The Impact of Sugar On The Brain
Research has proven that you don’t have to be an alcoholic or drug abuser to be considered an addict. People who fall into the trap of life’s sweeter indulgences like soda, cake, cookies and ice cream can be addicted to sugar.
Unlike illegal white substances, sugar is accessible in the marketplace and can be a catch 22 when trying to manage your sugar intake; it’s everywhere and it’s in everything (sometimes even hidden in foods we don’t expect) and that can be dangerous to our health.
We’re not surprised that sugar is one of the most addictive things there is. According to Mark Hyman, Functional Medicine Practitioner MD and a 13-time New York Times Bestselling author, sugar is eight times more addictive than cocaine!
Dr. Phil Maffetone, an internationally recognized researcher, educator, clinician and author in the field of nutrition, exercise, sports medicine, and biofeedback, says that the potent effects of sugar can act like a drug.
“Like drug dependence, sugar disrupts the brain areas of pleasure and self-control. This complex dopamine reward system includes endorphins, endocannabinoids, oxytocin, and opioid-like chemicals playing a key role in the addiction process. This system is activated every time sugar is consumed, making the amount needed for abuse very little.”
However, when it comes to sugar addiction, most individuals are not truly aware of their addiction.
“Individuals who suffer from a sugar addiction will find themselves compelled to eat sugary foods or drinks even if they do not want to, are full, or are attempting to eat healthier,” Maffetone states.
So, what’s the secret to stop eating sugar? You have to look at the problem from a physiological and psychological standpoint: sugar cravings are simply a response from the brain and body that something is missing and they want it.
To stop this sugar addict behavior, Dana James, a triple-certified nutritionist and founder of Food Coach NYC based in New York City and Los Angeles, says that the first step to stop sugar cravings is to understand what’s triggering them.
Do you suffer from depression or anxiety and possess a big sweet tooth? Chances are sugar might be contributing to these two mental health disorders. The reason being is that food high in sugar and carbohydrates “interfere with the neurotransmitters that help stabilize an individual’s mood,” Maffetone states.
Elissa Goodman, a certified holistic nutritionist, also says to stop eating processed foods as they tend to use sugar as a preservative and incorporate more whole, nutrient-dense foods into your diet.
Take a probiotic, eat sour and fermented foods, reduce stress and get more sleep are also other helpful tips to reduce your sugar intake.
https://philmaffetone.com/special-report-sugar-is-a-drug/
https://sugaraddiction.com/sugar-addiction/
https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-cut-sugar-cravings-4788279
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ultra-processed-food-sugar_n_56e188b0e4b0b25c9180e531
https://drhyman.com/blog/2014/03/06/top-10-big-ideas-detox-sugar/