The Special Dangers of Sugar to Women Over 40
Below is my phone call with Dr. Christiane Northrup (the leading women’s health expert and a frequent guest on Oprah). Dr. Northrup shared with me some incredibly critical revelations about the special dangers of sugar to women over 40. If you are a woman over 40, or have a mom who is, THIS IS A MUST SEE. (please share the video with all your friends).
BONUS SUPPORT ITEMS:
-- Download the transcript of Dr. Northrup discussing the Special Dangers of Sugar to Women Over 40
Click here to download
-- And if you have a quick second to answer two questions for me, click here. I am considering relaunching my Facebook page to create a more interactive and supportive community for you guys.
-- And I look forward to reading your comments on Dr. Northrop's phone call with me -- post your comments below as always.
January 29, 2010
Reader Comments (150)
I would like to have one on one access to you on facebook. And I am sure others would as well.
Jorge, one of my main problem and is a very very big one is that I binge eat A LOT!
i will just eat and eat sometimes and although i am so full, the food will taste so good and I just want to eat more. i keep telling myself that i will stop that this is my last time, but i cant!
i dont know what to do. i am actually underweight, super skinny legs and arms but my stomach and hips and face is growing wider by the second. I dont know what to do!
i cant seem to reach just a normal ideal size?
im so depressed and sad just thinking about it. sometimes i just cry and cry.
please help me?
WOW!!! I am a 46 yr old female, and this is the first time I have heard ANY of this information. I am in the perimenopause stage and struggling with frequent hot flashes, resistance to weightloss, and mood swings. I recently changed my eating habits (simply by random chance) to Atkins, in the hopes of shedding some weight for an upcoming cruise. I am two weeks into that program with impressive results! But best of all, I FEEL TERRIFIC!! I have been daily educating myself about sugar, carbs, fiber, etc., and I am thrilled to hear this Dr. confirm what a great choice this lifestyle of eating will be for me in my coming future. Thank you for your heart, and interest, in such a valuable subject matter!
IS there any sugar in vodka? I don't add sugar to my diet - my kids think I am nuts having diet non-carb drinks ( no soda) or using truvia instead of normal sugar in green tea or coffee.
I want to ask about 'edmark products' like 'shake off ', 'chlorophyl ' and 'MRT '
thank you.
Dear Jorge,
Thanx for this. I am not a big fan of Facebook or posting publicly, but appreciate that you get the word out.
I was being randomized for a women's study at USC a few years ago...and got an elevated sugar reading that prevented me from participating. I sought out the study...which was testing the use of natural hormone replacement and effect on developing heart disease.
I felt I had reached the stage of my life where I should be "giving back" and since I never had symptoms of menopause like hot flashes,etc...I would be able to feel any effects of being on replacement, if in that 50% of of participants. Fortunately, I had all the cardiac and carotid tests done before the bloodwork came back and was in good shape with no plaque build-up.
However, belly fat has always been an issue.
My path from that point led to a period of critical mass within and elevated numbers in the danger zone! Chaotic to say the least. Once I changed my diet after being educated on my acidic PH...I am seeing a huge difference the way I feel and my digestive process.
My personal circumstances are far from the norm, but I follow your discoveries with interest....keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Michele
www.yoginimom.com
Dear Sarah,
Your post breaks my heart a bit don't give up on yourself reducing sugar can help with the impulse to binge from a physical hunger or erratic blood sugar standpoint. Part of the equation and it does improve mood but if you are depressed and have an eating disorder you may need additional help. Seek it out depression robs you of who you are and damages the brain sometimes you may need meds at least temporarily also always with talk support. If this is cost prohibitive seek out your community mental health services. You don't have to feel like this and whatever help you need to take now will be repaid to your family and others as you resume living happily. Your productivity and contributions will multiply. Well wishes to you and everyone reading this.
Hi Jorge,
I turn 44 this week and feel so blessed to have discovered both you and your belly Fat wisdom. Three weeks on the s/c plan and I feel not only better but know that I'm doing great things internally for my health. I don't have facebook but I always look forward to my e-mails via your website. Thanks again. Charlotte
HI Jorge!
