Having a sweet tooth can seriously damage your health and lower your chances of reaching the age of 100. Cynthia Canyon, a molecular geneticist from San Francisco, performed tests on nematodes and discovered that sugar-rich diets shorten their lifespan by 20%. It’s important to avoid processed sugar (plain white) and make the effort only to use natural, unrefined sugar, or get your dose of sweetness by eating fruits.
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
