Though sugar is often left out of the conversation around addiction, there’s no doubt that its effect on the brain leaves many a sweet tooth hooked. We’ll be diving into a few facts you should know.

Sugar addiction describes the compulsive and excessive consumption of sugar, and considering the sweet stuff can cause a host of health issues like obesity and heart disease, it’s no small concern. Here are five facts about sugar addiction that you may not know.

Sugar addiction is real

Many people think that sugar addiction is a myth, but the effects sugar has on the brain’s reward system have been well documented. People experience cravings and, in some cases, binge eating, along with a number of other addictive behaviours. We also know people struggle with withdrawal symptoms when coming off the stuff, and this can range from headaches to mood swings and intense cravings.

Sugar addiction is dangerous

Consuming excess sugar can have dangerous health consequences, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease. Sugar addiction can also lead to – and worsen – mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Research shows this stuff throws our hormones out of whack, including mood-regulating hormones like dopamine and serotonin. It may also promote the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. It’s why that sugar high never lasts!

Sugar addiction is hard to overcome

Overcoming a sugar addiction can be especially hard, with some research showing the sweet stuff can have a stronger hold on the brain’s reward system than cocaine. The other challenge lies in the ubiquitous nature of sugar – unlike other addictive substances, sugar is hard to avoid. If you’re eating processed goods and takeaway, it can be near impossible to avoid without keeping a hawk eye on ingredients. The withdrawal symptoms like irritability, headaches, and fatigue also make quitting sugar a difficult goal to achieve.

Sugar addiction is emotional and mental-health related

Like other addictions, from alcohol and other drugs to gambling, sugar addiction can be triggered by emotional factors like stress, anxiety, or depression. People may turn to sugar to cope with overwhelming emotions, leaning on the sweet stuff as a crutch for these chronic feelings. This is especially dangerous as it can lead to a cycle of addiction that is tough to beat without addressing the mental health issues at the heart of the addiction.

You can beat a sugar addiction

As hard as it may be to shake a sugar addiction, it’s not impossible – especially if you reach out for help. Seeking the help of a healthcare professional may be beneficial in overcoming your sugar addiction, along with finding a supportive group to make this big change with. That’s what we’re here for!

It’s no secret that a sugar habit is a tough one to beat – wherever you go, sugar is there. Unlike with ditching alcohol, there are few places where sugar is unwelcome. From birthday parties and functions to the office pantry, Sunday markets and the supermarket. Is it any wonder that so many of us find it hard to quit the stuff? That’s why it can help to join a program like ours – our 8-Week Program is based on accountability, support and providing the essential resources to set you up for success. We’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining.

We’ve also got nutritionists, personal trainers and naturopaths in our team of experts, and they understand what our bodies need and how to best arm ourselves against those cravings. So, if you’ve been having a little trouble keeping that sugar addiction at bay, we’re here to help. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!