When thinking about the word “addiction”, a slew of frightening images may come to mind with sorrowful family members participating in an intervention, dark streets and furtive exchanges, telltale physical changes common to intoxication.
These images share a single thread: street drugs, or the abuse of prescription medications, realities that for most feel so very far away. However, there is one particular substance that hides in plain sight, incorporated into sweet treats offered up in bright, colorful packages that whisper the promise of a delectable experience.
Sugar. And when presented in large quantities, take it seriously, because recent research suggests that it can drive reward-seeking behavior common to drugs.
How is it that sugar is so addictive?
In the same manner as street drugs, sugar and its addictive components operate through the brain’s reward system (consider how children are sometimes offered the “reward” of a piece of candy when they’ve done something celebratory). This involves the release of dopamine, also known as the “feel good” chemical, which is experienced during drug use. Unfortunately, this dopamine/reward response can build sugar tolerance, intensify cravings, and in some cases trigger withdrawal-like symptoms. As can be imagined, there is also a psychological element to this addiction, as in many cases, comfort can be found in sugar consumption. Ultimately, this ongoing sugar response takes over the brain’s motivation pathways so that the desire to experience that “feel good” chemical becomes so strong that many give in, threatening a dangerous and addictive cycle.
According to Healthline, recent research on rats from Connecticut College showed that the consumption of Oreos activated more neurons in the pleasure centers of their brains than cocaine, a drug commonly associated with addiction.
Further research, this time conducted by a Princeton study, found that rats may develop a dependence on sugar that could be related to common elements of addiction: the struggle with cravings, binging, and withdrawal.
Sensitization is another component to consider, measured as increased movement in response to repeated exposure to a drug. In fact, research showed that after continued doses of amphetamine, followed by abstinence, resulted in high levels of hyperactivity. The same research showed that sensitization can heighten the pull of another drug – essentially, a gateway drug.
Is it possible that sugar could be a gateway drug? This thought alone causes a person to sit up, take notice, and hopefully put down that large ice cream sundae and reach for something much healthier.
What happens if we continuously give in to cravings?
We know that when it comes to nutrition, sugar doesn’t even begin to compare to the benefits brought about by fruits and vegetables (NutriFusion utilizes the nutritional power of fruits and vegetables in its nutrient-rich powder blends, GrandFusion), among other healthy items. But what are the actual health issues associated with sugar consumption?
- Higher blood pressure
- Increased chronic inflammation
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
- Heart disease
When looking at heart health specifically, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine identified a link between a high-sugar diet and a greater risk of dying from heart disease. What’s more, over the course of the 15-year study, individuals who got 17-21% of their calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, compared to those who consumed 8% of their calories as added sugar.
What should we eat as we kick the habit?
The best way to avoid the health risk of sugar, not to mention potentially developing a sugar addiction, is to begin incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy (or alternatives) into your diet. It might take some time to rid yourself of sugar dependency, so be sure to give yourself some grace as you make a gradual but persistent move away from sugar.
Also, don’t forget that it’s also essential to limit the amount of sodium and unhealthy fats that you consume, which can often be found in ultra-processed foods. Checking labels while in the grocery store will help you to determine how much of these harmful items, as well as added sugars, are in a product, so you can stick to healthier items.
In the end, when in doubt, just say no to sugar!
NutriFusion
NutriFusion can help! NutriFusion develops all‐natural fruit and vegetable powders that are nutrient-dense for when you do not have access to fresh produce, and even when you do, to improve your vitamin intake. Sourcing only whole, non-GMO foods, NutriFusion offers consumers a concentrated micronutrient and phytonutrient-rich food ingredient blends. With a farm-to-table philosophy, NutriFusion’s proprietary process stabilizes the nutrients from perishable fruits and vegetables, allowing a longer shelf life and access to vital nutrients.
NutriFusion does help through its fruit and/or vegetable powders that are used in foods, beverages, supplements, and pet foods. Visit us at www.nutrifusion.com.
