I have a problem with sugar.
I just realised that on an intellectual level tonight. I knew I had a sweet tooth but it suddenly struck me that I could quite possibly be addicted to sugar. Sometimes sugar is even the first thought that pops into my head as soon as I register normal thought patterns first thing in the morning. This is not good folks. Not good at all.
For the last several days I've had a dopey kind of headache looming which I've done my best to ignore because - hello! - I'm twenty-four different types of busy right now. This is also not doing me any favours. Headaches are not a new thing for me, so I've been to the doctor about this before and the upshot of all of that is, it seems I'm just one of those people who are either a slave to hormones or completely and totally unlucky. At the moment I'm using a strong OTC pain medication and even though I'm well under the usual 'maximum dose', it has been playing on my mind a lot lately that I may be doing my body a disservice by automatically reaching for the pain meds when I feel a headache coming on. But you know, we're all mums, and things just need to get done, don't they? So you pop a pill, sacrificing clear-headedness for the blessed assurance of at least a few hours without your cranium hosting a party.
Today I had to go to the chemist (drugstore) because strangely, they had the best price on toilet paper this week. While I was there, I decided to check out the multivitamins. I've never taken a multi in my entire life and I even struggled with my folate and iron tabs while pregnant. I am not a good pill-swallower, which is really ironic when you consider how often I rely on the OTC pain meds for my headaches. But anyway.
To be clear from the outset, there are two issues at play here. First, the headaches. They'll require a return visit to the doc (I'm due for my 'cross my legs' annual checkup anyway, sigh) who will advise me of (I think) the prescription preventative meds I can possibly take. I've been putting off 'stepping up' to prescription meds for my headaches, even though they crop up quite often, because it kind of feels I'm making it worse by going 'up the ladder'. But as the chemist's assistant informed me this afternoon, prescription meds for headaches are designed for long-term use and the doses of whatever drugs they put in them are probably far less harmful than long term use of OTC pain meds (which aren't meant to be taken long term in the first place). So, it's an option.
The multivitamin issue was separate to the headaches - I just figured it was about time I did 'something' because if it gave me even just the smallest boost it was probably a good thing. There seems to be two trains of thought on the multivitamins issue. Either its total hogwash, or it really works. Pick a camp and set up shop, it seems. I'm a fence-sitter. I can't make a judgement until I've at least tried the multis, so to me it was worth the price (eeek!) even if it is just to cross that off my list of 'I've tried that' remedies. Not for the headaches really (but a reduction in those would be lovely thankyouverymuch) but as a little 'pick me up'. But oh my gosh, the tabs themselves are HUGE. Did I mention I have issues with taking pills? I can't take round tablets, so how do you think I'm going to go with DIAMOND SHAPED HORSE TRANQUILIZERS? Sigh.
So, back to the sugar, because I absolutely think that it is at least connected, if it isn't the culprit itself. I know when I eat something high in sugar, my head doesn't bother me so much. Obviously there's some blood sugar issues going on. Perhaps I'll add another item onto my laundry list for the doctor - diabetes test. It's not a stretch. My father was pre-diabetic and I'm almost certain my mother was heading toward Type II herself (they were both quite overweight). I think the sugar thing comes into play the strongest first thing in the morning, after I've fasted overnight. I won't even admit to some of the things I've had for 'breakfast' in the past.
I'm caught between a rock and a hard place though - I know, if the mornings are any indication, that withdrawals from sugar will be a nasty, nasty process. Headaches, probably migraines, will be a CERTAINTY. I can't deal with that for the next little bit. It's all go-go-go around here at the moment (I shouldn't even be online right now, let alone posting...sigh). So I can't see a reduction happening until the New Year. In the meantime, I thought I'd try to find more info on sugar addiction, maybe some books to chase up at the library. Chime in if you have some good info.
Also, it appears that I've taken up a most un-ladylike pasttime. It had been brought to my attention that I am snoring. I (obviously) have no recollection of any of this except for the times Hubs pokes me in the ribs. I've become quite self-concious about it really. Hubs tells me I never used to snore like this (I hope that means, 'at all') and I'm led to believe its a side effect of putting on weight (I'm about 20kg overweight). If that's true, then blech.
