Dr. Lekshmy Rana

Scientists have concluded that sugar stimulates the exact same centers of the brain, which derive pleasure out of heroin or cocaine. For those who are addicted to sugar, getting off it leads to intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. If you have an uncontrollable urge to devour something sweet, you probably have sugar addiction too. Sugar is known to release dopamine and opioids, which not only makes it addictive, but makes it extremely difficult for you to overcome the withdrawal symptoms. 

Mentioned below are 5 signs to figure out if you are addicted to sugar: 

1. Despite being full or not hungry, you consume certain foods due to cravings
2. You worry about consuming certain foods and cutting down on them 
3. You overeat and then feel fatigued or sluggish 
4. Despite negative consequences that affect your health and cause social problems, you continue eating or overeating certain foods
5. You try to eliminate any negative emotion by consuming the foods you crave and experience pleasure. 

If you suffer from the aforementioned problems, you should seriously consider sugar detox or food rehab. Sugar and foods containing high levels of sugar causes behavioral changes, nutrient deficiency or imbalance, impairs your body and immunity system leading to an increased risk of illnesses and diseases. Sugar is also known to feed cancer cells and obesity. Fungi, which are living organisms, thrive on sugar and feed on it to reproduce and function properly leading to most infections. However, it is never too late to break your sugar habit. 

Mentioned below are 5 ways to fight your sugar addiction:

1. Substitute sweets with whole foods
2. Ditch artificial sweeteners 
3. Clean your house
4. Create a backup plan 
5. Manage your magnesium levels 

Although, sugar withdrawal symptoms vary from individual to individual, they usually last for about 3 to 4 weeks. Withdrawing from sugar can be extremely difficult and causes the following symptoms in you, which will sorely tempt you into giving in to your cravings: 

1. Feeling lightheaded
2. Craving for sugar 
3. Binge eating 
4. Anxiety 
5. Depression 
6. Headaches
7. Irritability and moodiness
8. Fatigue and tiredness
9. Muscular aches
10. Flu symptoms