Are You Addicted to Sugar? How to Stop Your Cravings Now
Do you know that people could be addicted to sugar?
We often associate addiction with alcohol, nicotine, heroin,
morphine, cocaine, and other drugs, but there is a growing pile of evidence
showing that sugar addiction is real.
Sugar addiction is probably the most widespread type of
addiction today, and the situation just keeps getting worse. Millions of
people suffer from it including young children, teenagers, and adults.
Sadly, not much is being done to curb sugar addiction because it
is socially acceptable, and most people are unaware of its dangers. As a
matter of fact, many people are not even aware that it exists.
Sugar has many destructive effects on the body. Consuming
too much sugar causes a host of health problems including diabetes, depression,
mood swings, high blood pressure, and hormone imbalance. Although the
sweet, white crystals look harmless, this pantry staple is responsible for many
health problems today. Understanding sugar addiction is the first step in
fighting one of society’s biggest health problems.
What is Sugar Addiction?
People with a sugar addiction have a constant craving for sweet
foods. Although the scientific community is still reluctant to recognize
its existence, scientists are looking more closely at sugar and
addiction. Humans naturally gravitate towards sweet foods. This
preference for sweet foods harks back to the time when our ancestors were
foraging for food. Fruits, roots, seeds, leaves, and herbs that are
naturally sweet are generally edible and good for the body. Those that
taste bitter are often poisonous.
Although we no longer forage for food in order to survive, our
natural craving for sweet foods remains strong.
In order to understand sugar addiction, it’s helpful to know
what an addiction is, in the first place.
An addiction is a physical dependence on a substance or
activity.
A person could be addicted to chocolates, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling, smoking, tea, anger, or playing video games.
When you’re addicted to something, you’ll build up a tolerance
for your addiction. This means you’ll need more and more of the
substance/activity to experience the “high” that it brings. When you try
to stop, you’ll suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
People who are addicted to sugar may feel weak or light-headed
when deprived of the sweet treat. Extreme symptoms can include severe
headaches, shaking, or nausea. These symptoms are quickly relieved by
eating something sweet.
What Diabetes Symptoms Mean
Signs of Sugar Addiction
How can you tell if someone has a sugar addiction?
A person with sugar addiction usually includes a lot of sugary
foods in their diet. They have a strong need to eat sweet foods
frequently. If deprived of sugar, they can experience withdrawal symptoms
such as anxiety, tremors, headaches, nausea, panic attacks, frustration, and
irritability.
A person who is addicted to sugar will often fantasize about
sugar-laden foods and have intense cravings for sweets. When they consume
sugar-rich foods, they experience an instantaneous “high” similar to that
experienced by drug addicts.
How Does Sugar Addiction Develop?
The sugar habit – and consequently sugar addiction – starts in several different ways. It is partly due to the way sugar affects that part of the brain called the reward pathway. Sugar disease has the same effect as drugs and alcohol. It overstimulates the “feel good” neurotransmitters until their proper function is impaired. Tolerance develops so that the body craves more sugar and becomes dependent on it in order to function.
In many people, sugar addiction does not necessarily mean they
lack self-discipline. Some people were born with a body that is sugar
sensitive. They respond to sugar differently than other people and can
easily become addicted to sugar. Many people who are sensitive to sugar
may also have food allergies. You can take a food allergy or sensitivity
test to find out if you have hidden food sensitivities that can be the root
cause of your sugar addiction.
Oftentimes, parents are to blame for their kids acquiring the
sugar habit. They usually use sweets as rewards, or they ply their young
children with sweetened fruit juices, milk, and sodas. Children learn to
associate sweet foods with good feelings. When they grow up to adulthood,
they turn to sweets for comfort.
Sugar-coated foods are also advertised heavily on
television. In this way, parents and food manufacturers cultivate the
desire for sweets in children and set them up for a lifetime of health
problems. Not surprisingly, many kids these days suffer from
hyperactivity, attention deficit disorders, weakened immune system, and
depression. Worse, the sugar habit at a young age sets the stage forsugar addiction and degenerative diseases later in life.
Refined Sugar is NOT a Food
Because it is such a common component in many foods today, we
tend to forget that sugar is not a food. In reality, white sugar is a
chemical substance stripped of nutritional value. All it provides are
empty calories.
Worse, sugar can be an addictive drug. People with a
dependence on sugar experience withdrawal symptoms when it is removed from their
diet.
Sugar can be as addictive as heroin. What’s frightening is
that these sweet white crystals can be found on most people’s kitchen
tables. It is also found in many processed foods. American adults
consume 22 teaspoons of sugar daily on average. The numbers are more
worrisome for teenagers, who consume an average of 34 teaspoons of sugar a
day. The recommended limit for sugar consumption is 9 teaspoons for men
and 6 teaspoons for women.
Sugar is responsible for obesity and many degenerative health
problems today. In addition to that, sugar also depletes the body’s
mineral and vitamin supply when it is metabolized.
