All You Need To Know About Sugar Cravings And Addictions

In recent years, research has provided some new and intriguing results into sugar and addiction.  Evidence has indicated that some people have a biological explanation to why they are addicted to the powdery substance, similar to the addiction shown towards heroin or tobacco.  This will explain why the user is unable to 'kick the habit' or rather unwilling to and is less responsive to substance abuse treatment.

It has been noted that binges and other addictive behaviors seen in alcoholics are also seen in sugar addicts.  This may be the reason why recovering alcoholics will subsequently turn to sugar as an alternative addictive substance.

Those who choose to cease smoking often gain a great deal of weight because of their strong craving for sugar.  This craving is caused by a lack of nicotine, and research has indicated that sugar addiction is far greater among this substance abuse population than any others.

Dopamine is the amino acid that triggers the sensation of pleasure, and in order to feel this a dopamine receptor must be 'switched on' in the brain.  By ingesting sugar, one is able to increase the productivity of dopamine (even if it is for a short period) and experience euphoric sensations.

A recent study conducted on teenagers indicated that a teenage brain is not affected as greatly by the dopamine receptor when ingesting certain amounts of sugar, thus they are more likely to gain weight as they will require larger amounts of sugar to experience pleasure.

There are certain drugs that will modulate a dopamine reward response, thus blocking the effects of heroin and morphine on the brain.  If given to a sugar addict the drug will also block the effects, but only on a temporary basis causing the addict to eat less sugar and lose weight.  One drug that can be used is Naltrexon.

There are also natural means of modulating a dopamine reward response, and this is by taking supplements and regulating food types.  Omega 3, Vitamin D, Glucomannan fiber and proteins like eggs and protein shakes will offer the same effects.