Sweet Surrender: Breaking Free from Sugar's Grip for a Healthier Tomorrow
- Muhammad Salami
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
How many times today have you eaten something that has sugar as one of the main components? No, think about it. Sugary cereal for breakfast, a small snack after lunch, and some dessert after dinner. You probably don't even notice the amount of sugar you consume daily. But your body does, when it messes with all the systems present.
Sugar plays an integral role in our lives. It supplies glucose for respiration, the fuel that energizes all bodily processes. But as we enter the 21st century, sugar is being consumed at unprecedented levels.`Young adults in the U.S. consume an average of approximately 17 teaspoons of added sugar (sugar added to processed foods) per day. We, as a society, have become “addicted” to sugar.
There is still some debate as to whether sugar addiction qualifies as an actual disease, but studies have shown that dependence on sugar mirrors other types of addictions. Studies have shown neurochemical parallels between sugar intake and consumption of narcotics, such as the spike in dopamine that is released in the brain when these substances are consumed. Consequently, the symptoms of sugar addiction can closely resemble those of drug addiction, manifesting as a loss of control during consumption (commonly referred to as bingeing), intense cravings, and withdrawal symptoms in the absence of sugar.
Short-term repercussions of excessive sugar intake include: weight gain, inflammation, tiredness, insulin resistance, anxiety, mood disorders, and many others. If carried out for a prolonged period, it could result in cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, strokes, and pancreatitis. These ailments are all on the rise in our world, and they have been linked to the increase in consumption of added sugar. This paints a grim picture for the future, as an increasing number of people will need more care to manage and treat these diseases, putting an increased strain on the healthcare system, overwhelming healthcare professionals, and reducing the quality of the care provided, due to cases that could have been avoided or their severity would have been lessened by reducing sugar intake.
But don’t worry. If you feel like you’re struggling to cut back on sugar, here are some tips on how to decrease your consumption. Try eating more fruits, which contain fibre and nutrients, as a substitute for high-sugar processed foods. Having a high-protein breakfast will help manage both your sugar cravings and your appetite throughout the day. Replacing sugar with spices and staying hydrated can help curb your sugar cravings. Additionally, since sugar cravings can often be triggered by cortisol—the stress hormone—discovering ways to reduce stress in your life may assist in lowering your sugar intake. Avoid artificial sweeteners; these worsen your sugar cravings.
In conclusion, while sugar is vital for providing energy, the growing consumption of added sugars presents significant health risks. Each of us has the opportunity to make healthier choices that enhance our well-being and ease the burden on the healthcare system. Fostering awareness and moderation in sugar consumption is essential for promoting a healthier future for ourselves and our communities.
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