"Sugar Addiction is Real – Here's What's Behind the Science and How to Quit " - Abby Haglage | Mount Sinai (2024)

FAQs

Is it true that sugar addiction isn't real? ›

Some people use sugary foods in ways that aren't healthy, even though it may not be an actual addiction. Some signs: You crave sugar, lose control, and eat more than you planned.

Sugar acts on the same brain reward pathways as addictive drugs which is why cravings can be so strong. Environmental cues like smells and sights trigger the brain's dopamine system which makes us crave sugar. Stress causes short-term mood boosts from sugar but leads to a vicious cortisol-craving cycle in the long run.

Eating sugar releases opioids and dopamine in our bodies. This is the link between added sugar and addictive behavior. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is a key part of the “reward circuit” associated with addictive behavior.

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 these foods, which are digested more slowly. They'll help to even out your blood sugar and you won't have spikes and crashes all the time," Dr.

Emotional or psychological dependence on sugary foods and drinks, also known as sugar addiction, is a very real cause for concern among health officials in America. Processed foods and refined grains create additional sugar in the body once the body metabolizes the food.

Research on rats has found that sugar is more addictive than opioid drugs such as cocaine, and that there can be withdrawal symptoms such as depression and behavioural problems when people try cutting out sugar completely. Should we be treating refined sugar with even more caution?

Overall, B vitamins are regarded as essential supplements to curb sugar cravings. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in your metabolism and energy, as well as the digestion of your food. It regulates the production of insulin. A zinc deficiency may result in sugar cravings and an increased appetite.

List of Healthy Alternative Foods for Sugar Cravings. The best alternative to any sugar cravings is fruits. Bananas with nut butter and cinnamon, apples with peanut butter, watermelon, muskmelon, etc., are great foods to consume when you are craving something sweet.

Here are the tell-tale signs on your face that sugar is the culprit aging your skin: The surface of your skin looks hard and shiny. Deep, crosshatch lines appear along your upper lip. Discoloration and hyperpigmentation mark your skin.

When you compare the health outcomes of fructose versus alcohol consumption, you end up seeing a very familiar pattern – the diseases they cause are virtually identical! In reality the scientific literature shows that fructose may be far worse than ethanol in its wide-ranging negative impact on human health.

How to break your sugar addiction in 10 days? ›

Though it may seem difficult, or almost impossible, to eliminate sugar from your diet, Dr. Surampudi says there are strategies people can use to adopt a sugar-reduced diet. “Breaking a habit takes about three to four weeks,” Dr. Surampudi said.

Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.

Sugar can also disrupt dopamine levels as the brain becomes used to high levels of sugar. In fact, both the gene expression and availability of dopamine receptors can be altered in certain areas of the brain from consuming too much sugar over a long period of time.

Coffee is a stimulant. Sugar is a false energizer, which ends up being a depressant resulting in considerable nutrient depletion.

Can sugar be as addictive as cigarettes? The answer is yes. According to a study by the University of Florida, sugary foods can be as addictive as nicotine and cocaine.

High blood glucose levels can affect the brain's functional connectivity, which links brain regions that share functional properties, and brain matter. It can cause the brain to atrophy or shrink.