Thanks for keeping women informed about the dangers of sugar. I just started a weight lifting program, the Jari Love Ripped Series because I have so much darn energy. My son and I are literally shrinking daily. Love the Belly Fat Cure. I see so many people "struggling" with these calorie counting types of diets and they are consuming so much sugar thinking they are doing the "right thing". They are hungry, lethargic and "mad" because they don't have enough energy to work out. Seriously, within a month, I went from doing those "walking tapes that are long and boring" to getting into the Jari Love Ripped 1000, Jari Love Extremely RIpped and a bunch of FIRM videos. Before January 1, I was a semi-couch potato. Now, I am doing 45 minute weight, step and aerobic and anerobic tapes. My son was so chunky and his self esteem was so low. Now, we both challenge each other and keep each other motivated and he does the BFC about 80% of the time. He's a teenager, so you know how that goes!! Now that I am doing the Ripped series, I will post pictures at the end of February on my Sparkpage.
Jorge,
I am 53 years old and have recently completed chemo this past August for Lymphoma. As a resullt of chemo I was pushed into full blown menapause. I have gained weight during treatment and cannot shed a single pound. For the past month I have eliminated sugar from my diet, I watch the sugar content of everything I eat. I have started an excercise program, I've stopped snacking after dinner and watch my calorie intake but I have not lost a single pound. I don't know what else to do or what else to eliminate. I feel like I have made major changes in my diet but still not results. Could you please tell me if I should eliminate fruit from my diet? And also about sugar free product that contain sugar alcohol. Is sugar alcohol good or bad? I really need your help. I'm about ready to give up!
Dear LuAnn
I am a stage IV uterine survivor, 51 - last chemo was May 1, 2008. I too gained weight - 25# - and it is like super glue. I did the 12 week program with Jorge and lost 10# which is great but I understand the feeling of wanting to give up. Our bodies have been through chemo, onset of menopause and in the process of all this healing we look in the mirror and want to cry because we no longer see ourselves. I know and understand. I still look in the mirror and wonder who I see. When those feelings show up I look myself in the eye and say I am a miracle and my body is healing and getting stronger everyday.
It seems like nothing will ever change but it will. You are doing great stuff to support yourself by the actions you are taking. The Probiotics will help you if you have not added them, please do so. The intestinal tract takes a stong hit during chemo as does so much else.
You may email me direct if you want to share in a more private environment - cheryl@myhopeandhealing.com
Wow! Awesome job Jorge. GREAT information from Dr. Northrup! I'm starting your program today!!!
Thanks for this great information. I am forwarding this to several doctors who believe it is not hard for women after 40 to lose weight. I would appreciate your opening Facebook for your clients. I am still trying the program, but have not had success and want to get healthier. Thanks for all the information you provide.
Good to know! Thanks again for yet another super informative video! Looking forward to the next one and have fun when you go out to meet Dr. Northrup!
This is EXCELLENT. Essential information for women facing/in the midst/post menopause.
THANKS!
Life Saving Information Thank you Jorge for bringing this information to all of us. Facebook is such a daily used Source and to have your Facebook link would be awesome. You are changing Lives and saving lives... God Bless You and all your Good Works. Carol Lovejoy
This was great - keep the good info coming.
This is a fascinating topic to those of us who are interested in health as well as weight. Both are tied together as everyone knows. the effect of acid on bones makes sense from a chemistry point of view, and sugar's effect on blood acidity makes sense as well. I'm wondering what effect caffeine has on all of this: blood sugar level, insulin, acidity, hormones? If anyone knows, please share. Also, how does one determine the amount of sugar in a food when all that is listed is the carbs? I haven't figured that one out yet. M.
Hi Jorge, I started the BFC program and bought your book after a good trusted friend (male) recommended it to me. So far, I've seen a modest weight loss after 3 weeks. I am the mother of 8 children, so i have a significant amount of BF from the pregnancies. Just a few questions- when making a Jay Robb shake, what liquid do you suggest? I have to say that I truly miss my daily Starbucks grande nonfat lattes? Is calcium an issue for woman like me? I'm 45. Also, as far as the food items that are 0s/0c, is the consumption unlimited? Within reason of course! I am a very active stay at home mom and enjoy your emails on my blackberry, though i don't have a facebook page. Thanks for everything!
