Sugar Addiction Treatment

Sugar addiction can be as dangerous as any other addiction like alcohol or drug addiction. It is not that sugar is present only in sweets like cakes, chocolates or cookies and other sweets. Instead, sugar is present in almost all food items like bread or snacks made from white flour. Thus, it is difficult to completely avoid consumption of sugar. However, the sugar present in milk and fruits is healthy sugar and our body can utilize these sugars without any harm. Sugar addiction is related to white sugar used in various food. Excess sugar causes health problems like diabetes, heart diseases and even cancers. Sugar, has an ability to elevate energy for a temporary period and many a time, it results in physical and psychological dependence. The body gets used to the consumption of sugar on occurrences of situations like depression, anxiety or phobia. The effect of sugar in such situations is temporary and thus, as soon as the effect reduces, the body needs more sugar to get a relief from the stress. The moment sugar is consumed in situations like anxiety or depression, the person feels energetic and as soon as blood sugar level reduces, the person feels tired.

Symptoms

The symptoms of sugar addiction are not particular and observing only one of the symptoms does not prove that a person is addicted to sugar. However, if a person observes more than two of the following symptoms the condition should be taken seriously and one should consult a physician at earliest.

• Restlessness: When you do not eat food containing sugar, you start feeling restless by the end of the day.
• Anxiety, Depression: You eat sugar foods when you are depressed or feel sad. You get relieved soon after eating sweet.
• Diet: A large amount of your appetite contains sugar. You like to keep eating sweets all the time. When you do not get sweets to eat, you get frustrated or panic. You try to reduce consumption of sugar in your diet, but this results on headache, anger, anxiety and low mood.

Treatment

For breaking away from sugar addiction, one needs to be highly determined and a lot of self-control needs to be practiced, as a complete change in the lifestyle is required. Given below are some steps one can follow for treating sugar addiction.

• Awareness about Food Products: Whenever you buy any food product, find out whether it has any sugar content. Strictly restrict eating food items with that have a high sugar content.
• Homemade Food: Avoid eating food outside and increase consumption of homemade food with no sugar.
• Use Sugar Substitute: Find substitutes for sugar, you can use honey for the same. Use honey in the food you cook as there are numerous health benefits of honey.
• Reduce Alcohol: Alcohol is made up from sugar, so reduce alcohol consumption.
• Diet: Do not eat white flour or potatoes in your meals. These food items contain equal amounts of sugar as in refined sugar. Eat variety of vegetables and fruits. Include sweet potatoes, brown rice and red potatoes in your meals. Have breakfast that includes protein rich food. This stabilizes the blood sugar level and reduces need for sugar. A herb called Stevia has many health benefits and can be used as a substitute for sugar. Try to make recipes from Stevia, which has sweet and licorice taste.
• Water: Water is a vital component for healthy body. Drinking plenty of water everyday will reduce your craving for sugar. Avoid drinking fruit juices though.
• Tackle Cravings: Whenever you feel like eating something sweet, engage yourself in some other activities like watching your favorite movie or listening music. You can eat sugar after your meals as this has less effect on the blood sugar levels.

Sugar addiction can be a cause of serious health problems. Prevention is always better than cure. The recovery of sugar addiction can be a long process, and one needs the support of family and friends.