Have you ever woken up feeling tired, sluggish, or just not like yourself? It’s a feeling that many of us experience, but we rarely stop to question why. Stress from society, the daily grind, and the pressures of life all play a role, but one of the biggest culprits is often overlooked—our diet. Specifically, the excessive consumption of sugar and processed foods.
Sugar, in all its forms, is a powerful substance. Some even call it a drug because of the way it affects our bodies and minds. It comes hidden under different names in nearly everything we consume—candies, sodas, bread, sauces, and even so-called “healthy” snacks. The more we consume, the more our bodies become dependent on it, and the long-term effects can be devastating. Now, add in the preservatives and chemicals found in most processed foods, and it’s only a matter of time before our health starts to decline.
Here are some common names for sugar found in processed foods:
Basic Sugar Names:
Sucrose
Glucose
Fructose
Maltose
Lactose
Galactose
Dextrose
Natural Sugars (Still Affect Blood Sugar):
Honey
Agave nectar
Maple syrup
Molasses
Coconut sugar
Date sugar
Cane sugar
Beet sugar
Processed & Added Sugars:
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
Corn syrup
Brown sugar
Invert sugar
Cane juice
Cane syrup
Caramel
Rice syrup
Malt syrup
Golden syrup
Evaporated cane juice
Artificial & Alternative Sweeteners (Some still affect insulin levels):
Aspartame
Sucralose
Saccharin
Acesulfame K
Stevia (natural, but processed)
Monk fruit extract
Xylitol
Sorbitol
Erythritol
Maltitol
Many processed foods use multiple types of sugar to disguise their high sugar content. Checking the ingredient list carefully can help you avoid hidden sugars.
When we begin to feel unwell, our first instinct is often to seek medication. But here’s the issue: many of the medications we take come with side effects that can sometimes create new problems rather than solving the original one. This is not to say that modern medicine doesn’t have its place—there are times when it is necessary. However, common sense must come into play when it comes to our health. If we know we are not eating well, not drinking enough water, not exercising, and not resting properly, how can we be surprised when we feel sick?
The Food and Drug Connection
Now, take a step back and think about what we see every day in the media. How often do we see commercials teaching us how to prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity? Rarely, if ever. But we constantly see advertisements for fast food and pharmaceutical drugs. This isn’t a coincidence—it’s a business model.
Fast food and prescription drugs have a troubling relationship. One industry profits from making people unhealthy, while the other profits from treating the illnesses that result. It’s a cycle that keeps people dependent, rather than empowered. Think about it—how many farmers do you see advertising fresh produce on TV? When was the last time you saw a commercial promoting the benefits of oranges, leafy greens, or simply drinking more water? Decades ago, we used to see public service announcements promoting healthy habits, but today, those have been replaced by ads selling processed foods and medications.
Time for a Change
The truth is, if we want better health, we must be willing to make better choices. This means taking personal responsibility for what we put into our bodies. One powerful resource to start with is the book How to Eat to Live by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. This book not only explains what to eat but also what to avoid, giving us a foundation for long-term health.
Additionally, seeking out naturopathic doctors—who focus on treating the body as a whole rather than just managing symptoms—can be a life-changing step. Instead of simply masking illnesses with medication, they work to uncover the root causes and help restore balance through proper nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.
Take Action Today
Health isn’t just about avoiding sickness—it’s about thriving. It’s about having the energy, clarity, and strength to live fully. That starts with small, intentional steps:
• Do an inventory of your pantry. Remove foods that are packed with artificial sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy oils.
• Drink more water. Your body depends on proper hydration for nearly every function.
• Incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals. Food from the earth provides the nutrients your body needs to function at its best.
• Move your body daily. Walking, stretching, and even simple exercises can drastically improve your health over time.
• Educate yourself. Read books, listen to health-conscious speakers, and seek out reliable sources of nutritional information.
If we want different results, we must take different actions. No one is coming to save us from unhealthy lifestyles—it is up to us to take control. Let’s commit today to treating our bodies with the care they deserve, starting with the foods we eat. Our future selves will thank us.
References & Further Reading
• How to Eat to Live – The Honorable Elijah Muhammad www.noi.org
• U.S. National Library of Medicine – Effects of Sugar on the Body
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – The Relationship Between Diet and Chronic Disease
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Nutrition and Health Awareness
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