Sugar addiction is very much a reality in South Africa and health and wellness ambassador, Karen Thomson said it’s time to seriously talk about this illness.
Thomson, who established a sugar and carb addiction programme using a low-carb healthy-fat approach with Professor Tim Noakes in 2012, said they have treated a large number of obese and overweight individuals successfully, both in inpatient and online recovery programmes. Some patients presented symptoms of lifestyle-related illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and insulin resistance.
She explained that when sugar addicts consume sugar and carbs, (carbs are included as they digest into sugar in the body) dopamine is released in the brain. “This could produce a high similar to the high experienced by illicit drug users.
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“This high, which is a neuro-chemical addiction, can provide the individual with further motivation to eat sugar. Once the effect of the sugar and carbs wear off, the cravings start, which creates an addiction cycle.”
Thomson stated that recent studies have shown that for certain individuals, the consumption of sugar lights up the same centres in the brain as cocaine does in cocaine addicts. For some people just seeing pictures or even thinking of high-sugar foods, such as a milkshake, can trigger brain effects like these.
“Our experience has shown that, as with other addictions, there is a strong genetic component associated with addiction such as a family member suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction or an eating disorder.”
She added that leading researchers in the field believe that exposing children to refined sugar and junk food from an early age, may set them up to become addicted to other, more toxic substances.
Advice from Thomson:
- A supportive community is key to beating any addiction as addiction thrives on denial
- The feeling of isolation that many food addicts experience is also a major contributing factor which keeps them stuck in their addictive cycle. By showing them that they are not alone and allowing them to identify with others, recovery can occur
- Meditation, journaling and keeping a food diary, can also assist in keeping a lid on cravings and excessive sugar intake.
Details: www.thesugarfreerevolution.com offers ample advice and support; while Akeso Clinic, as well as Akeso Montrose Manor, offer therapeutic treatment programmes.
*Article first published in 2016
