Sugar triggers a dopamine rush, causing addiction and disrupting memory formation
Chocolate. Cupcakes. Caramel ice cream. Is your mouth watering at the thought of sweet treats? From desserts to fruits, sugar is found in our everyday diet. Some foods, like honey, agave, molasses, juices, and sweet corn, have naturally high sugar levels, while others like sauces, salad dressings, pies, and sugary drinks have a lot of added sugar. Sugar, or monosaccharide glucose, is the driving power behind our brains and bodily functions, but what happens when too much is consumed?
1. Reward Response
In the primitive ages, sugar was a stimulus that led early humans to choose calorie-rich food. According to George Armelagos, PhD, professor and department chair of anthropology at Emory University, the genotype of hunter-gatherer people evolved for periods of feast or famine, as seen by the way fat accumulates on the body. While this is no longer necessary for survival, our brains haven’t adapted to this new abundance of high-calorie foods, so we continue to crave them. Today, such genotypes may be producing issues as a result of the excessive carbohydrate consumption of certain people.
Our brain is hardwired to want these foods. Biologically, sugar triggers the mesolimbic reward system, stimulating the release of the hormone dopamine, a mechanism also activated by sex and drugs. Dopamine is a brain chemical that sends a message to our neurons that an event is positive, which reinforces the behaviors that led to this event. As we learn to associate sweetness with dopamine “hits,” we become more likely to continue consuming it.
2. Addiction
Our brain continues remodeling and rewiring itself through a process called neuroplasticity, and when the reward pathway is triggered too frequently, we become accustomed to that surge of dopamine, and our tolerance increases. The next time we yearn for that short-term high and energy boost, we need to consume even more sugar to meet the new stimulation level.
The addictive nature of sugar poses long-term health risks such as obesity and diabetes. Similar to other behavioral addictions, sugar dependency is particularly concerning for individuals experiencing low moods, anxiety, and stress. This mental connection can lead to inadvertent dependence, with individuals craving sugar to manage emotional fluctuations. As a result, control over dietary habits diminishes, potentially leading to the development of a sugar addiction. Signs of addiction include craving sweets to cope with stress and anxiety, eating to combat boredom, and becoming hyper easily. Those who rely on sugar as an emotional support may find it difficult to focus, have low self-esteem and happiness, or put on weight gain. In particular, binge eating is often followed by a feeling of disgust, guilt, or regret, leading to depression or a more severe addiction.
3. Memory
Research has shown that rats with a high sugar intake were less likely to remember the placement of objects they had seen before. When there’s too much sugar in the body, some turn into fat and attach to vital organs, causing brain and body inflammation. Additionally, sugar reduces the number of new neurons in the hippocampus, which are vital for memory formation. As brain cells are killed and blood vessels are damaged, our cognitive function declines, potentially leading to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as we grow older.
When body cells receive too much sugar, the pancreas produces insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin helps store extra sugar in muscle cells, but when they are full, they transform into insulin-resistant cells. However, the body continues producing insulin, resulting in high levels of both insulin and sugar in the bloodstream. Over time, this excess sugar and insulin can reach the brain, potentially causing harm to cells and contributing to various health issues.
Conclusion
The importance of managing one’s diet cannot be understated--especially considering over 75% of Americans eat excess amounts of sugar. Developing a mindful and balanced approach to food selection, emphasising whole and nutrient-dense meals, can help reduce the hazards associated with excessive sugar consumption. Recognizing the connection between emotional well-being, stress, and eating patterns is also critical, especially for individuals who seek consolation in sugary foods. Individuals may empower themselves to establish a sustainable and balanced lifestyle by cultivating mindful eating habits and knowing the possible hazards of sugar addiction.
Comments