Sugar! That magical molecule of deliciousness! You know what I’m talking about. The one we reach for in the morning to give us that extra spike of wake-up power that goes into whatever concoction of coffee and cream we’ve ordered to get us through the morning. Or perhaps it’s the after lunch boost that we fiend for when we find ourselves in the doldrums of the post-lunch food coma.
Do you ever notice going back for that second, or third, (or you know, sixth) Hershey’s kiss? But for all your will power, you just can’t stay away! There’s actually a really great, scientific, explanation for that lapse of composed self-possession.
Every time you consume sugar, not only does it taste like unicorn tears and rainbows, it causes a release of feel-good hormones, like dopamine, from the brain. This leaves us with intense, practically irresistible cravings for more. The chemical response to sugar coming into our bodies is similar to the reaction that occurs when an addict gets a fix off a drug.
You’re Addicted!
Chances are, you’re consuming more sugar than you realize. 84% of the products in your grocery store have sugar as an ingredient. Companies have wised up and figured out how to sneak sugar into so-called “healthy foods.” When you’re reading the ingredient label on your favorite healthy snack watch out sugar masquerading as dextrose, glucose, and saccharine to name just a few.
The World Health Organization recommends that about 5% of our daily calories should come from sugar, however many of us consume five times that amount. Daily! Even beyond our waistline and heart health, this beguiling molecule poses more of a threat than many have considered.
The Dangers of Addiction
Experts have researched and reported even more extensive harm from excessive consumption of sugar including:
- Impaired memory & learning ability
- Cause or contribute to depression and anxiety
- Cognitive decline and dementia
Are you willing to risk your mental and physical health for that extra donut and chocolate milk?
If this information isn’t a shocking and slightly morbid surprise, hopefully it’s a little inspiration to think more about your own wellness and your family’s. The good news is it’s never too late to make a change for the better! We know how hard it can be to maintain a functionally healthy lifestyle in the real world and we can give you the keys to advance your and your family’s health and wellness.
