That delicious white substance that makes you feel so good… You can’t get it out of your mind, and you keep coming back for more! The more you have it, the more you want it. We’re not talking about some illegal drug – we’re talking about sugar!

Like it or lump it, few of us get through the day without adding sugar to our daily diet. We are drawn to the taste like bees to honey. Perhaps you, while reading this, are reaching - almost unwittingly - for a sweet treat. But, that’s not a problem, is it? We could stop and eat a piece of cheese instead - anytime we wanted. Or could we?

After the Carte Blanche feature on Karen Thompson, a recovering addict, on 31 May, presenter Devi Sankaree Govender’s blog stated that sugar addiction is real. And, what makes is so dangerous is the fact that it is socially acceptable. Professor Tim Noakes has teamed up with Karen Thompson as well as dietician Rael Koping, to launch the 12 step treatment for sugar and carbohydrate addiction, the first of its kind in the world, at the Harmony Addiction Clinic in Hout Bay, Cape Town.

According to a new research study, refined sugar is far more addictive than cocaine. Refined sugar was almost non-existent in the diet of most people until very recently. Today, the over-consumption of sugar not only contributes to, but drives the current obesity epidemic. A survey done by global healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline earlier this year, confirmed that 60% or nearly 2 out of 3 South Africans are overweight, obese or morbidly obese.

Sugar comes in many forms and because it is inexpensive, tastes good and is habit-forming, food companies and fast-food restaurants add sugar to their meals whenever possible. It seems like we’re drowning in sugar and nobody is wearing a life vest!

Signs of  sugar addiction

• You consume certain foods even if you’re not hungry because of cravings.
• You worry about cutting down on certain foods.
• You feel sluggish or fatigued from overeating.
• You have health problems because of food issues and yet you keep eating the way you do despite negative consequences.
• You need more and more of the food you crave to experience any pleasure or reduce negative emotions.

Why should you reduce your sugar intake?

Reducing your sugar intake should be on the top of your list regardless of whether you’re currently overweight or not. It’s been proven over and over that sugar increases your insulin levels, which can lead to:

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Heart disease.
• Diabetes.
• Weight gain.
• Premature ageing.

Tips for breaking your sugar addiction

• Recognise that sugar is addictive and controlling you. Take the decision to break the habit.
• Go cold turkey. The initial 48 to 72 hours will be tough. Some people find that going cold turkey helps their cravings diminish after a few days; others find they may still crave sugar but over time are able to train their taste buds to be satisfied.
• Grab some gum. Research has shown that gum can reduce food cravings.
• Reach for fruit. Keep fruit handy when sugar cravings hit. Keep nuts, seeds and dried fruit in stock.
• Get up and go. Exercise and fill your lungs with fresh air. This will strengthen your ability to control your body.
• Read the ingredients label on the foods you buy. Sugar comes in many forms and is called many names including corn syrup, maltose, dextrose, fructose, lactose and glucose.
• Prepare your own food instead of eating prepared foods containing sugar.
• Work out your own sugar-free diet and stick to it. Ensure that you have the correct replacement foods for sugary foods. Get the help of a dietician or nutritionist to help you work out a plan that is best for you.
• Eat regularly. Waiting too long between meals may set you up to choose sugary, fatty foods.
• Get support. Many people turn to sweet foods when they’re stressed, depressed or angry. But, food doesn’t solve emotional issues. Get help to find solutions to those emotional problems.

If you are among those whose brain chemistry, taste buds and hormones have been hijacked by the food industry; it’s time to kick the sugar habit and take your health back!

Source: drhyman.com, www.sparkpeople.com, www.health24.com, thesugarfreerevolution.com, www.southafricadentist.com, www.thetahealth.co.za, www.telegraph.co.uk

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.