Sugar vs Cocaine

Even as I'm starting to write this, I'm wondering if social media will block me sharing it, but I'm going for it all the same. As I see so many people, with so many health concerns (both mental and physical), which they could potentially start to transform just through their sugar habits.

So, let's start with the link to cocaine. Increasing research suggests that sugar might be MORE addictive than opiod drugs such as cocaine!! Which is why you might feel that you NEED it so often. And which is why going cold turkey can be a huge challenge too. I say 'might be'. It's still a much debated topic which I've enjoyed digging into!

But the similarity to cocaine goes deeper than just the addiction. Brain scans have shown the similarities in neural patterns following both cocaine and sugar. And therefore similar negative impacts on mood and wellbeing.

You may have heard of the dopamine pathway, the highway of feel-good neurotransmitters which lights up and boosts happiness in response to pleasurable activities - a hug, a compliment, a spoonful of our favourite icecream. Addictive substances like cocaine cause a huge spike in this pathway, giving a euphoric surge which users then want over and over again. While not quite as huge a surge, sugar causes the same reaction, a surge in feel good which you want to experience over and over.

Something it's important I am clear on, while the addition might match, and the same pathway lights up, the intensity and effects ARE also very different. A good comparison I read described cocaine as a lightning strike, and sugar as a slow burning candle, and cocaine affects a much wider part of the human brain. But it's certainly food for thought.

While I wanted to touch on the link, for the rest of this blog, I want to focus purely on sugar....

Sugar vs Happiness

Let's say you're stuck in that refined sugar cycle, of relying on sugar daily. (Artificial sweeteners can have the same effects, but that's one for another blog). That dopamine pathway is lit up over and over. At this point, to put it in simple terms, we start to become less sensitive to the dopamine released. So we crave more and more for that pleasure hit. This can lead to a cycle of increased consumption. And in those 'in between sugar moments' when our blood sugar crashes, our moods and energy are low, and our stress levels spike. Putting you on that emotional rollercoaster. Plus this increases further as insulin spikes following repeated sugar consumption can lead to insulin resistance, which in turn can disrupt other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. So, before you blame age, menopause, your job....start by looking at your sugar intake.

Gut Health & Happiness

The negative effects of the refined sugar packed diets in the UK are extensive. But a huge factor in high sugar diets is the effect on gut health. Sugar appears to have at least two negative effects on the gut: it decreases bacterial diversity (similar to reducing forms of life in a rain forest that could cause entire food chains to collapse) plus sugar promotes microorganisms associated with increased inflammation (which can also cause depressive symptoms). We CAN restore balance in your gut, which can then start to positively impact on so many other aspects of your physical and mental health! My 30 Day Reset HERE is a great place to start, which we can then lead into lifelong, wholefood, gut and happiness friendly habits.

Sugar, Memory Loss and Dementia

Another area still under ongoing research is the effect of sugar on the hippocampus, the memory centre of our brains. Research suggest that increasing sugar leads to a decrease in neurons in this area (therefore decreasing memory) along with an increase in chemical linked to inflammation. And therefore red flags to link sugar to an increase chance of dementia, a suggestion supported by increasing studies.

And you already know about the increased chance of diabetes, obesity and tooth decay, as well as faster ageing....

'It's hard as a have to buy it in for the kids'

Read all of the above. Then come back to me on that reason. Or read on for help on this...

'I don't want to (or can't) give it up....'

Years ago, I might have been with you on this. Then I discovered the huge impact on my own mental health and wellbeing of transforming my nutrition. My passion is in showing my clients enjoyable swaps to satisfying their sweet tooth, their chocolate cravings, their afternoon energy slump rescues, which they can enjoy just as much AND which boost their mental and physical health. This is why I work in 12 week programmes. Because 12 weeks gives me the time to support in in reprogramming your brain. To escape the cravings to the point of (mostly) no longer wanting the junk foods and sugary treats which were previously damaging yours (and your family's) health. Do I EVER have refined sugar or artificial sweeteners? Yes, on the odd occasion. But I would never go back to them as a daily habit. My health and happiness is worth more to me than that.

New Year, Uplevelled You

We don't need a 'new you' but this IS a great time to focus on an uplevelled you. If you're stuck where to start, you know where to find me.

Ellie

Ultimate Health By Ellie