Sugar Addiction is a Serious Problem

Not many people realize that he was addicted to sugar and more often underestimated. Yet studies show that sugar addiction as serious as alcohol and drug addiction.

If you can not escape from the candy, then maybe you have a sugar addiction. But most people would not consider sugar addiction as a serious matter as well as tobacco addiction, alcohol or drugs.

But according to some researchers and scientific studies, sugar addiction can be as serious as addiction to alcohol or drugs, as reported by FoxNews, Tuesday (07/06/2011).

Sugar makes people feel happier. Recent studies prove that people programmed from an early age to 'crave' sugar. And once the body has felt the sweetness of sugar, it does not take long to make you become addicted.

After eating sweet foods, the brain releases natural chemicals called opioids, which gives the body an intense sense of excitement. The brain then recognizes these feelings and begin to want more.

Researchers have identified that there are certain areas in the brain (particularly the hippocampus, insula and caudate) that is activated when addicted to sugar are met.

Studies from Princeton and the University of Minnesota proved that the active brain regions when eating sugar together with parts of the brain are activated when a drug addict wants heroin. The body will learn to want and need more substance that made him feel better. This proves that sugar addiction is as strong as drugs.

What actually happens in the body when eating sugar?

Once sugar enters the bloodstream, blood sugar will rise causing the pancreas to release insulin (insulin needed to convert sugar into energy).

When a large amount of sugar consumed, more insulin is released. Insulin that converts sugar into instant energy source, which explains the high energy jolt from a donut or a piece of cake. After high levels of insulin secreted, blood sugar levels began to decrease rapidly so that there are problems shortly after eating sweet foods.

In addition to convert sugar into energy, insulin also stimulates fat storage. Therefore, the more sugar you eat the more insulin is produced. As a result, the more likely you will experience weight gain.

Apart from causing obesity (overweight) and tooth decay, sugar is also associated with more serious health conditions, including mood swings, decreased immune system and diabetes.