Sugar: Pure, White and Dangerous
Sugar is naturally present in fruits and vegetables as well as
honey and maple syrup. Complex carbohydrates in grains and cereals can be
broken down by the body into glucose, a simple sugar.
If sugar is found in many natural foods, how can it be bad for
the body?
When you eat fruits, vegetables and grains, you are not
consuming pure sugar alone. These foods are packed with fiber, vitamins,
minerals, proteins, fats, enzymes, and antioxidants. Unlike refined white
sugar, they are highly nutritious.
Sugar is extracted from natural foods that contain a high
percentage of sugar, such as sugar cane or sugar beets. When sugar is
refined, it is separated and processed so that only pure sugar remains.
Heating and mechanical and chemical processing remove all the vitamins,
minerals, and other nutrients in the product.
Many nutrition experts say that refined sugar is harmful to the
body, especially in the quantities consumed today by the average
American. Nutritionists say it is not real food and can be as dangerous
as cocaine.
Sugar is certainly addicting. It activates the brain's
pleasure centers, releasing “feel good” chemicals that create a craving for
more sugar. Studies show that drugs such as heroin and morphine trigger
the same effects on the brain.
The Dangers of SugarAddiction
Sugar addiction is a modern health problem that has reached
epidemic proportions. Practically all of the foods we eat today contain
sugar, including sodas, pieces of bread, cakes, ice cream, cookies, soups, and processed
foods. The destructive effects of sugar on the body include metabolic
disorders, weakened immune system, and damage to primary organs like the
pancreas, liver, and kidneys.
Obesity
Sugar addiction and over-consumption of refined sugar are some of
the biggest contributors to obesity and overweight problems in America.
This health problem affects roughly 2 out of 3 Americans. Sugar-laden
foods are high in calories so that you consume a lot of calories before you
even begin to feel full. Refined sugar is also a simple carbohydrate that
is quickly converted into glucose and utilized for energy. Excess sugar
is stored in the body as fat.
Obesity is a serious health problem because it leads to other
health disorders like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver
disease, and sleep apnea.
Tooth Decay
Bacteria inside the mouth feed on sugar and produce waste products
including acid which destroys tooth enamel. This can eventually result in tooth decay and cavities. Dentists advise their patients to limit
consumption of sugary foods such as cakes, cookies, sodas, and ice cream to keep
their teeth and gums healthy.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes type 2, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is a
metabolic disorder where the patient’s body experiences insulin resistance or
does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the
pancreas and is essential for the absorption of glucose into the cells.
Excessive consumption of sugar is a major factor in the development of type 2
diabetes.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar level is
abnormally low. This can happen after eating excessive quantities of
sugar. When there is too much sugar in the blood, the brain directs the
pancreas to produce more insulin. Overproduction of insulin removes too
much sugar in the blood, causing hypoglycemia. The task of trying to keep
blood sugar levels in balance can wreak havoc on your pancreas, liver, and
adrenal glands.
Weakened Immune System
Too much sugar weakens the immune system. Studies show
that sugar depletes phagocytes or the white blood cells that fight harmful
microorganisms and combat infection and disease.
Vitamin and Mineral Depletion
When sugar is metabolized in the body, the process uses up the
body’s store of B-vitamins, magnesium, and calcium. The natural sugars in
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and cereals come with the nutrients needed
for their digestion. this will be Refined sugar, on the other hand, is devoid of nutrients. In order to digest or metabolize refined white sugar, the body
must use its store of vitamins and minerals. Too much sugar consumption
depletes B-vitamins in the body, resulting in depression, fatigue, mood swings,
anxiety attacks, and lack of energy.
Lack of calcium and magnesium, which are used up when sugar is
metabolized, may lead to osteoporosis and arthritis.
Mental Problems
Recent studies indicate that excessive sugar consumption can
lead to serious mental problems. The brain is a very sensitive organ that
reacts quickly to chemical changes in the body. When sugar is consumed
and metabolized by the body, B-vitamins are used up and insulin production is
suppressed. Low insulin production means glucose accumulates in the
bloodstream. High levels of glucose in the blood can lead to mental
confusion and have been linked with juvenile criminal behavior.
A high intake of sugar has been linked with a higher risk for
gallstones. Gallstones are made of fats (cholesterol) and calcium.
Sugar upsets the balance of minerals in the body, causing calcium to deposit
itself in the gallbladder and other parts of the body.
Other Health Issues Related to Sugar Addiction
In addition to the health issues mentioned above, there’s a long list of other health problems associated with sugar addiction. Some of the all common problems incorporated.
§ Mineral deficiencies (chromium, zinc,
magnesium, copper, calcium, etc.)
§ Depletion of adrenal glands
§ Yeast or candida overgrowth
§ Insomnia
§ Irritability
§ Chronic fatigue
§ Binging
§ Attention deficit disorder
§ Hormone imbalance
§ Cancer
Breaking Sugar Addiction
Curbing your addiction to sugar is not an easy task. It’s
a long process that can take months and even years. Here are a few tips
that can reduce your cravings for sweets and help you break away from this
sweet but dangerous addiction.
