What You Need to Know About Sugar Withdrawal
The reality is that sugar is incredibly addictive, and it produces similar effects
on our brain that cocaine does. It is also so common, such a regular part of
our lives and so socially acceptable that people who talk about the negative
effects of sugar tend to be maligned and ostracized. Considering the impact on
our overall health that excessive sugar consumption has, as well as the cost
of caring for those who develop chronic disease as a result, it is mind-boggling
that this problem isn’t taken more seriously.
Sugar is Not as Beneficial as we Think
Contrary to popular belief, the energy-boosting properties of sugar are
short-lived and not nearly as beneficial as we think. It tricks our bodies into
altering how it processes food, regulates hormones and stores fat. It actually
causes fatigue, lethargy, a lack of focus, creates irritability and contributes to
an array of mis-diagnosed psychological problems. What little benefits we
think we get from sugar are nothing compared to the ill-effects.
Sugar Addiction
The main reason that sugar is so addictive is that it energizes every cell in
our bodies, including our brain. It interacts with the brain in a way that
establishes a “reward” system that is satisfied once more sugar is consumed
and tolerance builds quickly. Even small doses of sugar, on a consistent basis
can cause people to experience withdrawal symptoms if this reward mechanism
is not satisfied. Obviously, people react to sugar addiction in different ways.
Factors include their psychological and physiological makeup, the amount they
consume and period of time that they have been eating sugar. Symptoms of
withdrawal can include irritability, mood swings, depression, headaches, a
general feeling of malaise and even body aches, nausea and vomiting in severe
cases. It can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months to fully overcome
these symptoms and get the body back to normal.
People who are addicted and try to quit sugar cold turkey tend to suffer the
most, and they are also the ones who stand to benefit from supportive therapy.
Yes, that’s right, therapy. However, there are other ways to curb sugar and get
consumption under control and establish acceptable and safe limits. One way
is to taper off gradually over the course of time. Another solution is to replace
sugary products with naturally sweet alternatives such as organic honey and fruit.
Unfortunately, it is almost a given that people who are most successful at giving
up sugar are also the most determined to make better and more responsible
dietary choices along the way.
Getting Started Now
Problems will only get worse over time, so there is no time like the present
to make the decision to lower sugar consumption in your and your family’s
diet. This involves taking a more hands-on approach when it comes to meal
preparation and having control over the ingredients that you eat. Exercise and
keeping busy can also help to reduce the suffering that you can expect to feel as well.
There are also a number of resources available that can help you to establish
goals and stick to them over the course of time. Many are free and are offered
online or in the real world in communities across the country. No matter how
you decide to put an end to excessive sugar consumption, be prepared to endure
some difficult days ahead as you and your body get used to being without this
completely unnecessary additive. The trick is to make a commitment to end
sugar abuse and focus on building a healthy lifestyle now so that you don’t fall
victim to the array of illnesses, diseases and conditions that are almost certain
to crop up over the course of time.
