GASTROENTEROLOGY NERD ALERT: WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BRAIN WHEN YOU GIVE UP SUGAR
Check out this interesting article from CNN.com about our collective sugar addiction and the pains of withdrawal when you try to break it:
“A decade ago, it was estimated that the average American consumed 22 teaspoons of added sugar per day, amounting to an extra 350 calories; it may well have risen since then.
“These added sugars are sneaky — and unbeknown to many of us, we’ve become hooked. In ways that drugs of abuse — such as nicotine, cocaine and heroin — hijack the brain’s reward pathway and make users dependent, increasing neuro-chemical and behavioural evidence suggests that sugar is addictive in the same way, too.”
“…repeated access to sugar over time leads to prolonged dopamine signalling, greater excitation of the brain’s reward pathways and a need for even more sugar to activate all of the midbrain dopamine receptors like before. The brain becomes tolerant to sugar — and more is needed to attain the same “sugar high.””
If you are looking for help to break up with any of your bad nutritional habits, our team can help. Our amazing registered dietitian nutritionist, Claire Allen, and our wonderful behavioral coach/counselor, Jed Foster, are eager to help you achieve your wellness goals. Consultations are usually covered by standard commercial health insurance and we can help you figure out your coverage. Please call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com for more information.