Can a person be addicted to sugar? With obesity becoming an epidemic health issue, scientists have begun studying how food has an effect on our brain and body. A general consensus of researchers is finding that sugar may be addictive.
A neuroscientist at Columbia University, Nicole Avena, found through laboratory experiments on rats that overeating foods high on the glycemic index produced brain and behavior changes resembling addiction. The jury is still out on a definable sugar addiction says Ashley Gearhardt, a psychologist at the University of Michigan, who runs the Food and Addiction Science and Treatment lab. We need more research to learn if sugar addiction resembles the withdrawal and tolerance experiences of drug addicts. Gearhardt says, “For those with strong sugar cravings, the allure can be like gambling — the fact that you don’t do it every day makes you more likely to double-down when you do get the opportunity.”
The American Heart Association in 2009 states from 2001 to 2004 the current sugar consumption by Americans was 22 teaspoons per day. Sounds like a lot and it is. Most people are able to manage their sugar intake, but for those who have difficulty with sugar cravings we look to Michael Prager, a self-identified sugar addict. A journalist and writer on food addiction, he has not eaten refined sugar or flour for 15 years. When asked how he was successful dealing with sugar cravings he offered six tips that helped him.
· Try a three week experiment and completely abstain from sugar and see if the cravings fade.
· Keep the long-term goals before you. Remind yourself of how feeling stronger and healthier will be.
· Keep a craving list for a couple weeks to see what pushes your craving button like boredom, emotional let-down, or stress.
· Find new rewarding foods like fruits, vegetables, or nuts and keep them handy.
· When having a craving, pause and think about it. Am I hungry? Time for a sugar substitute. Have some nuts.
· Exercise. A recent study showed increased blood flow may repair the part of the brain affected by food addiction.