Sugar is addictive

Patt · #1 08/16/10, 12:21 AM

Someone asked awhile back in a thread if there is any scientific evidence that sugar is addictive and what it's effects are on the body:

Quote:

In fact, sugar meets all the criteria for an addictive substance:

•It stimulates release of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, in a manner similar to alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs of abuse.
•People eat it compulsively, despite negative consequences and the intention to stop.
•With continued use, people develop a tolerance to its effects.
•Heavy sugar consumers have trouble functioning without it.
•When consumption ceases, withdrawal symptoms occur.

http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/PVN/1...ugar-addiction

whodunit · #2 08/16/10, 02:04 AM

You'll get no argument from me. Eating it causes a vicious circle- your blood sugar raises and crashes due to overproduction of insulin which causes more cravings to get your blood sugar back up. It never ends!

Navotifarm · #3 08/16/10, 06:50 AM

Sugar and chocolate!!! Yum yum! I'm addicted!

nehimama · #4 08/16/10, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navotifarm

Sugar and chocolate!!! Yum yum! I'm addicted!

'Specially the chocolate part. Yum Yum!

momof2birds · #5 08/16/10, 07:37 AM

I am absolutely addicted to sugar. When I get too much, like in rich frosted birthday cakes, I get a very particular upset stomach. I am a 'cookie monster' as well. Definitely hooked but most days I try to steer clear.

arabian knight · #6 08/16/10, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nehimama

'Specially the chocolate part. Yum Yum!

And so am I and so what if sugar and Chocolate is additive? There are far worse things out there.

geo in mi · #7 08/16/10, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patt

Someone asked awhile back in a thread if there is any scientific evidence that sugar is addictive and what it's effects are on the body:

http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/PVN/1...ugar-addiction

(By Jeffrey Rossman, Ph.D., Rodale.com)

I think you and the man from Rodale Institute have made the leap to assertion from inconclusive(which the original scientists admitted) scientific studies--it's easy to do that with the stroke of a pen when you're writing a pop article and getting paid for it. See this one which disagrees with the assertion: http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science...says-scientist

geo

arabian knight · #8 08/16/10, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geo in mi

(By Jeffrey Rossman, Ph.D., Rodale.com)

I think you and the man from Rodale Institute have made the leap to assertion from inconclusive(which the original scientists admitted) scientific studies--it's easy to do that with the stroke of a pen when you're writing a pop article and getting paid for it. See this one which disagrees with the assertion: http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science...says-scientist

geo

I agree as most of these so called writers get to the end of their government grant and need a excuse to get that grant renewed and bingo they come and write some pop article like this one on sugar and how it is, or should started with the word MAYBE, sugar is additive. Instead of a absolute fact that it is additive.

Callieslamb · #9 08/16/10, 10:43 AM

Nope - I know sugar is addictive for me. If I eat/drink it - I always want more of whatever. Examples I have experienced - dark chocolate - I can just eat one. Milk chocolate - I will find a way to get MORE than one. Diet pop : I rarely drink either diet or otherwise, but when I drink diet, I often forget I have it. With regular soda, I drink it faster, and always want more.

I think the effects of sugar varies from person to person just like alcohol. But for me: I consider it addictive.

Heritagefarm · #10 08/16/10, 11:35 AM

Anything can be addictive, more so for some people than for others. Alcohol can be addictive, sugar can be addictive, soda, forums, TV dinners, video games, and goats can become addictive.

Patt · #11 08/16/10, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geo in mi

(By Jeffrey Rossman, Ph.D., Rodale.com)

I think you and the man from Rodale Institute have made the leap to assertion from inconclusive(which the original scientists admitted) scientific studies--it's easy to do that with the stroke of a pen when you're writing a pop article and getting paid for it. See this one which disagrees with the assertion: http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science...says-scientist

geo

From your link:

Quote:

However, independent researcher Professor David Benton, who specialises in dietary influences on mood and cognitive function, disagrees.

He told ConfectioneryNews.com that changes in the brain caused by sugar consumption, as with food consumption in general, differ from those caused by drug abuse.

Too funny, I am sure that wasn't biased.....

texican · #12 08/16/10, 03:22 PM

Of course sugar is addictive. So is oxygen. So is water. So is sleep.

Seriously, our ancestors (regardless of which side you're on, evolution vs. creationism) were imparted with special means of ascertaining whether a strange food was safe to eat. Sweet is most always good. Sour, bitter, rancid, were almost always avoided.

The 'sweet tooth' is hardwired into our brains and bodies. SUGAR is Sweet, Sugar is Good... eating Sugar Sandwiches with Honey on top, while watching Oprah, avoiding heat, exercise, and other forms of movement are bad.

I can go for weeks without eating candy, sweets, desserts etc. But, I am addicted to sugar, just like I am to my previously mentioned love of oxygen, water, and other nice vices.

GoldenCityMuse · #13 08/16/10, 04:20 PM

Let's hear it for vitamin S!!!

In moderation.

Same with other vitamins. Too much vitamin A [or is it D] is actually toxic to the body.

And I venture to say that nearly ALL foods release neurotransmitters in the brain. Would be nice to see some comparisons.

CarolynRenee · #14 08/17/10, 03:13 AM

I personally agree about sugar being addictive. For me. I'm a cookie, chocolate, cupcake crazywoman! But, I have a friend who could care less for sweets, but would kill for a cupiccino (sp?).

I used to be very "unmoved" towards people with drug additcions. Until I tried cutting sugar out of my diet. It was, and still is, a VERY hard thing for me to control. I can't even imagine how hard it would be for someone trying to quit smoking or cocaine.

naturelover · #15 08/17/10, 03:36 AM

Sugar can be addictive. So can lots of other things if they aren't used in moderation. Sugar is also a staple health and preservative item that people and animals have been using for a variety of necessities for thousands of years, just like lots of other things.

.

tinknal · #16 08/17/10, 04:23 AM

"Sugar is addictive"

So is self righteousness,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bat Farm · #17 08/17/10, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texican

... eating Sugar Sandwiches with Honey on top, while watching Oprah, avoiding heat, exercise, and other forms of movement are bad.

There go my plans for the weekend...

plowjockey · #18 08/19/10, 08:01 PM

Sugar and HFC is a key reason everyone is getting fatter.

SUGAR/HFC IS IN EVERYTHING ANY MORE. Sweet sells - Sweet makes you want to eat more.

Some recent discoveries:

Sugar/HFC in shrimp coctail sauce?

Sugar/HFC in "horseradish" sauce for prime rib (when did horseradish enen need to be a sauce? - all that Walmart sells)

Sugar/HFC in Wendy's chili.

Sugar/HFC in nearly ALL store spagetti sauces.

DN asked for a "browine cake" at the store, which was two thin slabs of brownies sandwiched between about 2 1/2" of sugar/fat icing! -Yuck!

You bet food manufacturers want people addicted to food. Sugar/HFC is how they do it.

texican · #19 08/19/10, 08:27 PM

Is there anything sugar doesn't make a little better?

One of my favorite uncles has a saying, that involves sugar....

"You put enough butter and sugar on a cow pattie, it'll taste good"...

I did see some chocolate covered moose nuggets with powdered sugar on top at a potluck in AK... they disappeared quickly. ...and a few 'reappeared' after the 'ingredient' was revealed.

Heritagefarm · #20 08/19/10, 10:08 PM

Tell me you're joking??