Another White Powder: Sugar Addiction Signs and Symptoms

Sugar addiction is prevalent all over the globe. More and more people have unhealthy diets consisting of high sugar foods and drinks. And no wonder–these kinds of foods are much easier to get by and are widely available and accessible.
As a result of the prevalence of sugary foods, many people today, across different cultures, have sugar-related diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, hypertension, depression, migraines, fatigues, and many other health conditions. The problem is compounded by the fact that not everyone is aware that they have a sugar addiction.

Now, let’s break down what sugar addiction is and if you may have it.

What is Sugar Addiction?

We all know excess is bad. And when it comes to sugar addiction, we don’t know that we are having too much of it, because we are not aware how prevalent it is in our daily diet. From our morning coffee to our salad dressings, refined sugar is everywhere.

And similar to illegal drugs such as cocaine and meth, sugar is a white substance that can cause addiction to anyone. And while it is not illegal, it still has detrimental effects. In fact, sugar lights up our brain’s dopamine receptors in the same way that illegal drugs do. Sugar makes us feel good and we can’t get enough of it, to the point that we don’t even realize we’re having too much of it. This can result to increased tolerance, where you need to have more and more sugary foods to feel satisfied. You may also experience dependence and withdrawal especially when you’re not getting the sugar level you have always been used to.

Signs of Sugar Addiction

1. You end up eating more sugary foods than originally planned. For example, you just wanted to eat one piece of donut, but you ended up eating half a dozen. There’s always that “I want more” voice in your head creeping up to make you want to eat more and more. And then you realize what you’ve done afterwards, and you feel bad. However, you still keep on succumbing to your cravings and insatiable appetite for sweets each time.
2. You crave for sugary foods and simple carbohydrates. Your go-to choices when you want your sugar fix are bread, pasta, pastries, chocolates, and candies.
3. You also crave for salty foods. Once you’re done with your sugar fix, you find yourself craving for salty foods such as chips, meat products, and similar things. This is because your body wants to balance all the sweetness with something salty, but still both still negatively impact your health because you turn to unhealthy food choices.
4. You end up eating sugary food even if you don’t want to. Eating sugary foods like pastries or going for that double-whip frappe just seemed to be a habit to you, something you just don’t think about. Or if you ever do, you just rationalize it.
5. You eat sugary foods even if you don’t feel good. Have you eaten so many pastries or sweets, or indulged in sugary drinks until you feel the following: dizziness, gas, headache, bloated feeling, fuzzy thinking, inability to concentrate, and sleepiness? This is a sugar hangover and can lead to more serious health problems when not addressed.

If you identify with these symptoms, you have to rethink your sugar intake and diet. Be sure to have healthier substitutes with you whenever you crave for sweets, and in time, you can get rid of your unhealthy eating habits. It’s also a good idea to check in with a nutritionist or even your physician for help.

For addictions that are much harder to overcome, such as alcohol and drug addictions, Bridges of Hope is here. Call or text us at 09175098826 today.