Must. Go. Assignments. Calling. My. Name.
Cheers,
Lizzie
I just realised that on an intellectual level tonight. I knew I had a sweet tooth but it suddenly struck me that I could quite possibly be addicted to sugar. Sometimes sugar is even the first thought that pops into my head as soon as I register normal thought patterns first thing in the morning. This is not good folks. Not good at all.
For the last several days I've had a dopey kind of headache looming which I've done my best to ignore because - hello! - I'm twenty-four different types of busy right now. This is also not doing me any favours. Headaches are not a new thing for me, so I've been to the doctor about this before and the upshot of all of that is, it seems I'm just one of those people who are either a slave to hormones or completely and totally unlucky. At the moment I'm using a strong OTC pain medication and even though I'm well under the usual 'maximum dose', it has been playing on my mind a lot lately that I may be doing my body a disservice by automatically reaching for the pain meds when I feel a headache coming on. But you know, we're all mums, and things just need to get done, don't they? So you pop a pill, sacrificing clear-headedness for the blessed assurance of at least a few hours without your cranium hosting a party.
Today I had to go to the chemist (drugstore) because strangely, they had the best price on toilet paper this week. While I was there, I decided to check out the multivitamins. I've never taken a multi in my entire life and I even struggled with my folate and iron tabs while pregnant. I am not a good pill-swallower, which is really ironic when you consider how often I rely on the OTC pain meds for my headaches. But anyway.
To be clear from the outset, there are two issues at play here. First, the headaches. They'll require a return visit to the doc (I'm due for my 'cross my legs' annual checkup anyway, sigh) who will advise me of (I think) the prescription preventative meds I can possibly take. I've been putting off 'stepping up' to prescription meds for my headaches, even though they crop up quite often, because it kind of feels I'm making it worse by going 'up the ladder'. But as the chemist's assistant informed me this afternoon, prescription meds for headaches are designed for long-term use and the doses of whatever drugs they put in them are probably far less harmful than long term use of OTC pain meds (which aren't meant to be taken long term in the first place). So, it's an option.
The multivitamin issue was separate to the headaches - I just figured it was about time I did 'something' because if it gave me even just the smallest boost it was probably a good thing. There seems to be two trains of thought on the multivitamins issue. Either its total hogwash, or it really works. Pick a camp and set up shop, it seems. I'm a fence-sitter. I can't make a judgement until I've at least tried the multis, so to me it was worth the price (eeek!) even if it is just to cross that off my list of 'I've tried that' remedies. Not for the headaches really (but a reduction in those would be lovely thankyouverymuch) but as a little 'pick me up'. But oh my gosh, the tabs themselves are HUGE. Did I mention I have issues with taking pills? I can't take round tablets, so how do you think I'm going to go with DIAMOND SHAPED HORSE TRANQUILIZERS? Sigh.
So, back to the sugar, because I absolutely think that it is at least connected, if it isn't the culprit itself. I know when I eat something high in sugar, my head doesn't bother me so much. Obviously there's some blood sugar issues going on. Perhaps I'll add another item onto my laundry list for the doctor - diabetes test. It's not a stretch. My father was pre-diabetic and I'm almost certain my mother was heading toward Type II herself (they were both quite overweight). I think the sugar thing comes into play the strongest first thing in the morning, after I've fasted overnight. I won't even admit to some of the things I've had for 'breakfast' in the past.
I'm caught between a rock and a hard place though - I know, if the mornings are any indication, that withdrawals from sugar will be a nasty, nasty process. Headaches, probably migraines, will be a CERTAINTY. I can't deal with that for the next little bit. It's all go-go-go around here at the moment (I shouldn't even be online right now, let alone posting...sigh). So I can't see a reduction happening until the New Year. In the meantime, I thought I'd try to find more info on sugar addiction, maybe some books to chase up at the library. Chime in if you have some good info.
