Sugar allergy?

 Could it be a sugar allergy?

Many people probably don't think about it, but it's possible for a person to be allergic to sugar. If you see these signs after you consume sugar, especially if it's refined sugar, or sucrose, you may have an actual allergy.

Headaches

Depression

Anger

Skin rash similar to hives

Some Facts about Sugar

Refined sugar comes from the sugar cane plant. There are also naturally-occurring sugars found in fruits and some vegetables. There is even a form of sugar in milk, called lactose. It's the substance responsible for the milk intolerance seen in many adults. There is a big difference between the sucrose, or refined sugar you spoon into your coffee and the fructose, or fruit sugar, found in an apple. Fructose doesn't cause the insulin sugar spike that sucrose does, and also, that apple contains lots of fiber and other nutrients that affect the way your body will metabolize the sugar present in an apple or other type of natural fruit.

What is an Insulin Spike?

Insulin spike is caused by the consumption of refined sugar and foods with what is called a high glycemic index. This would include white rice and white potatoes. Foods with a high glycemic index, while not sweet themselves, will still break down once within the body into simple sugars. Simple sugars are quickly absorbed by the body and then trigger the pancreas to release insulin to metabolize them. When the insulin has metabolized all the sugar, the person can feel tired, and crave more sugar. It's a vicious circle.

Avoid Refined Sugar

If you notice the above symptoms after you eat sugar, especially processed foods with refined sugar, such as baked goods and ice cream and similar foods, you need to change your diet to eliminate refined sugar as much as possible. If you have a sugar allergy, you may also notice that you have a lot of gastric disturbance. This is because the sugar can act as a kind of food for bacteria present in your intestines, causing gas and bloating. The skin rash is an allergic response just like one produced by any other allergen. Headaches are known to be caused by tanking blood sugar levels.

Adjust your diet to avoid refined sugar. This isn't to say that you should avoid all sugar, but you should avoid refined sugars and sugars found in processed foods as much as possible. We have already seen that fruits and vegetables, although they contain sugar, are still healthy foods that offer fiber and vitamins. Moderate consumption is fine. Learn to read package labels, too, as there are a lot of hidden sugars in all kinds of foods.

Healthy Eating

Don't run out of the house in the morning without breakfast or with just a cup of sugared coffee. You need to eat something healthy in the morning. After fasting all night, your blood sugar will be lower. Whole wheat toast would be a good choice here. The whole grain will metabolize slowly to provide your body with energy without an insulin spike. Never eat white bread as it contains sugar and white flour, which is nearly devoid of nutrients. You will need to educate yourself on how to begin a regimen of healthy eating, but you will be glad you did when your symptoms go away and you feel better.