You are probably aware of how bad cocaine is for the human body.

But did you know that in some ways sugar may be even worse?

Both of these white, crystalline substances are highly refined. 

And both are made from natural substances — coca leaves or sugar cane/sugar beets — but then refined into pure white crystals.

It is this highly refined white powder — sugar — that throws a monkey wrench into your body’s finely tuned mechanisms.

Sugar is a big part of the dramatic increase we’ve seen in chronic disease and is part of the reason why an entire generation of people is dying younger than their parents did. 

Sugar’s not just limited to the stuff from sugar cane or sugar beets, though. As you probably know, it comes in many forms.

Probably the worst sugar of all, though, is high-fructose corn syrup, which should be avoided at all costs.

Unfortunately it is in just about every processed food imaginable, from ketchup to beef jerky to cereal. That’s because it’s a cheaper form of sugar and hence more profitable.

Sugar’s addictive qualities are well-known. A potato chip company’s slogan, “You can’t eat just one,” applies not just to potato chips, but to all of the addictive “white foods” to be avoided: sugar, flour, potatoes, and white rice. 

Sugar may be even more addictive than cocaine, and it’s often the reason we can’t stop eating.

Part of the problem with sugar is that its manufacture involves many unnatural processes, including high heat and bleaching.

The worst problem with sugar, though, is fructose, which is processed by your liver. In many ways fructose behaves the same as alcohol in our bodies. And like alcohol, it can cause fatty liver and other problems.

Table sugar, also known as sucrose, is made up of 50 percent glucose and 50 percent fructose. Fructose makes up 55 percent of high fructose corn syrup, 84 percent of agave syrup, and 50 percent of honey.

Fructose makes your brain fail to notice that you’re full, because it inhibits leptin. And it fails to stop ghrelin, a hormone that makes you hungry.

For most of human history, people ate about 16 to 20 grams of fructose per day, from whole fruit. Today, though, we’re consuming more like 85 to 100 grams per day. Our livers can’t keep up.

And this is exactly what keeps us hungry all the time.

So, what can you do about it? Here are six tips that will help.

1. Make your meals at home, using high-quality, whole ingredients. 

2. Eliminate caloric beverages. 

This includes not just obvious culprits like high-fructose corn syrup laden soda drinks, but also fruit juice and alcoholic beverages.

And even though they don’t contain calories, diet sodas are even worse, because of the chemicals they contain. So it’s best to drink mainly water, as well as unsweetened herbal teas and such.

3. Increase water intake. 

Not only does drinking water quench your thirst, but it also flushes away toxins. It’s especially important when you’re eating Micronized Purple Rice, because it helps to flush away the cellular wastes that result from the healing process.

Water also keeps you from confusing hunger for thirst. Staying hydrated is important for vibrant health in so many ways!

4. Eat carbs that include fiber. 

Fiber keeps our bodies from absorbing sugar too fast. That’s why it’s fine to eat whole fruit but not fruit juice.

5. Wait 20 minutes after eating before going for seconds. 

This trains your brain to recognize when you’re full.

6. Exercise more. 

This helps your body to better metabolize the carbs you eat. Doing so helps to decrease stress, speed up your metabolism, and reduce insulin resistance.

So, do yourself and your loved ones a favor — keep sugar to a bare minimum.

Now it’s your turn! Let me know, in the comments, what you are doing to avoid sugar?