Also, it appears that I've taken up a most un-ladylike pasttime. It had been brought to my attention that I am snoring. I (obviously) have no recollection of any of this except for the times Hubs pokes me in the ribs. I've become quite self-concious about it really. Hubs tells me I never used to snore like this (I hope that means, 'at all') and I'm led to believe its a side effect of putting on weight (I'm about 20kg overweight). If that's true, then blech.
Must. Go. Assignments. Calling. My. Name.
Cheers,
Lizzie
7 comments:
In looking at your sugar intake, look at your protien. It helps balance sugars. An extreme example is when prego, that stupid glucose test? If after I am all done with the test, I eat something high protien (I usually reach for some red meat), I don't get a headache. The first time I did it and didn't get the protien after...oh my goodness, it was as bad as a caffienne withdrawal headache.
I, too, have a ridiculous sweet tooth. Early last year, I was able to go sugar free for a good month, but then wound up eating one piece of chocolate, and you can guess what happened from there ;o) Right now, I am getting ready to go totally sugar free again, as I am reasonably sure I am a Type 1 Diabetic (just awaiting the doctor's appt now).
An author by the name of Jennifer Workman has published a very informative book called "Stop Your Cravings". This book was what helped me go sugar free before and is what I am using yet again. I also found baking with alternative sweeteners to help a lot. Honey, maple sugar, agave, stevia, and evaporated cane juice do not cause the nasty jump in glucose levels as regular sugar does. Do you have any health stores near you? If so, do check them out for these products. The cane juice can be used 1:1 ratio for sugar in all of your recipes. Stevia is excellent for sweetening tea. Using these helped me "step down" to no sugar. Baking with overripe fruits, especially bananas, can also sweeten food without table sugar. :o)
Also, sour, bitter, & acidic foods "reset" the taste buds and can really help control sugar cravings. Foods like various greens, kimchee, and sour fruits are helpful to me in trying to control my nasty little sweet tooth.
Now that I have talked your ear off, I shall be off. I hope you are feeling better soon!
Thanks for that Mrs Brigham :)
I've put that book on my list to check up online - our library has an internet catalogue and you can request books from a PC at home and have notification they're available text-messaged out to you. I just can't see myself having the time to fully devote to research for the next few weeks, sigh.
I am feeling better today, thanks :) Something supernatural is going on in my head today - I seem to have broken the oft-lamented 'writing drought' (ie, my course requirements) and have fired off two full written assignments today alone. This is unheard of. Something higher working for me, I think! I'm down to four by next Thursday (still 'eek', but maybe not so much 'EEEEEEEEEEK!' anymore, LOL) and I didn't have a headache all day. I made sure I ate protein at lunch (I took my books and hit the shopping centre/mall which believe it or not, is one of my fave places to study...I find a little coffee shop and hole up there for a couple hours) and I think that helped. I can't believe how much work I got done today. I might lick this deadline yet, LOL.
P.S. Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheers,
Lizzie
I think you're right in the headache/migraine - sugar connection.
I don't have much of a sweet tooth (I am more of a potato chip person - and put some cream cheese on that too, please :)), but when a migraine is coming on, I get sugar cravings. And if I indulge, I get a whopper of a headache/migraine - usually one really bad day, followed by three or four days of that foggy "my head is stuffed with cotton" feeling. If I don't indulge, its not that bad and will likely be taken care of with a couple of advils.
If the craving is really bad, I'll drink a diet soda of some sort - at least it tastes somewhat sweet, but is sugar-free.
awww Lizzie. Yes the snoring can be a result of putting on weight.
With balancing your foods, I would suggest that you look at the GI of foods as well. My doctor advised me to not only make sure that I include protein in most meals, but also some low GI foods. Low GI foods release their sugar content more slowly over a longer time period so you don't get the sugar high and crash lows.
Precious - aughh, I know. I'm slowly starting to realise (okay, so I'm a bit dense, LOL) that there's no one 'thing' to concentrate on. Not just low fat, low GI, cal controlled, sugar-reduced, etc etc etc...it's everything all at once. Sigh.
After Christmas...
Cheers,
Lizzie
Lizzie, if you stick to unprocessed foods you won't go far wrong. It's hard to binge on fruit, vegies and grains and high quality protein.
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