Guest Author - Paula Petrie

“All food manufacturers know of the taste and addiction qualities of sucrose, and almost all of them are willing to use sucrose, or its breakdown product glucose, as a food additive without discrimination to increase their sales of processed foods (and drinks.)” -The Doctors’ Medical Library

The addictive quality of sugar is exacting a tole on our beverage intake. Based on the results of “What America Drinks” a study by Environ International Corp. The report analyzed data from more than 10,000 Americans ages 4 and older who participated in the government’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Americans are drinking twice as much sugar sweetened drinks as milk, or any other beverage for that matter. Milk stats. placed a distant second with teen girls and boys, and a bit further down the line for adults. Unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices placed lower than coffee and alcohol.

This study suggests that it's time to take beverage consumption more seriously. An in-depth analysis reveals that beverages supply nearly a quarter (22%) of our total calories.

Pediatricians want to warn us, "This study is not only a concern related to obesity; but too many soft drinks instead of calcium-rich milk decreases adolescents' ability to gain optimal bone mass, and that could increase the risk of fractures later in life."

“What America Drinks” confirmed that milk was the primary beverage source of important nutrients such as calcium, protein, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A and zinc in the average diet.

As an added benefit for moms, the folks at Dannon have added the "power of the worlds most researched probiotic culture," Lactobacillus GG (LGG), to Danimals Drinks, and will be adding LLG to Danimals Cups in April.

Lactobacillus has been known for years to help boost immunity and also help reintroduce good bacteria to the body after taking antibotics, (or too much sugar.) Danimals Drinks also have dropped artificial colors, artificial flavors, and high fructose corn syrup.

LGG helps kids stay healthy in three important ways: maintenance of gastrointestinal function, support of the immune system, and maintenance of oral health.

Research suggests that if you need to lose weight and your diet is currently low in calcium, including 24 ounces of lowfat or fat free milk can help you lose more weight than just cutting calories.

Bare in mind as you pick a thirst quencher, that we are 78% water, which means we need topped up and refreshed on a regular basis. Pure, fresh water is always a welcome choice for your body.

Symptoms of Sugar addiction can include:

hypoglycemia
diabetes
chronic constipation
chronic stomach upset
intestinal gas
arthritis
asthma
headaches
osteoporosis
heart disease
obesity
chronic Candida infection
tooth decay
inflammatory bowel disease


To help illustrate the impact of what you drink, “Think About What You Drink” is providing online tools for a personalized nutrition analysis of your daily drinks.

You also can download a personal training program hosted by fitness guru Kathy Smith and register for the Great American Weight Loss Challenge -

“Teenagers who kick the can and reach for milk more often could win a chance to star in their very own Milk Mustache ad.” To learn more about the teen challenge, visit Body By Milk