I thought MEAT eating was HIGHLY ACIDIC and just because your are slender DOES NOT mean your ph is alkaline in your body. Sugar is ONLY one main component of the healing! I thought one had to eat alkaline foods to maintain a healthy alkaline ph in the blood. I thought the serious concern with eating meat and cheese is the acid in your blood issue! Cancer cells will not survive in an alkaline environment. The book Sick and Tired by Dr. Robert Young goes into great detail about what acidic and alkaline ph is all about.
Jorge, I do commend you for getting everyone on a road away from sugar. However, health may not be reflected in all slim bodies. As I understand, fat actually is a way the body protects your organs when you are too acidic. We are all different and very slender individuals don't produce the belly fat as a warning. Really, let's open this up to the very important discussion of health. I guess you'll have to do live blood cell analysis on your clients and compare the results to a group of alkaline dieters.
My comments are meant with good intentions. I certainly do feel your are guiding people in the right direction.
Wishing all great health and happiness!
Thanks so much for your Belly Fat Cure diet - I am starting week 4 and have lost almost 9 pounds! I have dropped a dress size (my stomach was in the way). My 82 yr old mom is also on it and has reduced her insulin medicine in just a few weeks! I feel better than I have in years (I told my husband, "I could just jump out of my skin, I feel so good"! I am 51 so the info in this video just confirms what you say in your book - I'm off sugar FOREVER!!!! I was at a birthday party this week and it is SO EASY to say "NO" to sugar now!!!!
Thanks for sharing this video and information! My husband and I started your program a week ago today. He has lost 12+ pounds and I lost 4.... =( And, he has cheated a few times and has gone over his carb and sugar allowances while I have been very dedicated. I am very happy see any result but this is quite discouraging. About Dr. Northrop's advice to cut sugars out of the diet - does that mean cut them completely? She doesn't specify this point and that doesn't seem to be realistic. Is 16g a day the standard? Also, if I'm going to maintain this program long term, I'm going to need some alternative choices some of the products listed in your book. I just can't afford $5.50 a loaf for Ezekial bread from the health food store, or $7.50 for a jar of pasta sauce, etc. I know that I can't afford to be overweight and in poor health either, but this isn't an unwillingness to pay these prices it's really not affordable for our family.
I am so pleased that you presented this information through yet another resource that just confirms again, what you have been telling us. I plan to show this video to my daughter, who is 40 and has migraines that make her totally disfunctional. She also has BF that seems to keep getting worse, she drinks Coca Cola several times daily and we all know that is laden with sugar. She eats a lot of candy and sweets.
I try to tell her what sugar is doing to her body but she can't seem to gather whatever it takes to stop. I wonder what can be done that will act like a stick of dynamite under her to get her to wake up. I heard Dr. Northrup say that it only takes three days of eliminating sugar from your diet for you to start feeling better. I am going to suggest to my daughter to do that for three days and then see how she feels. At least it is a place to start.
I am a two time cancer survivor myself, have type 2 diabetes, and have had atrial fibrillation three times where I had to go to hospital for a cardio version. If only I would have found you and your advice before all that happened to me, I might have escaped those horrors. Now I know and I am diligently working to eliminate sugar from my diet.
Thank you Jorge. I am so grateful for your good intentions and the way you are bringing this life-saving advice to those who will listen.
This was an awesome interview. I am 70 & I knew the only thing that changed 30 yrs ago was a hormonal one. My symptoms were not as severe as others probably because I did not consume a lot of sugar but it was enough to make a difference. A few years later we started on Atkins & noticed a dramatic change, especially in my husband reflux, it totally disappeared. Our continual research revealed inflammation as a culprit in many diseases & little by little we learned much more. Just couldn't put it all together until now. Dr. Northrups interview validated everything we had learned but just didn't know how it worked. Thank you Jorge for your info. & bringing us the people who are not afraid to tell the truth. The food & drug industries should be ashamed of themselves for getting rich from our prolonged miseries.
Yes, would love to hear from you on Facebook. Also, would love to be able to interact with others on the Belly Fat Cure plan.
