Sugar Addiction: The Characteristic Evidence of Sugar Dependence

by admin on 01/02/2010

If you don’t believe that sugar addiction is a realistic and potentially very harmful problem facing society today, you probably don’t even need to conduct additional research or look at other people to find out the truth, as you may be suffering from this most prevalent and most significant challenge yourself. It has been estimated by a variety of experts that most individuals who regularly enjoy a typical Western diet consume an amount of sugar which far exceeds the recommended maximum limit almost every day, and a surprising number of individuals still discount the debilitating effects – and the side effects too, that this particular product usually delivers.

It is important to note that simple and refined sugars are really not necessary for our bodies to function. There are quite a bit of naturally occurring complex sugars found within many complex carbohydrates and whole foods, and a sensible balanced diet will supply us with the necessary vital energy to function extremely well. Unfortunately, simple sugars are found in a large cross-section of everyday food and drink, often added for taste value or to help with preservation.

If you find you cannot get through your morning or afternoon without a can of soda, or even many of them, you likely have a sugar dependence and perhaps even a sugar addiction. Many nutrition professionals disagree as to the actual cause of a sugar addiction, whether it’s an intense desire for the taste, or the quick short-term energy rush, commonly called a sugar high. Others point to the main ingredient of white refined sugar as being almost identical to alcohol, with very little if any nutritional value and an empty caloric food, just like alcohol. Just like liquor, wine and beer, sugar relies on the depletion of your mineral and vitamin resources in order to be processed by your body.

To be quite clear about sugar addiction, you need to develop an approach to holistic nutrition and understand that every element of your diet must be moderated. Too much sugar creates an overstimulation of the neuro-transmitters within your brain, leading to an over tolerance and the hardwiring of your receptors to expect more and more of the same.

If you find that you have been suffering from depression or mood swings, or that your family, friends or partner accuses you of being irrational and irritable, you should take a cold hard look at your sugar intake. It will be necessary to refer to the nutrition labels on all foods that you consume. You will become an expert in deciphering all those figures and should especially look for references to glucose, fructose, sucrose or lactose within. Most sensible holistic health solutions encourage you not to focus on snack diets or eating “on the fly,” but rather to assume control over your own destiny.

We are constantly being told that we need to cut down on fats within our diet. Saturated fats are a major enemy and we must always check on cholesterol levels and focus on heart health. We also need to pay particular attention to our sugar addiction, as there is a very long list of potential health problems awaiting us if we don’t.

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