How to Treat Your Sugar Addiction
photo credit: Jennie R. F.
By Dr. Scott Olson
There you are, just sitting there, minding your own business when you hear something calling you. The little voice that is calling you is very quiet, but somehow very compelling. You stand up and go in search of the source. The sound, you discover, is coming from the pantry (or vending machine) and is your favorite sugary treat calling your name.
At the point that you realize that food is talking to you, you also start to realize that you just might have a sugar addiction. And, yes, you have probably joked about being addicted to sugar before, but have you realized just how harmful sugar addiction can be?
Sugar addiction is serious and new research is showing that sugar may be responsible for:
- Weight gain
- Insulin resistance (including metabolic syndrome and diabetes)
- Cardiovascular disease (including heart disease, stroke)
- Mental problems (including depression and Alzheimer’s)
- And may contribute to other conditions (including cancer, asthma, and others)
Sugar addiction, it turns out, is a condition with symptoms as strong as addictions to cigarettes, alcohol, and even hard drugs like heroin – no wonder you are hearing voices in your head.
What to do about the Sugar Addiction
Getting over sugar cravings is not easy, but then getting over any addiction is hard. Begin today by starting to notice just how many foods you eat either contain sugar or act like sugar in your body.
Try these tips to stop your sugar cravings:
Eat more often: While this seems counter-intuitive, eating more often is much better for your blood sugar, your metabolism and your sugar cravings.
Eat fruit: It is easy to overdo this, but focus on fruits that are low on the glycemic index.
Drink More Water: Sometimes, your cravings may get mixed up in your brain. When your body wants water, it may cause you to think you need sugar. Drink a large glass of water when your cravings strike.
Brush your teeth: This is a trick many people use to stop cravings.
Exercise: Try getting outside and getting some exercise. There are research articles that support the reduction of food cravings by using exercise. A simple walk is often enough to stop cravings.
Go Nuts: Try eating nuts or nut butters. The combination of high protein and fat put the brakes on a lot of cravings.
Supplements: The supplements that help control blood sugar (such as chromium, vanadium, and b-vitamins) tend to help with cravings as well as using amino acids (such as Tyrosine, phenylalanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), tryptophan, and glutamine)
Sugar addiction is not the easiest thing to kick, but, with effort, you can put you and your body on the path to a healthier you.
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March 27th, 2009 at 8:57 am
How did you know? Yes indeed … will act on these suggestions … tomorrow … I mean, I’m about to watch a DVD, c’mon!
March 27th, 2009 at 9:43 am
It was a good guess
I bet a very large percentage of the population have a sugar addiction. Things like candida can essentially force a person to eat sugar as it is what they need to survive. In other instances it is quite simply an addictive substance.
I know I’ve not been around the blogging scene of late but I have read some of your posts. I really enjoyed the one about fear you wrote. A great message and entertaining as always.
Stephen
March 27th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
People don’t take soft addictions like this seriously, but sugar addiction ruins a lot of people health. Things like dental cavities, yeast infections, and depressed immune systems are all caused by this.
April 1st, 2009 at 9:17 am
[...] Removing sugar from your diet is a good step toward better health and a longer life. Dr Olson has written a follow up article to help you learn how to overcome your sugar addiction [...]