Jorge, in your homemade videos, I would suggest a better background, making eye contact with the camera, sitting up straight in that Herman Miller chair, and no hands above the shoulders. Great information needs a great delivery. I would also practice slowing down your speech pattern. You may want to watch Marcus Buckingham on Oprah as an example. Thanks for all you are putting out there to the public. It's food for thought. First thing I'm doing is firing my dweebie doctor who is on all kinds of meds himself and eats poorly! The office staff is all obese on cookies, cookies, cookies!
i am 59 years old & still a work in progress. your e-mails & videos educate me....this hits home better than reading any magazine article. thank you...i've learned alot in such a short period of time..
I am struggling to stay on this diet. It is not a difficult one for me but after losing 6.5 lbs the first week I have] not lost a single ounce since and it been 3 weeks. It is a wonderful heathly feeling to not be eating so much sugar but my primary goal was to lose 30 pounds. I chant....I journal every piece of food that goes in my mouth.. I walk....I drink enormous amount of water. What am I doing wrong? I tried the husks and probiotic drink to no avail. I am taking benefiber 3 times a day now...to no avail. ?????? I am beginning to feel tricked and I really really want this diet to work.
Hello Jorge,
I was excited to hear the interview with Dr Northup. I have read several of her books and believe she is the worlds leading authority on womens health issues. In my case the battle is even bigger because I have hypothyroid disease, I had 1/2 of my thyroid removed 7 years ago. All of my doctors say my chances of loosing weight probably not good. Not very encouraging. Also my chances of diabetes is really high. I weighed myself on day one and do not plan to weigh but once a month. Next week will be a month. I can say I feel better. The day I fell off the diet and sugared out was followed by a bad emotional day, sad ,weepy ect. I found that interesting. I am 51 and just on the other side of menopause, so this really applies to me. I know your diet will be good for me even if i don't loose much weight, but I am hopeful! K
Jorge,
I had been on a LOW sugar diet for years at the advice of an OMD. After moving and not visiting regularly, I went back to eating a high sugar diet with all the chemicals from the food industry. After seeing you every where, I knew you were right and bought the book. You have cured my acid reflux again, brought back my energy, my concentration, & my knowledge. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the masses, and telling the truth.
I so enjoy your emails and videos. This week was especially wonderful for a woman over 40 and in surgical menopause. This rings so true. I have only lost 5 pounds in the last month, but I feel wonderful.
Thank you!
Hi Jorge,
I KNEW that it was about inflammation! I had been telling my husband that I felt my body was systemically inflammed for months. I have/had a sugar addiction for my whole life. I'm 52 years old and have dealt with insomnia, bloating, irritability, brain fog, joint pain, plantar faciitis, past cardiac issues, elevated LDL, and cravings...mostly anything that contained sugar and chocolate.
I was researching Sugar Busters (again) and the Flat Belly Diet (the other one, again) thinking I needed to combine the two, and then I found Jorge. Truly, after 3 days, I was sleeping better, the brain fog was lifted, my body didn't hurt, I had a lot more energy, but the big one was that I no longer had heel pain from the heel spurs that had caused so much pain for 2.5 months.
I have my husband following this plan also...he's a doctor. Much to his delight, the weight is falling off of him!
Thank you Jorge.
This was very informative. I have been on the BFC for a week and a half and have lost three and a half pounds and 2 inches on my waistline. I love the plan and all the recipes I have tried in your book have been delicious. I am a yes vote on Facebook, but these emails work as well. I am off on a trip and want to maintain plan. . .I think I can. Dr. Winthrop's views were of interest. My son is a doctor, and he is encouraging me to stay with this program as we have heart health issues in our family.
