What is Sugar Addiction?

Are sugar cravings standing in your way to a healthy life?

Most people do not generally consider sugar to be addictive or as serious as many other addictions but if you don’t take quick action, sugar addiction can lead to a number of severe health effects, including:

• • Mood and brain disturbances
  • Candida overgrowth
  • Leaky gut and metabolic disorders
  • Heart trouble
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer

Already in March 2013 the conclusion of a study done by the American Heart Association reported: “Our sugar-laden diet is literally killing us.” 

How do people develop a sugar addiction?

Sugar is found in many foods and is almost impossible to totally avoid.  Sweets, chocolates, cupcakes, fruit juices and fizzy drinks are obviously loaded with sugar, but processed foods and refined grains are also creating additional sugar in the body once the body metabolizes the food. 

Sugar releases endorphins that combine with other chemicals in the body, resulting in a surge of energy. Sugar in moderation is not harmful; however, many people overdo it.   Those who suffer from constant tiredness may reach for carb-rich sugary foods for a boost. Once someone mentally connects sugar with providing energy, they may become dependent on it (usually unintentionally). People may begin to crave sugar to balance irritability, emotional lows, and general fatigue.

Emotional or psychological dependence on sugary foods and drinks creates a pseudo-need in the body for sugar, also known as sugar craving.   Similar to other compulsions or behavioural addictions, sugar addiction is a special risk for people with low moods, anxiety, and stress. Sugar consumption can create a short-term high and a spark of energy in the body.  

Due to the addictive nature of sugar, long-term health effects like obesity and diabetes are a risk of sugar overindulgence.  

Who is most at risk of developing a sugar addiction?

Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, conduct disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) create a greater risk for problematic substance use and addiction.

Children who have had a history of trauma (such as witnessing or experiencing violence or abuse) have been shown to be at higher risk for addictions later in life. It’s important for parents and caregivers to recognize the possible impact of trauma on a child and get appropriate help.

Signs of sugar addiction

Unlike many other substance use disorders or behavioural compulsions, sugar addiction is often easy to spot. The clearest signs of sugar addiction involve eating large amounts of food or drinks loaded with sugar. You may eat constantly and become hyperactive and then crash. 

Emotional Eating

People may find sugar’s ability to provide a “quick fix” during a long and stressful day. However, those who turn to sugar to deal with emotional issues are more likely to become addicted. Other indications of sugar addiction for emotional relief are weight gain and difficulty focusing on daily responsibilities. These side effects can damage self-esteem, cause feelings of helplessness, and lower self-worth; this in turn leads to more sugar consumption and a more severe addiction.

Stop sugar addiction in a healthy way!

If you’re “hooked” on sugar, don’t try to eliminate all sugary foods at once. Instead, eat a healthy diet made up of more satisfying foods—whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, and lean protein. Steer yourself away from sugar and eat food, which digests more slowly. This will help to even out your blood sugar so you won’t have spikes and crashes all the time.

Here are a few dietician pointers:

1. 1. Get more protein into your diet.
   2. Consume healthy fats.
   3. Include fibre in your diet.
   4. Consume sour or probiotic-rich foods (like kefir, yogurt, kimchi and apple cider vinegar)
   5. Use natural sweeteners like stevia or raw honey.
   6. Try Manna Blood Sugar Support. This all-natural supplement can help reduce your cravings – making it easier to break free from your sugary saturated diet. 

You can also implement the following lifestyle tips:

• • Try to not skip a meal.  
  • Plan your grocery list – include lots of healthy snacks.
  • Get moving.  Do some exercise and physical tasks like gardening.
  • Sleep enough – tiredness triggers sugar cravings.
  • Drink plenty of water.

Takeaway

Change begins with realizing that there is a problem with your sugar consumption. There is no quick fix.  A lifestyle change will take time and effort.  Make a decision and share it with a friend that will encourage you.  Be kind to yourself while you ween yourself off the sugar train. You can do it!