1. Improve your overall diet.
A nutritious diet is a biggest and most effective step you can
take to correct sugar addiction. Avoid or reduce your consumption
of foods that contain sugar including honey, syrup, sodas, and even fruit
juices.
When trying to break the sugar habit, it’s best to avoid
fruit. Most fruits are high in sugar and may derail your efforts to curb
your sugar addiction. However, it can be a great transition if you are
controlling your sugar intake and need something sweet, at times. It’s
better to eat fruit than cake or ice cream.
Here’s what you can do to improve your selection of food
§ Include more protein and fat in your
diet. Eat high-quality protein and healthy fats including egg, beef,
turkey, nuts, or seeds.
§ Eat plenty of vegetables such as carrots,
radish, turnips, spinach, and broccoli.
§ Introduce healthy snacks like vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Keep in mind that fruits can be high in sugar and must be
eaten in moderation.
§ Eat meals regularly, at least three times a
day. If needed, take healthy snacks in between. This will keep your
blood sugar level stable and prevent sugar cravings.
§ Drink lots of water to help eliminate pollutants.
2. Identify nutritional deficiencies and take supplements to help repair the body.
Nutritional supplements can take the form of multivitamins and
mineral supplements. Most people with sugar addiction need B-vitamins,
calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc.
3. Cultivate healthy lifestyle habits.
§ Exercise regularly, as this reduces the
craving for sugar. Exercise increases the level of serotonin in the body
and uplifts your mood. It can have the same effect as eating something
sweet. Make it a habit to take a relaxed, leisurely walk daily.
§ Get at least eight hours of restful sleep every night.
§ Learn to eat for nutrition, not out of boredom, frustration, stress, or other psychological causes.
4. Identify the habits that feed your sugar addiction, and let go of them.
We all have minor habits that unknowingly contribute to sugar
addiction. This is how it is with all types of addiction.
You may want a sweet dessert after a meal, or your body may
crave sugar when you are angry or upset. Some people reach for
cookies, chocolates, or pastries when watching television.
By identifying the situations that trigger your cravings, you can control your body and avoid binging on sugar.
5. Promote a supportive environment.
Ask family members and friends to support you in your goal to
break your sugar addiction. They can help keep sugar-laden foods away
from you. Family and friends can also provide the emotional and
psychological support that you need until you are strong enough to control your
sugar cravings.
6. Get back on the wagon whenever you fall.
Not an Easy Task
If you want to kick your sugar addiction you have to remove
sugar from your diet. This is easier said than done because sugar is added
to almost all commercial foods. It is used as a preservative in some
foods and to make others taste more palatable.
Everyone knows that cakes, cookies, and ice cream are laden with
sugar but these are not the only foods containing sweet white crystals.
Sugar is also found in salad dressings, bread, soups, tomato sauce, ketchup,
spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, processed meats, morning cereal, biscuits, and
many more. Read the ingredient labels on the processed foods you
buy. You’ll be shocked to find out how ubiquitous sugar is.
Refined sugar goes by the chemical name of sucrose. It is
not the only form of sugar that goes into the food we eat. Other forms of
sugar include molasses, maple sugar, honey, corn syrup, high fructose corn
syrup, maltose, dextrose, and lactose.
Food manufacturers now offer healthier sugar alternatives like
agave and brown rice syrup but these sweeteners can also trigger sugar
addiction. Sugar is sugar, and the human body processes organic sugar and
refined sugar the exact same way.
What About Artificial Sweeteners?
Many people who want to avoid the problems associated with high
sugar intake turn to artificial sweeteners, expecting these sweet, calorie-free
chemicals to be the solution to their sugar addiction. Artificial
sweeteners have little-to-no calories, making them the perfect choice for
people with overweight problems.
Yet, despite the increase in consumption of artificial
sweeteners, Americans continue to pack on the pounds.
Artificial sweeteners like Sucralose (Splenda) and Aspartame
(Equal and NutraSweet) may deliver fewer calories but they do not make the
problems of sugar go away. In some ways, the problem is made even
worse. Sucralose has a number of side effects such as rashes, headaches, and intestinal discomfort. Likewise, aspartame can cause headaches,
depression, and other maladies.
Studies show that people who take artificial sweeteners will
often eat sugary food as well, which defeats the purpose of a low-calorie
sweetener.
Setting aside the value of artificial sweeteners as an aid in
weight loss, the results of a study published in 2009 showed that both sugar
and artificial sweeteners activate endorphin receptors in the brain.
These are the same receptor sites activated by drugs like morphine and heroin.
This finding indicates that sugar substitutes may not be the
answer for people who want to curb their sugar addiction. Children who
are given artificially sweetened candies and drinks may still become addicted
to sugar when they grow up.
The Bottom Line
Sugar is a chemical that is not only dangerous to the health but
is addictive as well. It’s best to avoid the cravings for sweets by not
feeding them to yourself in the first place and especially not to children.
People who already suffer from sugar addiction find it very
difficult to give up sugar, but the benefits in terms of good health, happiness, and emotional well-being make it all worthwhile.
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