Sugar Addiction

In the United State more than one third of Americans are overweight or obese, and many of us don’t get enough nutrients on a daily basis such as potassium, calcium and vitamin D. We have more than enough food available and yet we seem to be overfed and malnourished. Why is this and what is the cause of this epidemic? The answer is clear: We are eating too much of the wrong kinds of food.

Fast food and chain restaurants are everywhere we look. We see commercials on television, advertising on billboards, photos on the internet and marketing inside of restaurants themselves. In 2012 the food industry spent $4.6 billion on advertising encouraging people to eat unhealthy foods. Even children are specifically targeted to eat unhealthy foods like sugary cereals and candy. Eating foods high in sugar releases a chemical called dopamine in our brain. Dopamine is released during many pleasure related situations or stimulates other than food as well.

Dopamine’s role in humans and animals directly correlates to movement, memory, pleasure reward, behavior cognition, attention, inhibition of prolactin production, sleep, mood and learning. Abnormal amounts of this chemical cause disease conditions in the body and can lead to Parkinson’s disease or addictions.

Believe it or not, studies find that addiction to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners surpass cocaine addiction. The same type of dopamine receptors light up the brain systems when activated and can even be triggered by viewing pictures of foods. A chemical ingredient active in heroin, cocaine and other narcotics called opioids is an imitative of excess fats and sugars. On top of this, there is also research that shows a strong biochemical urge to binge eat food reduces pain centers in the body. Food scientists found sugar, fat, flour, wheat, salt, artificial sweeteners and caffeine to be most addicting substances.

If you have multiple medical problems related to being overweight or obese, rapid weight loss solutions may be the perfect fit for you. At Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute, we pride ourselves on excellence, compassion and dedication. Are you are struggling with your weight and are ready to make a change? Please reach out to us; we have been serving Merritt Island, Rockledge, and all of Brevard County for years, and we are ready to help you begin your journey to attaining a healthier body.