Overcoming Sugar Addiction

What is the most common addiction in our society today?  Not smoking, not alcohol, not drugs. You may be surprised to learn that it is sugar addiction. Virtually all creatures, from humans to birds, love sugar. Not only is sugar addictive, but is accountable for many health troubles we find in our society. Although many people don't consider sugar addiction to be as serious as a cigarette or an alcohol addiction, but numerous studies are showing that sugar addiction can be just as strong as a drug or alcohol dependency.

Sugarcane in its natural form is rich in minerals and vitamins. In contrast, refined sugar is devoid of all nutrients and acts more like a drug than a food. It quickly passes through the stomach wall causing blood sugar levels to rise and then plummet. In a few days, your body becomes physically dependent on it, addiction sets in, you build a tolerance to sugar, and stopping can be very, very difficult.

What is Sugar Addiction?

Sugar Addiction is a situation in which people binge on sweet food and find it impossible to go without sugar for too long. Millions and millions of people are addicted to sugar and the worst part is that they are not even aware about the same.

After eating a sugary treat, your brain releases natural chemicals called opioids. These chemicals give your body a feeling of intense pleasure, which the brain recognizes and begins to crave more of it. Researchers now have evidence that shows that the areas of brain that are activated when you crave for sugar are the same areas of brain that are activated when drug addicts crave drugs.

How harmful is it?

Addiction to sugar can reduce your lifespan by 11-20 years. It's a fact there are a myriad of diseases that can be caused by excessive sugar intake. These include:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Obesity
• Disruption of normal brain utility
• Weakened immune system
• Low blood sugar
• Tooth decay
• Malnutrition
• Periods of depression

What can I do about it?

The good news is you overcome your sugar cravings. It's not easy, but it not impossible. Here are a few tips to help you with the same:

• Get rid of junk food: You need to eliminate all the sugary foods in your house. These even include fruit juices, ketchup and breakfast cereals. You should also eliminate the white stuff like white flour, white rice and white bread. These have the same affect on blood sugar as sugar, and will make it harder to overcome your sugar addiction.

• Eat Natural: Once you have wiped out white foods; pastas, breads, and other carbohydrates, choose all those foods that are closest to their natural state. You diet should be filled of veggies, fruits, dairy products, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts etc. After you get through the first few days, fruits and other natural foods will start tasting sweeter.

• Eat protein filled breakfast: Eat foods that are high in protein for breakfast such as eggs. Proteins take longer to digest and thus they will stabilize your blood sugar, making your cravings for sugar less.

• Limit alcohol: Alcohol is made from sugar and is sugar in its simplest form. Avoid drinking it in the beginning of your recovery.

• Read Labels: Read food labels and make sure you are buying nothing with sugar in it. Many products incorporate sugar under a variety of names. Some of these different names for sugar include: high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, dextrose, maltose and lactose, as well as molasses and honey. Always go for "sugar free" or "no sugar added" versions.

• Drink more water: Drink plenty of plain water throughout the day and avoid soft drinks, juices, energy drinks etc. You may be mistaking dehydration for hunger.

• Get enough sleep: Studies have shown that people who sleep less than six hours per night are more prone to sugar cravings. Getting enough sleep will make you less likely to reach for a candy bar the next time you are feeling tired.

Breaking sugar addiction can be very difficult. Still, that does not mean that you should be addicted to sugar forever. Start making small and gradual changes to reap the rewards of a healthy life in the future.