I've been in a funk.  The weather had been that gloomy grey for days, and I've had a couple of nights in a row of really restless sleep, which has been enough to set me on edge a bit. 

It seems to me that, at least recently, by the time Friday afternoon rolls around, my attitude and outlook are at their lowest.  I drive to the gym, but if something small gets in my way--I can't find a parking space close to the door, or it's raining and cold and I forget my umbrella--I just give up.  It doesn't take much for me to whip my car right out of that parking lot--I haven't really felt like going to the gym anyway.

What is HFCS you ask?  High Fructose Corn Syrup and it is a huge problem in this country because it is a contributing factor to Americans getting fat.  Many people are fixated on eating ‘low carb’ diets or reducing their fat intake but I believe the real culprit is HFCS.  We eat more sweetener made from corn than from, gulping it down in drinks as well as frozen foods, baked goods and condiments like ketchup.  HFCS is found in many foods you wouldn’t even think need a sugary ingredient. (Ref. San Francisco Chronicle) 

It began back in the 80’s just about the time our nation’s obesity rate started to climb.  The question is – why is it making us so fat?  You would think we are eating too many empty calories or huge portions, however, HFCS may be short wiring our metabolism making it nearly impossible to lose weight. 

Dear Sherry,
I am rather embarrassed to ask this question, but I deal with a lot of gas and bloating especially after a meal and many times I experience pain along with it – any suggestions for treatment?

Sherry Answers:
Gas and Bloating can cause embarrassment in social situations, discomfort and pain plus a bloated feeling consider some of these helpful strategies.