On the April 1st episode of CBS’ 60 Minutes, Dr. Sanjay Gupta went on air to report the findings of Dr. Robert Lutsig, a California pediatric endocrinologist and anti-sugar campaigner. Dr. Lutsig and other researchers have found in their studies that sugar is to blame for essentially every health problem currently inflicted upon American citizens. Our current health crisis, along with the rise of those suffering from heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even certain cancers may be caused by the amount of processed, overly refined sugars found in the American diet.

High-fructose corn syrup, a man-made substance, is not the only thing being linked to these diseases, but rather all types of sugar whether you’re using Sugar in the Raw or not. Dr. Lutsig views sugar as a toxin as potent and addictive as heroin. Sugars are a much larger part of our diet than many people tend to realize. Every processed food contains hidden amounts of sugar that cause the eater to enjoy that food more. The enjoyment and release of dopamine causes the eater to crave the added sugars more, all while building up a tolerance similar to those of an alcoholic or drug abuser. Natural fructose, found in fruits, is safe and an essential part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Don’t skip your afternoon orange over the fructose in it.

Seventy-five percent of diseases linked to excess sugar intake are preventable, through diet and proper exercise, but convincing those American’s still traumatized by Paula Deen’s diabetes announcement will prove to be a difficult feat. For some, Dr. Lutsig’s suggested solution of completely give up eating or drinking anything containing added sugars, is unrealistic and even more disturbingly, unavailable for some due to their economic standing. For the first time in American history, the majority of the underprivileged are overweight because of the readily available fast-food market and cheap, sugary snacks on supermarket shelves. The anti-sugar campaign has sparked many debates with some questioning if the government should intervene for the sake of its citizens' health and place regulations on sugar intake and its uses, similar to the regulations placed on the sale and distribution of alcohol and tobacco.

But there is more feasible and realistic approach to the sugar issue. Keep your sweets intake to a minimum. Try to eat fewer sweets and replace those sweets with wholesome, healthy choices. Exchange your sticky bun for an apple or your bottled iced tea for water with a slice of lime instead. Opt out of a sugar rim on your margarita. Most importantly, pay attention to the ingredients and food labels on your foods even if it sounds like a healthy option. Small steps like these could improve your health in the long run.