine, and then calm ourselves down before bed with alcohol so we can sleep. This is a cycle that overtaxes our adrenals…the little glands over the kidneys that are called upon every time we go into high stress fight or flight states. Eventually sugar, caffeine and alcohol no longer work and we find ourselves unable to function at the same energy level, brain fogged, unable to lose weight… and confused at this “sudden change”. Many women blame this on shifting hormones. They are right! However, they don’t realize men’s and women’s hormones are not just limited to their reproductive organs. Our brains, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas and reproductive organs produce hormones. We have an endocrine SYSTEM that does not operate in a vacuum. Each organ and gland (including the brain) works together, so when one is dysfunctional, the others will kick in, trying to help and soon the whole system is in a state of dysregulation.

My guest this week on Healthy YOU! Radio is Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons, the author of “Potatoes not Prozac”. Dr. DesMaisons’ work is with those of us who are sugar sensitive. Sugar sensitivity is a term she coined during her research with clients with addictive behaviors. This fascinating look at “addictive nutrition” will answer questions about how to undo the fat, fried and fatigued problem so many middle aged Americans face. She will help us understand the biochemistry behind sugar and the brain and then give practical steps for undoing patterns of addictive behaviors around sugar and alcohol that can be life saving!

Don’t know if you are sugar sensitive? Ask yourself this question: If you were on your way home from a nice dinner (full and satisfied), and looking forward to a warm bath and a good book before going to bed…would freshly baked chocolate chip cookies cooling on the kitchen counter when you got home tempt you? In other words, do you eat sugar because you are hungry or because it makes you feel better?

Sugar is not just found in cookies. Tune in next Wednesday at 9 am to hear my conversation with Kathleen DesMaisons and learn how to take control of your diet and your health!

Here’s to your health!