Sugar
Brian Gould
Why Sugar?
I chose to research sugar as my addiction topic because it is something that I consume daily. I wanted to know more about this addiction and possibly if i should cut out the amount of sugar I eat. The idea that such a common food product can be considered an addictive substance interests me.
History of Sugar
Sugarcane, how sugar is grown before being processed, is one of the oldest cultivated crops known to man. Sugar, along with honey, is the oldest natural sweetener. In early centuries, A.D., improvements in refining the crystal granules happened in India. The spread of sugar from Asia to the middle East allowed Islamic traders to bring the sweetener to the western world. Improvements to production methods allowed more sugar to me produced from its raw form as well as it becoming more accessible to the general public. In the 16th century, sugarcane farms spread to the Americas and to the West Indies. Sugar production boomed because it was easy to grow and was very profitable. In the 19th and 20th centuries, high fructose corn syrup and other forms of sugar were developed to lower costs and raise profits of food manufacturers. Today, sugar is in almost everything we eat and drink. Sugar regulations are beginning to develop to lower the quantity of sugars consumed by the public and to increase people's health by eating less amounts of the sweet.
Biology behind Sugar Addiction
Although many people push away the idea that they are actually addicted to sugar, new studies show that sugar,at least, has some similar addicting features with substances such as nicotine or heroin. Like many addictive substances, sugar initially makes one feel good before feeling a crash because sugar levels drop suddenly. Just addiction cycles strengthen and an addict needs more substance to act and feel normal, this may be happening at some levels with sugar. Based on studies, when the brain senses something sweet enter the body, orexin, a chemical, is released into the body to prepare the body for the sugar and keep sugar levels steady. Like an antidote, the orexin helps keep the substance, sugar, in balance. People become addicted to sugar so they can feel good temporarily and because it releases an euphoria into the body. People become addicted to sugar by eating it on a consistent basis. just like almost anything, too much is not good for one's health. Also, the brain can send signals that the sugar levels are about to decrease, making one want to replenish these sugar levels by consuming more sweets.
Treatments Available to Fight Against Sugar Addiction
Treatment centers are appearing to help fight the war people face with sugar addiction. People need to know that this is a real problem that many people face daily. The brain's reward centers are affected by sugar and can experience highs and lows just like from illegal drugs. The treatments are hopeful and possible. Studies suggest it is possible to retrain one's brain to stop craving sugar. people with sugar addiction attend therapy where they learn ways to curve the desire for more sugar. Treatment centers say exercise is one of the best ways to fight the addiction. Symptoms of withdrawal are fidgeting and constantly thinking of where the next fix of sugar will come from. What the public needs to know to address the issue is that this addiction is real, unlike popular conception. Scientists say that they still need to understand how the brain reacts with different types of sugar, but they do know that the best way to fight the sugar addiction is to exercise consistently. Another way to fight the addiction is to stop buying candy and sweets altogether.
Interesting Part of Sugar Addiction
What i found interesting about the consumption of sugar is that you have to burn the sugarcane to get to the actual sugar. I never thought that sugar cubes grew on trees, but I never knew it had to be burned to be accessed.
Statistics on Sugar
- The percentage of people that are actually addicted to sugar is unknown. The medical field has no way of actually clinically testing whether or not sugar is addictive. People's understanding of the addiction is based on others experiences and what they say they felt.
- There is not a definite number of people that die a year from sugar, but it is linked to diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in America with 69,071 people dying last year. About 610,000 people die a year from heart disease and 589,430 people died from cancer every year on average.
- 100% of people eat sugars. Sugar is needed to survive! this means that no matter what you eat, your body can convert it into sugar.
Impacts on a Person's Life
Having a sugar addiction can impact a person's life by making them dependable on sugary snacks. It impacts their mental process because they are constantly thinking of their next snack. Their behavior can change by becoming moody or energetic and then suddenly lethargic. Having a sugar addiction can hurt somebody financially by making them spend money on junk food. It hurts a person's health overall because it raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity which can lead to cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet is important and a sugar addiction can become dangerous.
Sugar Addiction
Citations
- "The History of Sugar." Florida Crystals. Web. 25 Mar. 2015.
- "Sugar Addiction In Your Body, Not Just Your Mind." Psychology Today. Web. 26 Mar. 2015.
- "Sugar Rehab: New Treatment for Not-So-Sweet Addiction." Web. 26 Mar. 2015.
- "Consumption of Added Sugars Among U.S. Adults, 2005–2010." CDC. Web. 26 Mar. 2015.
- "Cancer Facts & Figures 2015." Cancer Facts and Statistics 2015. Web. 26 Mar. 2015.
- "Heart Disease Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 Oct. 2014. Web. 26 Mar. 2015.
- "Statistics About Diabetes." American Diabetes Association. Web. 26 Mar. 2015.