Affects of maple syrup consumption

Question
Greetings!  A little background.  I am chemically sensitive.  I was poisoned by pesticides, which produced a myriad of health problems.  Because of this poisoning, I started tuning in to how I was feeling and what I had just eaten or exposed myself to environmentally.  Through this tuning-in I discovered, through time and experience, that sugar (even organic sugar) makes me crabby.  So, I totally quit sugar.  My temperament/attitude is stable and good without sugar.  

Recently I changed from a strictly organic diet, which included organic meat and/or organic dairy once to twice a week to a strict vegetarian diet.  I noticed a significant improvement in my energy level and mood.  

Shortly after going strictly vegetarian I started a partial fast.  I fast in the morning until noon, using fresh squeezed lemons and 2 tablespoons of certified organic Grade B maple syrup.  This is a recommended fast to detoxify, but I am doing it only in the morning.  Anyway, I was concerned about how the maple syrup would affect my emotions.  Well, I cannot believe that it is not affecting them at all.  In fact, I feel absolutely fabulous emotionally and energy-wise.  I am taking this drink three to six times a day.  Sometimes I fast with this drink until 4 p.m.  So, therefore, I am consuming 6 - 12 tablespoons of maple syrup a day.  My sister said sugar is sugar and it is not good to jolt the pancreas this way.  I do wonder about this, but the maple syrup does not affect my emotions at all.  In fact, as I said, I am feeling the best I have felt - consistently - for years and years.  I have this amazing calm and peace inside.  Wonderbar.  I want to continue with my lemon juice/maple syrup drink.

Is it OK to consume maple syrup, to the degree I am consuming it, without harming myself in the long run?


Answer
Hi Mary,

The amount of sugar you are consuming in 6-12 tablespoons per day of maple syrup would be considered excessive by current dietary guidelines. What concerns me more, however, is that you might not be meeting your nutritional needs if you are fasting to the extent you have described. You may feel well now, but in the long run your body will become depleted of essential nutrients. A vegetarian diet is an excellent choice for promoting good health, but it is important to eat a well balanced diet, including lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Perhaps you could try a fruit smoothie in the morning (juice blended with fruit and a little maple syrup to sweeten). I would strongly recommend reading _Becoming Vegetarian_ by Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis for in-depth information on vegetarian nutrition. It should be available at your local library. The Vegetarian Resource Group at www.vrg.org is another excellent resource.

Hope that helps!

Karen

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