Sugar addiction is very common and the manufacturers of sweet foods and drinks cater openly to this demand. There is a huge market created solely to cater for the sweet tooth. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements for high sugar foods and drinks and rarely do we visit a supermarket for the weekly shopping without loading our trolley with sugary treats. Sugar addiction is real and the consequences of it can damage our health. Withdrawal symptoms signal us to reach for another sugar hit to appease the negative sensations we experience with prolonged periods without it. The addiction to sugar has been scientifically studied and the results are thought provoking. This article discusses the negative side effects of sugar addiction, the withdrawal symptoms and how you can break the habit of feeding your body with too much sugar.
The Side Effects of Sugar Addiction
Sugar activates opioid receptors in the brain in a similar way that illegal street drugs and medicinal opioids do. When opioid receptors in the brain are stimulated it can kill pain like an analgesic does. It is also has been shown to alter the brain chemistry. When we consume a sugary food or drink, it triggers a quick release of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin is required to move sugar molecules in the blood into cells to be used for energy. If you are continuously consuming sugar throughout the day it can desensitize the cells so that they do not absorb the sugar. It can also overwhelm the pancreas causing it to restrict the amount of insulin being released. When blood sugar levels are high, it is destructive to the blood vessels, nerves and glandular tissue. It also causes fat to be stored which leads to obesity and the associated negative health effects of being obese. Sugar is also acidic which can promote the growth of bacteria, leading to frequent infections. It also reduces the effectiveness of the immune system. Sugar also activates the reward centers in the brain making you feel good temporarily which sets up a pattern of returning to sugar to reward yourself frequently.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Typically if you are craving a sugary treat and it is not available to you, you can experience many withdrawal symptoms. These include headaches, depression, anxiety, anger, sleeplessness and musculoskeletal aches and pains. These withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Sugar addicts typically have frequent cravings for sugar and tend to uncontrollably binge on sugar when they do give in to their craving. Apart from sugar addicts many people reach for a sugar hit in the afternoons when fatigue and tiredness often plagues us. Initially the sugar hit does give a temporary mental boost but it is not sustained and we quickly crash again.
How to Break the Sugar Habit
To avoid the withdrawal symptoms, one needs to slowly cut down on the amount of sugar being consumed each day. You need to admit to yourself that you do have a sugar addiction and that you know it is detrimental to your health. Replacing sugar cravings with fruits can help satisfy your sweet tooth and is a healthier option. Using artificial sweeteners in teas and coffees can offer sweetness without the calories and weight gain. Stevia is a plant based sweetener that is several times sweeter than sugar, is very low in calories, is not acidic and does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Switch to diet sodas, sugar free drinks including water, sports drinks and diabetic cordials. Simple carbohydrates can cause sugar cravings also. Avoid white breads, starchy foods, baked goods and potato chips. Even though they don’t taste sweet they are packed with sugar.
To lessen or avoid the withdrawal symptoms from reducing sugar intake, there are several herbal remedies you can use. These herbal remedies can have a relaxing effect on the body and help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, moodiness, disrupted sleep and nervousness. Try Valerian root, Chamomile, Passion flower or St Johns Wart. These herbal remedies can interact with your current medication and may cause an allergic reaction in some sensitive people. It is therefore recommended to talk to your doctor before commencing on any herbal supplement.
Read the labels on foods that you buy for their sugar content and avoid those with a high amount of sugar. Choose a food that is low in sugar or no sugar that you really enjoy and use this food to reward yourself when you have a sugar craving. Make use of distractions when you have sugar craving like having a massage, a manicure, a bubble bath, any activity which gives you pleasure.
In conclusion, breaking the sugar addiction can be a habit as hard to break as any other drug addiction. It is not easy to break the habit but with time and effort you can change your cravings for sugar. Sugar addiction leads to obesity and diabetes. You will not only reward yourself with better health by breaking the habit, you will also save yourself a lot of money.
