Sugar is found in most foods and is almost impossible to avoid. Emotional or psychological dependence on sugary foods and drinks, known as ‘sugar addiction’ is a serious concern for health officials. Sugar in moderation is not harmful, however there are many who overdo it. Studies have confirmed that sugar is addictive as cocaine. Consuming sugar can create a short-term high and can produce massive spikes in blood sugar levels which causes high levels of insulin to be released which if left untreated may increase the risk of Type-2 diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, obesity, infertility, premature ageing, colon cancer and erectile dysfunction.
Individuals who suffer from sugar addiction , find the most effective way in removing sugar from their diet is to gradually cut back[detox]. This way, withdrawal symptoms are far less noticeable and you are more likely to retain the positive feeling of doing something that is good for your health and this makes it less likely that you will give up the detox completely.
Why some people binge on Sugar
Sugary foods are highly desirable due to the powerful impact sugar has on the reward system in the brain. The neurotransmitter, dopamine is subsequently released. The activation of this system leads to intense feelings of reward that can result in cravings and addiction. Sugar addiction often points to an undiagnosed underlying issue. In order to successfully address this addiction, identifying the underlying issues is fundamental to overcoming sugar cravings permanently.
Underlying causes of Sugar Cravings
Skipping meals, Low Blood Sugar
The most common cause for sugar cravings is the body requiring more fuel. When we eat food containing carbohydrates, the digestive system breaks this down to sugar which is then used for energy. If we go too long without eating ,our cells become starved for fuel and the brain sends out a signal that we need to consume more carbohydrates. Unfortunately today when we should reach for something healthy, we tend to grab more processed foods, laden with refined sugar. This in turn overloads the body causing a yo yo of blood sugar highs and lows that just keep the cycle going.
Stress Hormones
Our stress response is controlled by the hormone cortisol and epinephrine[adrenalin] which are released by the adrenal glands. With stress, being on high alert, we pump out cortisol which over time taxes our adrenals and creates serious hormonal imbalances, also raising blood pressure and increasing insulin levels. Our natural response is a critical survival strategy, however when the stress we perceive is a traffic jam or our daily job, our body is continually demanding more and more sugar.
Gut related cravings
Our digestive system includes a variety of bacteria, yeasts, cells that line the intestinal walls and cells that make up the immune system. When the microbiome in the gut is in balance, good bacteria and beneficial yeast thrive. Some of these organisms feed on sugar and can cause increased sugar cravings. This becomes an ongoing cycle, and soon the body can become overgrown with yeast such as Candida or bacteria {SIBO}.
Depleted Minerals
Sugary foods deplete the minerals in the body that are important for balancing blood sugar levels and preventing insulin resistance. Excess sugar intake has been shown to increase the urinary excretion of magnesium and chromium by the kidneys. While magnesium increases glucose uptake and utilization of the skeletal muscle, chromium increases the number of insulin receptors and promotes insulin binding.
Underlying fatigue
Individuals who have an underactive thyroid and present with morning tiredness, adrenal fatigue or mitochondrial dysfunction tend to crave sugar to compensate for a lack of energy. In insulant resistant individuals, glucose is inadequately utilized causing fatigue and they tend to consume more sugar in order to give them more energy which eventually leads to a vicious cycle.
Like any addiction, sugar addiction can be overcome. However, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Integrative medicine with a personalized approach is recommended for effective treatment.