For people who are having a hard time with groceries, all it takes is reading labels. I bought Exzekiel bread products and they are still sitting in my freezer. I live in New England and we have Stop and SHop stores which is lke a Kroger's down South. They have these storebrand Light Wheat Hot Dog and hamburger buns. I looked at the nutritional information. The Hot Dog bun was 0 Sugar and 19 grams of carbs. In fact, it is better than the Ezekiel bread and they were 2 for $4. If you read the BFC carefully, the product suggestions are what "Jorge Can recommend personally as he has tried them. We all know the formula..No more than 15 grams of sugar/120 grams of carbs a day. That being said, spend some time in your grocery store looking at products. Read and calculate. I am finding that my preference for low carb tortillas to make sandwiches works like a charm. If you cannot find Zevia..Get some carbonate water, some lemon juice and some Truvia and make a carbonate lemonade or just use regular water to make lemonade. Look at some of the pastas in your pasta aisle..Again, pay attention to "portion", carbs and sugar. There are TONS of options out there for us following the BFC. Personally, my food bill has shrunk by $50 a week. My teenage son and I are doing it together. We eat potatoes almost everyday..seriously! We eat lots of chicken, lean meats and fish for me. To say that the diet is expensive I just don't see it. I have lost so much craving for sweets. One of my favorite "treats" to make when I an craving something sweet is to get some of the Blue Diamond Unsweetened Almond milk, 2 packs of Truvia and a dash of cream to make the best and thickest shake/choclate milk you have ever tasted.
The BFC is like any other diet. You can make it as "cheap" or as "expensive" as you want. Weight watchers has tons of products you can buy or you can make alternatives. South Beach has tons of products you can buy or you can make an alternative. BFC is no different.
I am down 24 pounds since January 1. I use the diet, but I also exercise because I have TONS of energy now. That is just me and my story. Best!
Jorge, you need to get on Oprah and spread the word, maybe w/ Dr Northrup? Everyone - email Oprah by going to her website and telling her all about the BFC. It's changed our lives, she can help get the message out to millions of women who are struggling right now!
WOW! awesome, relevant information to me and so many other women. Thanks so much Jorge for sharing this info. This really opens my eyes to what has been happening in my body. I'm about to turn 49 and my body entered major change last June.I have finished your 12 week program, but of course am continuing this wonderful healthy lifestyle. I have another 18 pounds to go before I reach goal. Lost 26 so far. Hubby has jumped on the program too and only has 3 more pounds to goal. Blessings.
THANK YOU for this information!! This conversation with Dr. Northrup is very specific to my needs, and I will forward this to my mother as it gives answers to her "problem" with cholesterol. Starting with the new year I began closely paying attention to the sugar in my food. I'm working hard to keep my consumption under the 15 grams a day. What Dr. Northrup says about migraines is true. I'm 46 and have had terrible monthly migraine headaches. Well that is until this month, after three weeks of minimal sugar in my diet. I have a 5 year old child, hence pregnancy at age 40. Unlike being pregnant in my 20's the extra weight from this one did not "melt" off. I now recognize I was trying to compensate for fatigue with extra sugar and carbs. When I read the article in the Costco magazine of those who were successful in losing weight with this new lifestyle of eating, the light of truth came on for me. My goal is to lose at least 15 lbs. if not 20. Little did I realize the even more important health benefits, until today. Thank you, again.
Thanks for posting Dr. Northrup's interview. She is great. I've seen her on Oprah and it's fun to hear her talk more about sugar as I've only heard her talk about hormones and menopause before.
Regarding FB, think it's a good idea as I have been honestly frustrated to not find some of the things listed in your book here on your site until very recently, like the PDF planner. We could let you know about these things via FB.
Oh, I'm willing and ready (at 45) to cut ALL sugar - but what about natural sugars that occur in fruits and other natural foods? I haven't taken time to read all your guides and informaiton - so I'm sure you've already addressed this - when SUGAR is talked about are you speaking of the white sugar, brown sugar and corn syrup we use in our kitchens and the refined and processed treats and foods available at the grocery store?
What a miracle that our bodies can be forgiving and begin to heal &repair itself with every positive step we take.
I'm new to your system. Why do you need to buy some items special, like Ore Ida mashed potato- when you can make healthy fresh mashed potatoes without all the butter etc?
Hi Jorge:
I totally disagree with earlier comment that you need to change your "homemade" videos! I love your videos! I don't need some slickly produced actor telling me what to do! Just you, and thank-you for all of your wonderful information. You care about people, not how your video looks!!
