Do sugar cravings wake you up in the middle of the night? Is that withdrawal you are starting to feel each time you try to cut back? Probably. Scientific evidence has shown that sugar can be as addictive as cigarettes and drugs. It stimulates the pathways of the brain as an opioid would, producing symptoms consistent with substance abuse and dependence.
How can something so sweet be so bad for you? Unfortunately research has shown that sugary snacks can lead to tooth decay and contributes to diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Think of that the next time you get the irresistible urge to finish a box of cookies in one sitting!
Kicking the habit isn’t easy. Like any addiction, admitting there is a problem is a good start. Here’s some good advice from Dr. Oz on how to approach your recovery a step a time.