Table of contents

Symptoms of addiction
How to overcome sugar addiction?
Sugar detox
How not to get your child addicted?

Sucrose, or the popular disaccharide, is found in a range of foods - both those dedicated only to the youngest consumers and in products we reach for every day. Sugar addiction can affect children and adults alike - often we do not even realise that certain health problems that arise are precisely due to sugar addiction. It is important to stress that sugar addiction is the same addiction as nicotine is to a smoker, drugs to a drug addict or alcohol to an alcoholic. As with other addictions - here too the addict wants more and more.

Symptoms of addiction

The first worrying sign is the uncontrollable urge to eat "something sweet". As time passes, portions become larger and larger and sweet products appear as snacks almost before every main meal. Over time, the addiction manifests itself in constant thoughts of sweets, making it difficult to function normally. Sometimes addicts surreptitiously snack on sweets or hoard them excessively.

Richard Jacoby, a member of the American Board of Pediatric Surgery, points out that sugar acts like other addictive substances. We feel pleasure after eating it, because the secretion of serotonin increases. Addicts want more and more - so it doesn't stop with one sweet or one cake....

The most commonly observed effects of addiction include:

headaches,
fatigue,
problems with concentration,
weight gain leading to overweight and obesity,
constant feeling of hunger,
emotional problems - nervousness, nervousness.

They can also develop diseases of civilisation that will make their presence known in the future - diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis.

How to overcome sugar addiction?

According to data published by the Central Statistical Office, a statistical Pole consumes approximately 40 kilograms of sugar per year. As WHO indicates, the maximum amount of sugar we should consume daily (including sugar contained in such products as dressings, bread, ketchup) is 6 teaspoons a day. Unfortunately, it turns out that we eat... four times that amount per day! So how do we start to fight our sugar addiction?

Sugar detox

If you think you are addicted to sugar, or your child is struggling with the problem - seek advice from a nutritionist first. The following advice is not a medical indication - it is up to the dietitian to determine your body's condition and show you how to start fighting the addiction. As the author of 'Sugar. The silent killer', changing your eating habits is the first step in achieving your goal - it is worth reaching for high-protein breakfasts that will reduce the feeling of hunger. Recommended snacks include a blueberry shake, peanut butter, avocado... Hydration is also key - when the body is not properly hydrated, we are more likely to reach for sweets! It's also a good idea to limit your homemade sweets supply - they simply won't tempt you! If you can't drink tea that isn't sweet - start using sugar substitutes like stevia. Pay attention to the type of sugars that appear in your meals - use whole grain products. Avoid sugar in foods - often 'fit' products contain more sugar in their ingredients than their 'traditional' counterpart. What's more, try to introduce more physical activity into your life. What about children?

Yourchild's choice between sweets and healthy food, photo: panthermedia

How not to get your child addicted?

Firstly - don't give your child sweets at every opportunity. Sweets should not be a form of reward or consolation. Set limits - don't let your child eat a bar of chocolate all at once. When preparing meals, pay attention to the foods you use to prepare them - go for less processed and more filling. Limit sweetened fizzy drinks - one glass of fizzy drink can provide a day's worth of sugar!

Encourage your child to be physically active - cycling, swimming pool, walking together, playing football - there are plenty of options. Most importantly, be a role model for your child. Remember that a child eagerly adopts adult habits - both the good and the bad ones.

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How not to get addicted to sugar?

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