Addiction to sugar can be as dangerous as any other addiction, such as that to alcohol or drugs.
Sugar is not only found in sweet things like cakes, chocolates and biscuits. It is present in almost all foods - bread and snacks, and everything that is made from white flour. It is therefore difficult to avoid using it, but the sugar that is in milk and fruit is healthy and does not cause harm because our body can process it safely. Addiction is associated with white sugar, which is used in various foods. Overdoing it leads to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Sugar has the ability to temporarily increase our energy and in many cases, this leads to physical and psychological dependence. The body gets used to eating sugar in situations like depression, anxiety or phobia. It’s effect in such cases is that the body needs more sugar to be able to cope with stress. The moment the sugar is consumed in such situations, you feel more energetic, but as soon as you reduce your blood sugar levels, you began to feel tired.
Sugar Addiction - Symptoms
Symptoms of addiction to sugar are generalized and if there is only one of them, it does not mean that the person is addicted. If you notice, however, more than two of the following, the situation must be taken seriously and consult a dietitian as soon as possible.
• Anxiety: if you eat food containing sugar at the end of the day, you feel restless.
• Fear, Depression: you eat foods containing sugar when you are sad or depressed. Upon intake, you feel relief.
• Diet: most of your appetite is focused on sweets. You eat them all day. If they are not handy, you panic. When trying to reduce the amount of sweets, the result is headaches, anger, fear, and a bad mood.
Sugar Addiction - Treatment
To escape this dependency, you must be determined, confident and have greater self-control, because a complete change of lifestyle is needed. Below are some steps you can follow to be able to heal from this addiction.
• Awareness about food: whenever you buy food, look at it’s sugar content. Strictly avoid products that have high sugar content.
• Homemade food: Avoid eating out and head to the adoption of domestic food without sugar.
• Use sugar substitutes: You can use honey, as it has many health benefits.
• Reduce alcohol: Alcohol is made from sugar, so cut it out.
• Diet: Avoid a diet of white flour or potatoes. They have the same amount of sugar as in refined sugar. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits. You can include sweet potatoes, brown rice and red potatoes. Eat foods rich in protein, as well stabilize the sugar levels in your blood.
• Water: Water is a vital component of a healthy body. Drinking plenty of water will reduce the desire for sugar. Avoid fruit juices, however.
• Take up a desired favorite: Whenever you feel like eating something sweet, engage in any other activity, such as watching a favorite movie or listening to music. You can take sugar after your main meal, as it has less effect on your blood sugar levels.
Sugar addiction can cause serious health problems. Preventive measures are always better than cure. Recovery from sugar addiction can be a long process, which requires the support of family and friends.
