LETTERS: HEALTH ADVANTAGES OF SUGAR CAN HELP WITH VARIOUS AILMENTS

To the editor:

The old saying, you are what you eat, might be better taken with a grain of sugar than a grain of salt.

Sugar increases the production of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a powerful brain chemical called a neurotransmitter. A neurotransmitter relays messages between nerve cells. Serotonin is known to affect moods, reduce depression and relieve pain. It is called the calming chemical. An increase in serotonin levels may cause relaxation to the extent of feeling lethargic.

According to Jean Carper, author of "The Food Pharmacy," 30 grams of pure carbohydrate is just the right dose. It should be taken straight with as little protein and fat as possible. Natural sugar that is found in fruit doesn't produce serotonin. Honey works fine.

In fact, some researchers say that one and a half ounces of the sweet stuff at bedtime can relieve insomnia.

Don't try substituting aspertame, better known as Nutrasweet. Aspertame blocks serotonin and has been known to cause migraines. Drugs that increase serotonin levels are now being used to treat migraine headaches.

Low serotonin levels are being investigated as one of the causes of PMS. Low levels of serotonin are linked with feelings of depression, aggression, and desires to withdraw from social situations. These same symptoms are associated with PMS. Serotonin acts as an analgesic and reduces the bodies sensitivity to pain. Women with PMS report cravings for carbohydrates which may be the body's way of saying it needs serotonin.

Low serotonin levels are linked to alcoholism and suicides as well as depression.

A spoonful of sugar may do more than help the medicine go down. It may be just the medicine you need,

SANDRA FANN

Jackson