Loved hearing Dr. Northrop, I bought her book years ago. I have been on bio-identical hormones for 8 years since going through menopause. I have a saliva test and bloodwork each year to keep the balance of estrogen/progesterone/testosterone happening. As I turn 55 next month, I continue to play tennis, walk in park and do weights. I will never be 37 again or look it, but still fit in my wedding dress after 36 years. I would love to lose 5 lbs and have been trying on the belly fat cure, most of all just love the input on sugar, never realized all the hidden sugar in things, now I look at everything. Save myself about 20 dollars a week w/o latte's and all that sugar in milk! Love unsweetened almond milk and Ezekiel cereal. Just want to live healthy and well for the next 30 years! Bernadette
Jorge,
Loved the interview with Christiane Northrup! I will probably by her book as I'm 47.
I also think your videos are great and I really like it how you deliver it, just being yourself.
I have been following your plan for a month, only a few pounds lost but I didn't have much to lose anyways and I feel like I'm eating so much healthier. I got my parents who are 80 to buy the book and follow your plan. I am happy that my mom is following your recipes and my dad will eat whatever she makes and he is a total sugar addict but doesn't realize it. He needs to not only lose weight but lower his cholesterol and tryglycerides. His blood pressure is also high and I know it will all come down following this plan.
Thank you.
Great. It was particularly interesting to hear some of the other myths about heart disease and bone loss de-bunked... This was great reinforcement to stay on your program!
We have been doing the BFC for 3 weeks now and have seen a drop in weight and inches. It's been a great way to control portions and eat healthier at the same time. We sometimes just want a little snack rather than having the full count available, but have them more often during the day. Can you combine the S/C values, for instance, of 4 squares of chocolate into one if each one is eaten at different times of the day?
Best new finds for us...Clemmy's ice cream...sara lee wh wht pitas for pizzas...Steaz orange flavored green tea (sold in bottles) at Whole Foods...Spry gum...Godiva demitasse 85% chocolates...Kashi 7 whole wheat grain puffs...annie's cheddar bunnies...1/2 salt Vic's popcorn...enjoy!
OMG! I feel like crying! This is soooo it! I am a fifty year old woman who gained 60+ thru my late thirties/early forties while exercising my guts out and now I know why - I was eating all the wrong things-sugar-free everything! I know this is the answer!
Jorge this is great information. I am 43 and although you hear alot about the dangers of sugar, it is good to see it detailed in front of you. I also want to say a HUGE THANK YOU for making this available in a transcript. I have a severe hearing loss and appreciate the ability to access the information.
Thank you for bringing so much info. together for me. It's all beginning to make sense to me now. I am not on facebook but would become a member if you were on it. You are terrific Jorge and congrats on NY Times best seller list.
Thank you for these wonderful and inspirational updates and videos. Three weeks down and starting my fourth today...I feel great and its showing. However, I don't understand the Potato thing? I have been staying away from any kind of spud but last night really wanted one with my grilled chicken. Why the store bought pre-made mashed potatoes when I can make them at home with no milk a little butter and to make them creamier use some cream cheese...only ate 1/2 a cup last night and ticket three boxes off for carbs. Is this OK?
I would love to hear from you on Facebook. Looking forward to having a source to keep up the positive motivation which I think is key to ongoing success just as it was in the beginning of the program. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition - we will all get "there" just keep trying. I've lost 18"s so far, feel better, have less inflammation - it hasn't been easy but as with anything worthwhile persistence pays off in the end! Keep up the good work everyone! I'm 60 and wish I knew this info in my 40's! I will share it with my daughter who is 40.
Diane from Spokane WA
Hi Jorge,
All of your information is absolutely wonderful. Thank-You for bringing the experts and their information to us. But, I have tried to follow your Bellyfat Cure for one month with no success. I have not lost even one pound. Although you give us all the wonderful information about the dangers of sugar, there are no tools presented as to how to deal with sugar addiction. I try to use the carb swap system, but I fail because (I think) I am ingesting too many calories with the sugar-free swaps. You say calories, don't count, but it does not seem to work for me. I can eat an entire bag of Joseph’s cookies in one day and still have the unbearable sugar cravings. My cravings are too strong for the gum. I need more than one of your delicious smoothies to overcome the craving. (It takes 2-3 Bellyfat Cure smoothies to get over a sugar craving for me). Will you be publishing anything that presents the tools to overcome sugar addiction?
I believe in your work and I am so grateful for all that you have done for the world. I wonder if you could present more information about getting through intense sugar cravings.
Thank-You so much for all you do,
Susan